Ruskin in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Miracle at Cockroach Bay The Leisey Shell Fossils

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, March 31, 2018

1. Miracle at Cockroach Bay The Leisey Shell Fossils Marker

Inscription. In the ponds in front of you one of the richest Ice-Age fossil discoveries in the world took place in 1983-84. When amateur paleontologists reported a large accumulation of fossils to the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Leisey Shell Pit and the community of Ruskin, Florida became international celebrities.

The fossil site attracted the attention of local, state, and national news media. Scientists called the discovery a new window into the past for paleontology. Fossil hunter Frank Garcia and crew organized volunteers in and around the community of Ruskin to excavate 203 different types of fauna. With cooperation and resources from the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Leisey Shell Corporation and the Leisey and Casey families, over 20,000 identifiable fossils were unearthed. Volunteers from the Tampa Bay Mineral & Science Club recognized public interest in the Leisey fossils and spawned the Tampa Bay Fossil Club which continues to meet some 30 years later.

Erected 2017 by Tampa Bay Fossil Club and Hillsborough County Historical Advisory Council.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Paleontology.

Location. 27° 41.704′ N, 82° 29.592′ W. Marker is in Ruskin, Florida

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, in Hillsborough County. It is on Mammoth Trail 0.2 miles south of Gulf City Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located behind a fence near a gazebo. Access is restricted. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ruskin FL 33570, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Tampa Bay.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Landing in La Florida (approx. 0.6 miles away); Staking Their Claim (approx. 3.8 miles away); Ruskin College President's Home (approx. 3.9 miles away); Florida Honors and Remembers our POW’s and MIA’s (approx. 4.4 miles away); a different marker also named Florida Honors and Remembers our POW's and MIA's (approx. 4½ miles away); Do You See a Manatee? (approx. 8.6 miles away); Listen carefully to hear a manatee! (approx. 8.6 miles away); Sun City Center (approx. 8.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ruskin.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Gillette Community (was approx. 6.8 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . Leisey Shell Pits. (Submitted on July 22, 2018, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida.)

Miracle at Cockroach Bay The Leisey Shell Fossils Marker and surrounding area image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Fillmon, March 31, 2018

2. Miracle at Cockroach Bay The Leisey Shell Fossils Marker and surrounding area

Credits. This page was last revised on July 23, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2018, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. This page has been viewed 2,750 times since then and 93 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 22, 2018, by Tim Fillmon of Webster, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.