Missing Man Found Dead In Sarasota County Creek: Police

SARASOTA, FL — A man who was reported missing the day Hurricane Debby slammed Florida's Gulf Coast with torrential rain and flooding was found dead in a Sarasota County creek Monday.

In a news release, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said the body of 67-year-old Jose Andino was located by divers in Phillippi Creek near Graber Avenue and Kaufman Avenue in Sarasota. Andino was inside his Toyota 4-Runner, which was found submerged in the creek, authorities said.

Andino had been reported missing on Aug. 6 after he failed to show up for work the previous day, authorities said.

According to the sheriff's office, a passerby located Andino's SUV after water levels in that area receded following Debby. Before the discovery, authorities said K-9, aviation and marine units searched for Andino near Bahia Vista and Phillippi Creek where his cell phone indicated he had been last.

Andino's death remains under investigation. Anyone with information should contact the Sarasota County Sheriff's Department Criminal Investigations Section at 941-861-4900.