On February 9, 2019, at 6:54 pm the Southern Manatee Fire Rescue district responded to a request from the North River Fire Department to respond to assist in identification of a container that was located in the 400 block of Horseshoe Rd in Palmetto, Florida. The Hazmat Team identified the object and its contents as an explosive compound.
The object located in a marsh area was a 7-foot PVC pipe that was filled with 45 lbs. of blasting agent. An investigation with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Department revealed the pipe was used in construction and clearing operations undertaken in the late 70’s during development in that area. These pipes were buried and detonated clearing bedrock that was used for reinforcing shorelines in many communities.
The material was transported to a secure site in Palmetto, Florida and using controlled detonations performed by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Department Explosive Disposal unit the agent was rendered harmless.