Jeffrey Hunt Comer, 50, left Fort De Soto Park on April 28, 2012, for a stand-up paddleboarding trip and never returned. An experienced outdoorsman and U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, Comer worked as a government contractor and enjoyed kayaking, cycling and scuba diving. Late that night a boater found his paddleboard adrift near the north entrance of the Manatee River, close to Holmes Beach; his wallet, car keys and cell phone were stored on the board in a dry box. His vehicle was found parked near Mullet Key in Fort De Soto Park, consistent with the intended route.

A large multi-agency search including the U.S. Coast Guard covered about 600 square miles from Egmont Key to Anna Maria Island, with 23 searches totaling more than 55 hours. The Coast Guard suspended searching on May 1, 2012, and no sign of Comer has been found. Reports note the board appeared intact and speculate he may not have been wearing a life jacket or leash, but the circumstances of his disappearance remain unexplained.

If anyone was on the water that evening or remembers seeing Comer or his board along that route, please come forward with information.