Giant cross washes ashore on Fort Lauderdale beach

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (FOX 13/WSVN) - A 20-foot cross washed ashore in south Florida, leaving beachgoers wondering where it came from.

It was a curious sight that caused some confusion. The holy symbol was first spotted Saturday evening on the beach behind the Ocean Manor Resort Hotel. Many couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw the waves crashing against the giant cross.

“People have suggested possibly Puerto Rico,” said John Moschella, who discovered the cross. “Others have said the Keys. It’s really unknown where it has come from.”

Frank Talerico, the owner of the Ocean Manor Resort Hotel, said he considered the cross to be a sign of protection. He thinks it may be a coincidence, or a divine intervention. He said his sister was praying at the property that morning because she was spooked by a bad dream.

“She’s like, ‘You know what. It’s not that big a deal. I just had a bad dream and a bad feeling, so I wanted to come here and pray,’” he recalled. “And I said, ‘Okay, thanks for doing that.’”

Hours later, the cross made its arrival, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

“You know what, I’m glad it’s here,” Talerico said. “It’s staying here and if anybody wants to come see it or take a picture with it, they’re more than welcome.”