Body found in water near Sarasota boat ramp. Cops say they have identified the victim

The Sarasota Police Department began investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a body floating in the water near Centennial Park on Thursday morning.

According to a press release, the body was discovered by a passing boater near the 10th Street boat ramp.

Detectives with the department’s Criminal Investigation Division are continuing the investigation but have identified the victim and categorized the investigation as an “unattended death” for now.

According to a police spokeswoman, the body is that of an adult, black male but it is still unknown how the deceased ended up in the water and his identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Authorities have removed the body, which was taken to the medical examiner’s to determine cause of death.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Kim Laster at 941-364-7327.

This story was originally published August 1, 2019 at 9:42 AM.