BURIAL AT SEA
A Timeless Farewell Upon the Water
Keeping watch over our community with the deep devotion, respect, and care that only neighbors can give.
FOREST MEADOWS
How May We Serve You Today?
Please select one of the following options below or call us at (386) 454-2444 for immediate assistance.
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE US
A Place for Comfort.
Soft chairs, good lighting, and a quiet room to just sit with your people for a while.
WARMTH
Cared for, down to the smallest detail.
Thoughtful art, soft lighting, and comfortable seating throughout — a home built around your family, not a facility built around procedure.
TOGETHERNESS
A Space Built for Gathering
Tall ceilings, warm light, and an open room where family and friends can gather close together.
A TRIBUTE AS ENDURING AS THE TIDES
A burial at sea is a profoundly peaceful way to honor a life — a farewell embraced by mariners, veterans, and all who felt most at home near the water. We arrange every detail so your family can simply be present for a moment of grace and remembrance.
––– WHAT IS BURIAL AT SEA?
An ancient, honored tradition brought to your family with care
Burial at sea is the committal of a loved one to the ocean, either as a full-body burial or through the scattering of cremated remains upon the water. It is a tradition with deep roots in maritime and military heritage, and it remains a moving choice for families who feel a lasting bond with the sea.
Because it takes place in federal waters, a burial at sea must follow specific environmental regulations. We know these requirements intimately and manage them completely, so the day itself remains untouched by paperwork — reserved entirely for reflection and farewell.
TWO MEANINGFUL OPTIONS
Choosing the Right Committal
Full-body burial at sea — a traditional committal of the body to the ocean, conducted aboard a chartered vessel in accordance with federal depth and distance requirements.
Scattering of cremated remains — the gentle release of ashes upon the water, often accompanied by flowers, readings, and a moment of silence at a place of meaning..
Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home - Green Cove Springs
Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home - Starke
Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home
CEMETERY & MAUSOLEUM
A Resting Place Close to Home.
Our mausoleum and cemetery grounds give High Springs families a peaceful, dignified place to visit, remember, and return to — all on the same property where services are held.
WAYS TO SAY GOODBYE
Every service shaped around your family
Whether you wish to be present on the water or to entrust the committal to our care, we offer a form of farewell to suit every family and every wish.
Attended Ceremony
Your family joins us aboard a chartered vessel for a personal committal service on the water — with readings, music, flowers, and time to reflect together.
Unattended Committal
When gathering on the water isn't possible, we conduct the committal on your behalf with the same reverence, and provide photographs and the exact coordinates afterward.
Military Honors
For veterans, we arrange a dignified tribute honoring their service, including the folding and presentation of the flag and coordination of eligible military honors.
Handled Completely For You
Full compliance, quietly managed
Burials at sea are governed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act. Full-body burials must take place a set distance offshore in waters of sufficient depth, and the EPA must be formally notified after the committal. We handle each of these obligations for you.
- Committal at the required distance and depth offshore
- Formal EPA notification within the required timeframe
- Ocean-appropriate, biodegradable caskets and urns
- GPS coordinates of the committal provided to your family
––– PEACE OF MIND
Every regulation met, so your family never has to think about it
The rules that protect our oceans are precise, and getting them right matters. Our experience means the vessel, the location, the materials, and the required filings are all correct before the day arrives — leaving nothing for your family to arrange or worry about.
All you need to bring is your memories. We carry everything else.
OUR PROCESS
A Gentle, Guided Path to the Water
From your first call to the coordinates we place in your hands, one dedicated director walks beside you through every step.
01
Plan Together
We listen to your wishes and help you choose between full-body burial or scattering, attended or unattended, and the honors you'd like to include.
02
We Prepare
We arrange the vessel, secure the proper materials, confirm the location, and quietly manage every regulatory requirement.
03
The Committal
On a chosen day, your loved one is committed to the sea with dignity — accompanied by readings, music, and honors as you wish.
04
A Lasting Place
We provide the exact coordinates and, for unattended services, photographs — a place upon the water your family can return to always.
WHY FAMILIES TRUST US
“For those who loved the sea, it becomes a resting place without end.”
FAMILY OWNED FUNERAL GROUP
––– THE DIFFERENCE OF FAMILY OWNDERSHIP
Reverence you can feel in every detail
As an independent, family-owned group, we approach a burial at sea the way we would for our own loved ones — with patience, personal attention, and an unhurried respect for the significance of the moment. One director oversees your service from beginning to end.
It is a rare and beautiful farewell, and we consider it a privilege to guide families through it with the grace it deserves.
RECOGNIZED EXPERTS
Experience with a specialized farewell
Not every funeral provider is equipped to arrange a burial at sea correctly. We have the relationships, the knowledge of maritime and environmental requirements, and the steady experience to make certain your loved one's committal is conducted flawlessly and honorably.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What Families Ask Us About Burial at Sea
Is burial at sea legal?
Yes. Burial at sea is fully legal in the United States and is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. Full-body burials and the scattering of cremated remains each have specific requirements for distance from shore, depth, and materials, all of which we manage on your behalf.
Does the whole family have to be on the boat?
Not at all. Many families choose to be present aboard the vessel, while others prefer that we conduct the committal on their behalf. For unattended services, we provide photographs and the exact GPS coordinates so your family always has a place to return to.
