I suggested Enterolobium when the thread started. I've lived in the Tampa Bay
area for over 20 years, and know from experience that Enterolobium cyclocarpum
is quite common, while no other tree with an ear-shaped pod is at all common in
this area. Indeed, I can't recall seeing ANY other species whose pod I'd liken
to a human ear, in this geographical area. So the probability is extremely
high that this is the tree in question. OTOH, obviously, it could be something
else, but not likely.