A World War II-era 'practice bomb' was discovered near a Cocoa Beach elementary school earlier this week, according to Brevard County officials. The unexploded device was found during routine maintenance work at a site adjacent to the school, prompting an immediate response from hazardous materials teams. The bomb, believed to be a training device used by military personnel during the war, was safely removed without incident. Local authorities confirmed the item was not explosive but required careful handling due to its age and potential instability.
The discovery was made by workers conducting repairs on a drainage system near the school's playground. Officials said the bomb was likely buried in the area decades ago and had gone unnoticed until now. A spokesperson for the Brevard County School Board said the school remained open during the removal process, with no disruptions to classes. 'We take these situations very seriously, but our teams handled it professionally,' the spokesperson said.
The device was identified as a 'practice bomb' by experts from the Florida Division of Emergency Management. These items were commonly used by soldiers to simulate enemy ordnance during training exercises. While not explosive, they contained metal components that could pose a risk if disturbed. The bomb was transported to a secure facility for further analysis, and no hazardous materials were detected during the process.
Cocoa Beach Fire-Rescue officials praised the quick response from workers who reported the find. 'Prompt reporting is critical in these situations,' said Fire Chief Mark Thompson. 'Our teams are trained to handle historical artifacts safely, but prevention is always the goal.' The school district is now reviewing its grounds for similar items, though no other devices have been found.
The discovery has sparked interest among local historians, who noted that practice bombs from the 1940s are rare finds in the area. The site where the bomb was located is near the former training grounds of a now-closed military base, though officials have not confirmed a direct link. The incident serves as a reminder of the region's military history, which continues to shape the community's identity.