When sea levels danced, Florida moved. The clues are under your toes.

Florida’s coastline has shifted over millions of years. Rivers like the Myakka cut through fossil-rich layers and the Gulf’s waves rework them onto beaches such as Caspersen. That’s why you can find shark teeth where families build sand castles—ancient sea floors are still feeding today’s shoreline.

What changed (plain speak)

• Sea levels rose and fell across warm periods and ice ages. Each swing laid down new marine layers—and trapped teeth and shells inside.

• Rivers did the excavating. Myakka, Peace, and smaller creeks nibble those layers and carry fossils seaward.

• Waves do the final delivery. Storms and shifting sand bars pull those fossils onto the beach, especially along shell lines.

Where that matters now (local lens)

• Caspersen Beach: Beach-tumbled enamel = gray/charcoal teeth with satin polish. Scan the darker shell lines after wind-driven chop.

• Myakka & Peace River: Look for gravel pockets and gentle inside bends. Smaller teeth hide in the micro-hash.

• Charlotte–Sarasota zone: Ancient near-shore deposits sit just offshore; storms briefly unlock them.

How to read the beach like a collector

• Follow the “conveyor belt”: Wrack line → shell line → micro-hash. Each step concentrates different sizes.

• Angle of attack: Low sun, side-light. Enamel flashes before your brain notices the shape.

• Pocket rule: If you find one small tooth, slow to half-speed. There’s usually a scatter, not a single.

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Arthur’s note: “The past didn’t stay put, mates—it keeps washing up to say hello.”