Artillery weapon washes ashore at Pepper Park Beach, prompting partial evacuation

FORT PIERCE, Fla. (CBS12) — Deputies evacuated a portion of Pepper Park Beach in Fort Pierce Saturday afternoon after a mortar, a type of artillery weapon, washed ashore.

A visitor at the beach located the mortar near the 3300 block of N. Highway A1A and reported it to authorities, per the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office.

According to Britannica, a mortar is a portable, short-barreled, muzzle-loading artillery piece that fires explosive projectiles at low velocities, short ranges, and high, arcing trajectories.

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As a precautionary measure, beachgoers were evacuated 300 yards in all directions while the SLCSO’s bomb disposal team disposed of the firearm.

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Deputies advise the public to remain clear of the area. More information will be provided as it becomes available.