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Ruskin Paleontologist Honored For History Preservation

Photo by the RUSKIN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Ruskin Paleontologist Frank Garcia, center, received the third annual award for Preserving Ruskin's History from the Ruskin Historical Society today. He is pictured here with historian Mac Miller and Sandy Council.

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By YVETTE C. HAMMETT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 21, 2008

RUSKIN - On Oct. 21 historians dedicated the "first 16 feet" of what they hope will eventually become a permanent display for their Ruskin History Center.

The work of renowned paleontologist Frank Garcia will flank the display. The "first 16 feet" consists of two cases filled with ancient artifacts discovered locally by Garcia, which the Ruskin Historical Society hopes will become a fixture at the history center, once it finds a permanent home.

As part of the formal dedication, Garcia received the third annual award for Preserving Ruskin History from the Ruskin Historical Society.

The two display cases are in the lobby of the SunTrust Bank building at 502 U.S. 41. The display is arranged as a timeline for Ruskin's history.

Garcia discovered numerous early ice age fossils in Ruskin, which he has on display at the Camp Bayou Outdoor Center. He is expanding his display to include an educational center and is preparing a permanent standalone display at the SouthShore Regional Library.

Garcia learned recently that one of his discoveries was a species never before documented. The small manatee-like creature has been named Nanosiren garciae, which means "little mermaid" and honors Garcia. The fossils will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution and the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville.

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at (813) 865-1566.

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