CLEARWATER, Fla. - The Coast Guard and multiple local agencies spent about 8 hours searching for a missing paddleboarder near Egmont Key on Sunday.
The Coast Guard says an unmanned paddleboard was recovered Saturday evening at the north entrance to the Manatee River by a good Samaritan and it was given to the Holmes Beach Police Department.
Authorities were able to determine that the board belonged to 50-year-old Jeffrey Comer after his wallet, cell phone, and car keys were found.
Using information from the wallet, Tampa Police went to Comer's home and didn't find him there. His vehicle was located at Ft. DeSoto.
Shortly afterwards on Sunday afternoon, the Coast Guard started searching for him.
Comer may be an experienced paddleboarder. Earlier this month, he took part in the 2012 Florida State Paddleboard Championship and placed 6th in his age bracket in the partial unofficial results. He was one of nearly 90 participants that completed 11 miles in the water.
An official with the Coast Guard says the search for him would be called off after dark, but would likely continue Monday morning.
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Comer, you are asked to contact the Coast Guard at 727-824-7506.
Tammie Fields, 10 News