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Board member reports UWF archaeological survey on district land; no Fort Kirkland yet found
Summary
Board member Vanchek reported that University of West Florida archaeologists surveyed district-owned property near Poverty Creek using grant funds to search for the site of Fort Kirkland. The team recovered artifacts from non-fort activity but identified training and next search sites; additional work will depend on funding and access agreements.
Board member Mister Vanchek told the Okaloosa County School Board that University of West Florida archaeologists used a district parcel near Poverty Creek to train students and search for the historic site known as Fort Kirkland.
Vanchek said Representative Mainy helped secure about $250,000 for UWF to search for the Second Seminole War fort and that university archaeologists and students conducted a training day and a field survey over spring break. “They found a lot of interesting stuff, but unfortunately, not Fort Kirkland,” he said, noting that prior amateur metal‑detector activity in the area produced many non‑diagnostic finds such as antique cans and shot.
Vanchek described the fieldwork as a positive training opportunity for Ph.D., master’s and undergraduate students and private volunteers; he said the project will continue to higher‑probability sites as access agreements are finalized. “It was a very good opportunity for the archaeologist to get out there and get the training that they need,” he said.
No board action was recorded; this report was presented as a board member announcement rather than an agenda item.
