An expertâs view on how 3 people were swept to their deaths in Apollo Beach
A tidal current claimed the lives of a father and son and the Good Samaritan who tried to save them. A marine scientist explains how.
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Janosh Purackal, 37, of Gibsonton, and his son Daniel Purackal, 3, drowned Friday off the beach at the Apollo Beach Nature Preserve. [ Courtesy of family ]
Updated 5 hours ago
The waters off the Apollo Beach Nature Preserve donât look dangerous. The beach tapers gently at first, an inviting place to wade if you donât notice the steep drop-off and the rapid current just a few feet away.
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Fungi on a log, captured at the USF Forest Preserve.
Overman pointed out that this area directly abuts protected lands, such as Lettuce Lake Park and Cypress Creek.
She also mentioned the habitats on this particular site are considered globally imperiled, specifically the upland sandhill habitats, which she said are “extremely rare to find in an ever-increasing urban setting.”
“In addition to its ecological significance, its historical significance is extremely important. There are significant archaeological artifacts and mounds of Florida s indigenous peoples on this property first discovered in the 1930s,” she said.
“Like any other project with a valued community partner, such as USF, I envision working together to find a solution that s befitting of our shared commitment to sustainability,” said Overman.