Press Release
Fernandina Beach Fire/Rescue
Ty Silcox, Chief
December 21, 2016 5:44 a.m.
The Fernandina Beach Fire and Police Departments responded to the Amelia Island History Museum located at 233 S 3rd Street on December 20th at approximately 12:00 PM for the report of live Civil War era cannon balls. The cannon balls were donated to the museum and are said to have been found on Amelia Island. At the time of this release, it was not immediately known when these items were donated to the museum.
Museum staff and a Fort Clinch State Park Ranger, who is an expert in historical military ammunitions, were examining the two Civil War era cannon balls for identification purposes and historical value when it was noted that the cannon balls were still active. Museum staff immediately placed a call to 911 dispatch and fire and police units responded to the museum.
Upon arrival, the museum was evacuated and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad was requested for assistance. One residence next door to the museum was evacuated until the Bomb Squad could examine and render the ordnance safe. Third Street and several side streets were closed to traffic during the event. At approximately 4:30 PM, the cannonballs were removed and placed in the bomb squad’s explosive isolation container and transported to the city police gun range where they were rendered safe by the bomb squad.
Residents and staff were allowed back into the area once the ordnance was removed and transported away.