Delray Beach: Shell collectors find treasures thanks to widening of beach

An eager crowd awaits the chance to dig in and find natural treasures among rocks, shells and pieces of coral dumped Feb. 23 in Anchor Park. Their removal from the beach is an effort to protect the outflow area of sand pumped during the renourishment process. Photos by Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star

In Delray Beach, seashell hunters don’t have to comb the shoreline for treasure — they’re sifting through a city-made mound across the street instead.

Residents dug through a fresh pile of dredged shells at Anchor Park, chatting quietly as they filled their buckets and bags on Feb. 23. The chilly Monday morning shifted when a sudden squeal cut through the air.

Tiffany DeSilva of Lake Worth Beach laughed in excitement as she held a junonia, a rare find in Florida that can sell for about $200. Junonia shells are considered rare because they live in deep water and typically appear ashore after a major storm, DeSilva said…

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