Hurricane Sandy unearths ancient Indian bones on Martin County beach

MARTIN COUNTY — Hurricane Sandy's beach erosion apparently has unearthed some ancient Indian bones that were first exposed by the hurricanes of 2004.

They were reburied on Hutchinson Island near MacArthur Boulevard. Then around 10:22 a.m. Monday, deputies answered a citizen's call about finding bones on the beach. A crime scene detective responded and after an examination of the remains, the Sheriff's Office consulted with an archaeologist.

Now the matter has been turned over to the county which is talking with state historians about finding a new place for reburial of the remains, said Martin County spokeswoman Gabriella Ferraro.

The location of the remains isn't being disclosed to help protect them. Also, Ferraro said the place of new burial won't disclosed. All she would say is that they would be buried with a proper ceremony.

In the meantime, the bones have been turned over to the Treasure Coast medical examiner in Fort Pierce.

Indians have lived in Florida for about 12,000 years, according to the University of Florida, and occasionally remains are exposed by erosion by the ocean or rivers or by construction.