A bronze memorial bench, originally erected on Florida’s Gulf Coast to honor a local father, was thought lost after being carried away by Hurricane Helene in 2024. The piece has recently reappeared on a beach in Bermuda, according to a FOX Weather report. Local residents, who spotted the bench near the shoreline at the end of November, reported its condition and sent photographs to the Bermuda Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Bermuda officials will assess the bench for any damage and determine whether it can be safely returned to the United States or if it will be preserved as a historical curiosity. The Department has also issued a reminder to visitors to keep an eye on unusual debris, as tropical storms can transport objects across the Atlantic.

The find has drawn attention from the local community, with several residents expressing interest in the bench’s story. Bermuda’s tourism board noted the unusual event as a reminder of the island’s connection to wider Atlantic weather patterns.

The bench is expected to remain on the island until a decision is reached. In the meantime, local authorities are ensuring the beach remains safe for visitors and that any potential environmental impacts are monitored.