Search for missing kayaker underway in Melrose Bay Park

MELROSE, Fla. – On Wednesday, New Year’s Day, Melrose Bay Park was busy with a heavy police and fire rescue presence as an active search and rescue operation was underway.

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The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) arrived after receiving an alert regarding a missing kayaker on Lake Santa Fe in Melrose.

According to a statement from an FWC official, “We received a report about a missing kayaker around 7:15 p.m. The incident continued throughout the night and into the early hours of Jan. 2.”

The search resumed on Thursday morning, and the situation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information that could assist in locating the missing man is urged to contact their local Sheriff’s Office or the FWC at 1-888-404-3922.