Johnny Ennis recently achieved one of life’s great goals.
His hobby is searching for shells washed ashore on Sanibel Island. He is a seashell enthusiast and has been for quite some time. So you can see how much joy and happiness it brought this Fort Myers man when he finally found a rare Junonia shell in March.
“It was like being a kid in a candy store,” Ennis said. “Emotions were running high. I was jumping around like the circus was coming to town!”
Southwestern Florida, and especially Sanibel, is known to have some of the best artillery fire in the world. It is well known as a destination for artillerymen. Ennis, 52, from Long Island, New York, is lucky enough to live here and frequents the beach for treasure hunts with his girlfriend Andri Sanquini.
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How rare are Junonia shells?
According to the Junonia research page on the Baillie Matthews National Seashell Museum website:, Junonia shells are rare because they differ from the types of shells derived from animals that live close to the shore that are easily found on the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva. Junonia sea snails live several miles offshore, at depths of 30 to 130 meters. So it’s very rare for a wave to roll all the way to the beach without damage.
Finding Junonia’s Shell: A Man’s Story
Ennis said she found Junonia while walking just north of Bowmans Beach. We asked him about his adventures via email with a series of questions. Here is his reply:
Where did you find the Junonia shell?
Ennis: I found a shell in the waves, so I did a freestyle. I mean, I didn’t have a rake that day. I found them when I picked up landmarks on the beach, such as driftwood or fossilized shells, while walking back and forth from one point to another. Pay attention to the waves walking south looking for shells The sun is shining in front of me and I turn to look back and look at the shore to see what’s washed up I’ve been doing this for hours or shells Repeat until it comes in.
What was your reaction when you found the Junonia shell?
Ennis: I thought, “No way!” With his hand still closed, I turned to Andri and told him to see what he had found! There was another couple there. they knew
Of course, did you already know that Junonia shells are rare?
Ennis: yes. A really rare shell. It took me years and countless hours of walking the beach to find it.
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What else do you remember from that day of the bombardment?
I can say it was the best day of gunfire I have ever seen. There were many good ones, rare ones, big ones. The beach was littered with them. Every time I turned around they were there. We spent about 6 hours there. Andriy kept saying that he should have brought a pitchfork. To think what we missed! But like I said, freestyle worked well that day.
So is this your first intact junior? Are there any cracks or chips?
Ennis: yes this is the first time i found it.I found a lot of pieces…lol
What are the dimensions of a Junonia shell?
Ennis: It is 3 1/2 inches long and 1 1/4 inches tall. As for weight, I don’t know. You need a food scale to figure it out.
How long have you been bombarding Sanibel Island?
Ennis: The bombardment started in 2003 when I started living here. Back then I didn’t know as much as I do now, but hardcore bombardment? I have to say since 2018 when I built my condo here. After showing her Andri her own spot, she fell in love with her from her first day. Having a partner willing to spend hours bombarding is important. To be fair, 10 years. Bombardment is a way of life. A place of peace and tranquility. just you and the beach. Like people who climb mountains.
When are you going to shell Sanibel Island?
Ennis: Whenever possible, we go out to shell before or after work. We are early risers which means flashlights, lol, weekends and more.
What other seashells are you proud of in your collection?
Ennis: Shells I’m proud of include alphabet cones, horse conch, large lightning mussel, large tulip, zigzag scallop (people call them flat), and my albino horse conch (also do not cross frequently).
where do you display your junonia?
Ennis: It’s on my closet now. Andriy bought a display for that. It’s nice to have someone on the show touch you.
Are you going for professionally polished juniors?
Ennis: No, I don’t polish.
How much does right timing have to do with finding rare shells like Junonia?
Ennis: Timing is everything. It is important to observe the tides and moon phases. There is science to this. Other times, it’s just a matter of luck.
What is your favorite shell found in Sanibel?
Ennis: big ones. period. You hold it in your hand and walk on the beach – it’s you!
Did you see any change in the artillery bombardment of Sanibel after Hurricane Ian?
Ennis: As for the hurricane impacting our artillery fire, I don’t think anything has changed except the coastline. (During and after the hurricane) A lot of things were washed away. That’s for sure.
Note to readers: If you have a shell story you’d like to share, send an email to mbickel@gannett.com. I would love to hear from you!
