HIGH SPRINGS – A suspected explosive device discovered on a residential property west of High Springs prompted a multi-agency law enforcement response and temporary evacuation of the immediate area Wednesday before authorities determined the item posed no danger to the public.
Officers with the High Springs Police Department responded June 3. 2026, to the area of 17500 N.W. 242nd Street after a resident reported finding what appeared to be an old grenade on the property.
The discovery prompted a coordinated response involving the High Springs Police Department, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Alachua Police Department. Out of caution, law enforcement personnel evacuated the immediate area while specialized explosive ordnance experts were called in to evaluate the device.
Authorities initially advised residents to avoid the area as the investigation and assessment were underway.
According to the High Springs Police Department, the object appeared to be an old grenade and may have been on the property for an extended period of time before it was discovered.
Law enforcement agencies routinely treat reports of possible explosive devices as legitimate threats until trained personnel can determine whether the items are functional or hazardous. In such cases, evacuations and temporary road closures are common safety measures designed to protect nearby residents and first responders.
After examining the device, responding experts determined it was a replica grenade and not an active explosive.
Once the assessment was completed, authorities lifted the precautionary measures and advised residents that the item posed no threat to public safety.
No injuries were reported, and no criminal activity was announced in connection with the discovery.
The incident concluded without further action after officials confirmed the device was nonfunctional.
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