Englewood, FL - A World War II-era practice bomb was discovered by children on Englewood Beach, prompting an emergency evacuation and removal by bomb experts.
Earlier this week, a group of children playing near the Gulf View condos came across what they thought was an old scuba tank.
Covered in barnacles and heavily weathered, the mysterious object was handled and photographed before its true identity was revealed.
On Saturday, authorities confirmed the device was allegedly a World War II-era airdrop bomb.
Deputies from the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office quickly evacuated the area after the announcement.
Witnesses say a large section of the beach, about 100 feet, was taped off as emergency crews moved in.
The Sarasota Bomb Squad, along with explosive ordnance experts from MacDill Air Force Base, arrived to assess and safely remove the device.
After conducting an X-ray of the object, officials determined it was a 100-pound general purpose practice bomb.
Though inactive, it was too deteriorated to preserve.
Reports from the scene noted that the bomb had nearly fallen apart by the time it reached the base.
Residents watched in disbelief as the operation unfolded.
One local said the event was a surreal reminder of the past washing ashore.
“You never know what the tide will bring,” she added.
Officials have since transported the device for proper disposal and are advising beachgoers to report any suspicious objects to law enforcement immediately.