***UPDATE - Missing Kayaker Found Deceased*** Deputies Search for Missing Kayaker on Honeymoon Island (26-008)
***UPDATE***
On January 27, 2026, at about 7:40 A.M., Elias Guillermo Lara Vargas was located, deceased, on Clearwater Beach by a citizen.
Search efforts for Elias were conducted by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, United States Coast Guard, Dunedin Fire Rescue, Clearwater Police Department, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The incident does not appear suspicious in nature.
The next of kin has been notified.
The investigation continues.
***END OF UPDATE***
Original news release:
DUNEDIN – Deputies, in conjunction with the United States Coast Guard (USCG), Dunedin Fire Rescue, Clearwater Police Department (CPD), and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are searching for a missing kayaker off Honeymoon Island in Dunedin.
On January 18, 2026, at approximately 6:24 P.M., Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) requested assistance with a water rescue at Honeymoon Island. Deputies learned that three people were kayaking on the water when two subjects drifted far from shore and capsized due to waves.
One subject, 19-year-old Savannah Ozer, was rescued and transported to the hospital for evaluation. She has since been released.
The second subject, 18-year-old Elias Vargas, has not been located.
Both kayaks were recovered near Caladesi Island, south of Honeymoon Island.
On January 19, 2026, at 6:00 P.M., primary search efforts have been suspended by the Coast Guard, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office will resume efforts tomorrow.
The investigation continues.
Additional Information:
Elias Guillermo Lara Vargas (Subject – Missing)
DOB: 11/17/2007
Savannah Ozer (Subject – Rescued)
DOB: 10/20/2006