Can we scatter cremated remains instead of a full-body burial?
Absolutely. Scattering cremated remains at sea is a gentle and popular option. It can be a quiet release from the vessel or a fuller ceremony with flowers, readings, and music — whatever feels right for your family.
Are burials at sea available for veterans?
Yes, and they can be especially meaningful. We coordinate eligible military honors, including the folding and presentation of the flag, to recognize a veteran's service with the dignity it deserves.
What does a burial at sea cost?
Cost depends on the type of committal, whether the service is attended, the vessel, and any honors or ceremonies you choose. We provide clear, itemized guidance in advance so you can plan with confidence and without surprises.
WE ARE READY TO HELP
Honor a Life Upon the Water
Reach out at any hour to speak with a burial-at-sea specialist. We'll answer your questions with warmth and care, and help you plan a farewell as meaningful as the life it celebrates.
LOCAL & FAMILY-OWNED
We're proud to be a locally and family-owned firm, rooted in this community for four generations. When you call, you're talking to neighbors — not a call center.
OUR STORY
Compassionate, Family-Owned Care When You Need it Most.
Deciding who to trust with your loved one’s memory is a deeply personal choice. Our family has spent four generations earning that privilege by standing shoulder-to-shoulder with grieving families. We show you how much we care through our meticulous attention to detail, our gentle guidance, and our commitment to honoring your wishes without pressure.
Evans-Carter is built on simple, family-focused values and a comforting country charm. We provide a peaceful, down-to-earth atmosphere where you can catch your breath and remember what matters most. To us, you aren't a file or a client—you are a family we are truly blessed to support.
OUR STORY
Family Owned Since 1951
Since 1951, Forest Meadows Funeral Home has served as a cornerstone of the Gainesville community, providing a steady hand and a compassionate heart during life’s most difficult moments. As Gainesville’s only "total care" provider, we offer the unique benefit of coordinating every detail of the funeral and cemetery process under one family-owned roof. Our funeral home is more than just a facility; it is a warm, inviting space where families have gathered for over 70 years to celebrate the stories of their loved ones with dignity, grace, and personalized care.
If you have any questiosn, or need immediate assistance, please call us. We are here to help.
MILITARY HONORS
Honoring Our Veterans
It is a profound privilege and a true honor to serve those who have protected our freedoms. At Forest Meadows, we are dedicated to providing the dignified care and military honors your veteran has earned. Our family handles every detail with the same integrity and excellence we have provided to Northeast Florida for generations.
MEMORIAL KEEPSAKES
Keeping Their Memory Within Reach
Every family has a story written in the small details. Our personalized keepsakes turn a unique touch into a timeless treasure, ensuring that no matter the distance, your loved one is always right there with you.
- Hold Them Close: A tangible way to keep your favorite memories within reach.
- A Unique Legacy: Preserve the one-of-a-kind signature of the person you cherish.
- A Gift for Generations: Create a beautiful, lasting reminder of the bonds that define your family.
PLAN AHEAD
A Final Gift of Love: Planning Ahead for Those You Leave Behind
Planning ahead is a beautiful gift that replaces worry with a clear path forward. By taking this step today, you ensure your family won't have to second-guess your wishes — giving them the quiet space and peace of mind they need to simply be together when it matters most.
How Can We Help?
Traditional Cremation Service
$3,995
- Professional Services of the Funeral Director & Staff
- Transfer to Funeral Home & Crematory
- Embalming
- Dressing & Casketing
- Visitation (2 hours, day of service)
- Funeral Service (M-F)
- Rental Casket
- Cremation Container
- Cremation Fee
- Cremation Urn (Temp)
- Standard Memorial Package
Traditional Funeral Service
$3,995
- Professional Services of the Funeral Director & Staff
- Transfer to Funeral Home
- Embalming
- Dressing & Casketing
- Jesup 20G/NG Casket
- Visitation (2 hours, day of service)
- Funeral Service (M-F)
- Hearse
- Standard Memorial Package
- (Does not include vault or cemetery services)
A Window into a Beautiful Life: Glass-Front Niches
Our glass-front niches offer a peaceful, protected space where your loved one’s story can truly shine. These beautiful displays invite you to create a personal sanctuary, filled with the photos and keepsakes that mean the most. It’s a bright and comforting place for your family to visit, reflect, and remember.
Reach out to our team at (352) 473-3176 or (904) 964-6200 to explore our available options.
Bringing Your Loved One Home, Wherever That May Be.
A Final Salute: Honoring the Bravery and Heart of Our Heroes
Let’s work together to create a final salute that truly honors their heart, their story, and the selfless way they served our country.
STAY CONNECTED
Our Upcoming Services & Community Tributes
As a family-owned local business, we are dedicated to supporting families. Please call our dedicated team at any time for the guidance and support your family deserves.
Evans Carter Funeral Home & Cremation Services
220 High Springs Main St, High Springs, FL 32643
KIND WORDS
Honest Support For Your Family's Peace of Mind
The heartache of losing a loved one shouldn't be made heavier by financial worry. Forest Meadows offers clear, simple choices and flexible ways to pay that respect your family's budget.
Financing available through
Family Shield Credit