Hernando County was thrown into a historical whirlwind as a relic from World War II surfaced near the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport and Industrial Park. Amidst the routine construction activities, a startling find halted traffic and prompted a swift response from authorities. Now, with Spring Hill Drive back open, the focus turns to unraveling the mysteries surrounding this unexpected discovery.
ROAD CLOSED – SPRING HILL DRIVE https://t.co/4ENVXBx17o pic.twitter.com/q2ggNQLrL4
— Hernando Sheriff (@HernandoSheriff) February 6, 2024
An investigation into the discovery of a 1,000-pound World War II-era bomb near the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport is underway after Spring Hill Drive reopened following its temporary closure. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, which swiftly responded to the scene, confirmed that the bomb, believed to be a Mark 65 device, was determined to be inert. The area, once a bustling military airfield for B-17 and B-24 bombers, now finds itself the center of attention as authorities coordinate with MacDill Air Force Base to safely dispose of the bomb.
Deputies were alerted to the presence of the bomb by a construction company working on the foundation of a technical college in the vicinity, Sheriff Al Nienhuis disclosed. The bomb, designed for striking reinforced targets such as dams and other robust structures, according to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, posed a potential threat if active. However, with the area secured and Spring Hill Drive reopened, residents can breathe a sigh of relief.
As the investigation progresses, bomb squads from Citrus County and MacDill Air Force Base will lend their expertise to shed light on this intriguing piece of history. With safety as the utmost priority, authorities are working diligently to ensure that the community remains secure amidst this unexpected turn of events.
