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USF Examining Skull Snorkelers Found In Pot Off Causeway

Photo from Paul Flores

Paul Flores and his father came across a submerged human skull while they were snorkeling near the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

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By VALERIE KALFRIN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 30, 2008

Updated: 06/30/2008 02:51 pm

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Paul Flores

TAMPA - The University of South Florida anthropology department is analyzing a human skull found near the Courtney Campbell Parkway on Saturday.

People snorkeling found the skull about 4 p.m. Saturday in about 4 feet of water on the north side of the Courtney Campbell Parkway near a boat ramp, Tampa police said.

The skull was in a clay pot about the size of a beach ball. It appeared to be that of an adult.

Police divers found no other bones or remains.

Investigators do not know whether the skull is related to any crime or was used in a religious rite. "We're looking at all possibilities," police spokeswoman Andrea Davis said.

A forensic anthropologist at the university is evaluating the skull to gauge whether researchers can provide a sketch of what the person might have looked like.

Lara Wade, a university spokeswoman, said the forensic anthropologist will release her findings directly to police and will not comment separately.

Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800 or vkalfrin@tampatrib.com.

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