Latest news with #MacDillAirForceBase
CBS News
5 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Mysterious object found by children on Florida beach was a World War II-era bomb, authorities say
A mysterious object recently discovered by children on a Southwest Florida beach turned out to be an unexploded World War II-era bomb, authorities confirmed over the weekend — a discovery that stunned local residents. The children were playing near the Gulf View condos in Englewood Beach on June 11 when they initially came across the device, mistaking the barnacle-covered object for a scuba tank, according to WBBH. It wasn't until Saturday that Charlotte County deputies confirmed the item was a suspected air drop bomb dating back to World War II. "I was shivering when I heard it was a bomb," said Maci Martinez, one of the children who had taken photos and touched the object before its identification. CBS affiliate WINK reported that the Lee County and Sarasota County bomb squads coordinated with deputies to ensure the safe removal of the device. For safety reasons, officials did not reveal the exact location where the bomb was found and urged the public to avoid the area while the situation was being resolved. On Saturday afternoon, the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office evacuated the area and roped off roughly 100 feet of beachfront, according to WBBH. The Sarasota Bomb Squad and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa were dispatched to the scene. Officials determined the bomb was inactive and safely removed it from the area. "You just never know what will wash up," said Linda Powers, a local resident who witnessed the commotion. "It's always a day at the beach."
CTV News
5 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Inactive World War II-era bomb washes ashore on Florida beach
Beachgoers at Englewood Beach were shocked to learn that a mysterious object found in the sand was a World War II-era bomb. (WBBH via CNN Newsource) ENGLEWOOD, Fla. (WBBH) - Beachgoers at Englewood Beach were shocked to learn that a mysterious object found in the sand was a World War II-era bomb. The device, heavily encrusted with barnacles, was first discovered by children near the Gulf View condos earlier this week on Wednesday. Mistaking it for a scuba tank, they took photos and touched it. They were shocked to find out Saturday deputies confirmed it was a suspected air drop bomb from World War II. 'I was shivering when I heard it was a bomb,' said Maci Martinez, one of the children who found it. The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office responded and evacuated the area Saturday afternoon. People living along the beach said at least 100 feet was blocked off by caution tape as units responded. The Sarasota Bomb Squad and MacDill Air Force Base's Explosive Ordnance team removed the device, which was determined to be inactive. 'You just never know what will wash up,' said local resident Linda Powers. 'It's always a day at the beach.' Authorities confirmed the bomb was safely removed and taken to the Macdill Air Force Base. Article by Blaine Montgomery.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Gold Star families honored in Memorial Day ceremony in downtown Tampa
The Brief Gold Star families were honored in a ceremony at a downtown Tampa park that was built in cooperation with MacDill Air Force Base. While American flags and uniforms dominated the event, the military uniforms of other nations were also seen in the audience. Centcom's Chief of Staff, Major General Brandon Tegtmeier, delivered the main speech, telling Gold Star Families that the nation won't forget their sacrifice. TAMPA, Fla. - On Memorial Day, Americans pay tribute to their military men and women who have died serving their country all over the world. "My husband was Captain Alan Aertker, [who] was killed in a plane crash over Germany," said Jean Aertker. "We had a two-year-old daughter, and, at the time, we were stationed in England." Follow FOX 13 on YouTube Local perspective Aertker and other Gold Star families were honored in a ceremony at a downtown Tampa park that was built in cooperation with MacDill Air Force Base. While American flags and uniforms dominated the event, the military uniforms of other nations were also seen in the audience. They're from the Multinational Coordination Center at MacDill. It was formed after the 9/11 Attacks at U.S. Central Command, which oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East. READ: Memorial Day marks first American Legion Post 273 ceremony since reopening after hurricanes What they're saying "Whether it was General Franks in the beginning to General Kurilla today, they're still there. they're still steadfast," said retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Chip Diehl, who served as base commander. Centcom's Chief of Staff, Major General Brandon Tegtmeier, delivered the main speech, telling Gold Star Families that the nation won't forget their sacrifice. Tegtmeier greeted them personally and helped dedicate a wreath on a monument at the park. The Source The information in this story was gathered by FOX 13's Lloyd Sowers. WATCH FOX 13 NEWS: STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
