Military flare found on Siesta Key

Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports of a military flare found on Shell Beach at 3:06 p.m. this afternoon.

A canister was found by a beachgoer, washed ashore on Shell Beach. The device was labeled as flammable with instructions to contact local law enforcement or military personnel, said Kaitlyn Johnston, Sheriff's Office spokeswoman. The beach was taped off and evacuated in the vicinity of the object. The Hazardous Devices Unit was called in to investigate. 

The flare was identified as a Mark 25 military flare, also called a Mk25 Marine Marker. These pieces of military equipment contain phosphorous and are used to gage wind speed and direction, often in training purposes, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

MacDill Air Force Base military personnel arrived at Shell Beach to retrieve the flare, leaving the scene at around 5:45 p.m., Johnston said. As it still contained phosphorous, it was still considered active, but not dangerous to the public. 

"It was live," Johnston said. "If activated, there may have been a spark or a small fire."

The beach has been reopened to the public, according to the Sheriff's Office Facebook page.