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Woman Finds A Human Jaw On Florida Beach

If you’re down at the beach, chances are you’ve walked along the shores looking for shells. Shells come in all shapes and sizes and can be fun to look for…

Human Skull and jawbone sitting on a glass display case.

Human skull found sitting on a glass display case.

Lee County Sheriff's Office

If you’re down at the beach, chances are you’ve walked along the shores looking for shells. Shells come in all shapes and sizes and can be fun to look for on early morning walks, but this one beachgoer found something unexpected. A woman found a human jaw on a beach while searching for shells near Sanibel Island in SWFL.

According to WINK, Rebecca Dodds was walking her normal shelling route when she encountered something odd. At first glance, Dodds believed she had found a whalebone and tossed it into her bag. After further investigation, Dodds told WINK that it turned out to be a human jaw.

How did the jawbone get on the beach?

She believed the bone could be from a victim of Hurricane Ian or an unsolved missing persons case. According to an Archaeologist interviewed by WINK News, the bone may have belonged to an indigenous person from hundreds of years before.

Sara Ayers-Rigsby, regional director of Florida Public Archaeology Network, said, “The number one concern is that it could be recent and associated with some kind of recent, potentially, a crime. And no one can make that determination except for law enforcement.”

Officials are still unsure of how the jawbone made it onto the beach, but another theory is that it was brought onto the beach during a beach renourishment. A beach renourishment is when they bring sediment and sand from outside sources to replenish the eroding beachfront.

If the remains are more than 75 years old, Ayers-Rigsby told WINK that the state’s archeologist will work with the Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes for help.

What other human remains have been found on Florida’s Beaches?

This isn’t the first time human remains have been discovered on the beaches of Florida. In March 2023, 30 human bones were discovered along the shores of New Smyrna Beach. Officials said a human skull was among the 30 bones.

This wasn't on a Florida Beach, but in October 2023, a human skull was up for sale at a Fort Myers thrift store. It was on display in the Halloween decorations and one shopper noticed the skull was real.

Now that the weather is getting warmer, I am ready to hit the beach! I live in St. Petersburg near St. Pete beach and I love it. If you love the beach and live in Florida as well, you have come to the right article. " These 6 Florida beaches are the best in the U.S. according to Trip Advisor" St. Pete beach did not make the list, but a beach near me did.

Worst Beaches In America

Before giving you the Florida Beaches that were voted the best, I'm going to tell you about the bad. Two Florida beaches were actually voted as some of the worst beaches in the United States. Have any idea what those beaches are?

The first one is Daytona Beach. This beach was ranked as one of the worst by Wallet Genius because of the rip currents, which can get bad. Also, there are a lot of shark sightings. Lastly, in 2022 Tropical Storm Nicole caused a lot of erosion and damage.

The second is New Smyrna Beach which is known as the shark capital of the world. They have had more shark bites at the beach than anywhere else. The reason, there are a lot of baitfish near the shore which attracts the sharks to come feed.

These 6 Florida Beaches Are The Best In The U.S. According To Trip Advisor

What's great is that one of these beaches is close to where I live in St. Petersburg. My radio station used to have our annual Wild Splashes near this beach. Any idea which beach I speak of? I like Trip Advisor because they let people decide what the best is.

According to their website, these beaches have been ranked by actual travelers. Below you will find the 6 Florida Beaches that have been ranked the best in the U.S. according to Trip Advisor. Do you agree with the travelers on Trip Advisor? Feel free to email me Babs@wild941.com

Clearwater Beach

Clearwater was voted as one of the best in the United States AGAIN. 12,836 travelers have reviewed Clearwater beach! I have also been there and I love it. It's for sure a vibe and great for spring break (if you can handle the big crowds).

Highlighted by that view of Pier 60 leading into the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach is a highly recognizable Florida destination.

Highlighted by that view of Pier 60 leading into the Gulf of Mexico, Clearwater Beach is a highly recognizable Florida destination.

Siesta Beach

8,552 travelers have reviewed this beach on trip advisor. If you have not been there yet, you should go check it out. Last year, it was named one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in America.

siesta key floridaGetty Royalty Free

Hollywood Beach

6,789 travelers have reviewed Hollywood Beach on trip advisor and it's one of the best beaches in the U.S. Since it's on the other coast of Florida, I have not been yet but will check it out. Many reviews say try the food.

HOLLYWOOD, FL - AUGUST 19: A roller blader passes the empty beach on August 19, 2009 in Hollywood, Florida. An estimated 20.1 million people visited Florida from April through June, a 9.4 percent decrease over the same period last year, Florida's tourism marketing agency reported. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Panama City Beach

No surprise that Panama city beach has been voted one of the best beaches in the United States. 6,607 travelers have reviewed this beach on trip advisor. I went here on spring break once and had a great time!

PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Athletes compete in the swim portion of the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park is located in the Florida Keys, so no wonder it made Trip Advisor's list. I'm surprised it wasn't ranked higher since the Keys are known to have the best beaches and attractions.

KEY WEST, FL - NOVEMBER 7: (NO SALES) In this photo provided by the Florida Keys News Bureau, offshore power race boats make the turn in the harbor during the first of three days of racing at the Key West World Offshore Championship November 7, 2007 in Key West, Florida. The event has attracted 73 high-speed boats from as far away as England that are competing in the season-ending finale. The second and final races are scheduled for Friday and Sunday. (Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau via Getty Images)(Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau via Getty Images)(Photo by Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau via Getty Images)

Fort Lauderdale Beach

9.307 people have reviewed this beach on trip advisor. I have been here and the food options are great on this beach. I think it's just as fun as heading down to Miami. But be careful, they do have a lot of tourist traps.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - MARCH 04: People walk on the beach on March 04, 2021 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. College students have begun to arrive in the South Florida area for the annual spring break ritual. City officials are anticipating a large spring break crowd as the coronavirus pandemic continues. They are advising people to wear masks if they cannot social distance. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - MARCH 04: People walk on the beach on March 04, 2021 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. College students have begun to arrive in the South Florida area for the annual spring break ritual. City officials are anticipating a large spring break crowd as the coronavirus pandemic continues. They are advising people to wear masks if they cannot social distance. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Originally from the Midwest and moved down to Tampa Bay after college. When Daniel is not working on Beasley Content, you can find him fishing or skateboarding. Daniel enjoys writing about local restaurants across the Tampa Bay area, Florida lottery stories, and concert reviews/photos.