Fossil inverts are incredibly common in Florida, from three primary
depostitional environments, as I understand it.  The phosphate pits are rich
sources, as are the shell beds in the interdigitating marine/terrestrial
depostits.  Of course, there are also the coquina deposits, which, since
they tend to be high-energy deposits, usually consist of small fragments.

To get into the phosphate pits or the shell pits you need the permission of
the owners, which in some cases is very difficult to get - they've been
bitten before by unscrupulous collectors, and for others there are insurance
restrictions on who they will allow in to the commercial pits.  If you go
this route, obviously get permission (in writing is best) and show the
property owner courtesy when you are traipsing around.

Perhaps others know of localities which are accessible to the public.

-----Original Message-----
From: Wizzard [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, April 14, 2000 1:45 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Fossils in South Florida


Hello Everyone, after a long absence from the list and shelling in general,
I am
back.  I've been lurking awhile just assessing the tone of the group.  The
old
saying is true, "the more things change, the more they stay the same".  This
is
a fine forum with many fine and knowledgeable people. I love the contrast
from
those who can describe the DNA sequences and their distribution to those
like me
who can only distinguish various species because they look different. :-)  I
love shelling and the acquisition of knowledge and it is all here.   My
question
today for the group is as follows:  I recently saw some interesting shows on
TLC, Travel and Discovery where fossilized remains of various unusual
mollusks
and sharks were being discovered in parts of southern, western central
Florida.
I am aware of much of the past fossil finds in Central Florida and the
sharks'
teeth in the Venice Florida area. Some of these discoveries on the shows
were
off "the beaten path" so to speak and not in the usual digs and scallop
dumps.
Does anyone, especially those with specific Florida geographic knowledge,
know
how far north from Ft. Lauderdale, one would have to travel to begin
digging?  I
know down here, South of West Palm, the limestone and soil layers are rather
thin before encountering water. There any millions of smaller mollusk
fossils in
the fill around here, in fact in one just looks down beside sidewalks and
driveways, the fossil shells are abundant.  I have found a few interesting
specimens within this rock such as a whole scallop fossilized shut about 3
1/2
cm across.  My goal though is to begin finding larger and more diverse
specimens.  A few 15 to 20 cm long sharks teeth would be ok too. On the TV
shows
these people were digging these up and I want to search also. Does anyone
know
of some places to start closer to the South Fla. area??  Any ideas and
information would be welcome.

I'd also like to meet other singles and couples intersested in exploring
this
area.  Yes I joined the Broward Shell Club and they are a fine organization
but
work does not allow me regular access to meetings.  Those planning to come
down
this way who want a guide or possibly a host, let me know.  That's all for
now,
best wishes to all and I hope everyone enjoys COA.    Sincerely, Michael
Huggins, Sunrise, Florida.  Alternate e-mail <[log in to unmask]>


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