The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the death of a man found floating in the water at a local beach.
The body was located at Belle Fontaine Beach near the St. Andrews community.
Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter says around 12:30 p.m. Friday afternoon, a boater spotted the body about three-quarters of a mile offshore. Deputies, assisted by the Department of Marine Resources, recovered the unidentified man.
Authorities are hoping an individual can identify the man from the unique tattoos on his body. He has one on his chest that says “Sticks,” a “TE” tattoo on his left arm, and a blue “V” on his left thigh.
He was last wearing a blue “Evening in Paris” t-shirt, khaki shorts, a brown belt, and blue and white Under Armour shoes. The unidentified man also had an “HIV Confidential Testing” bracelet and a “Know Your Status: Be in Control” bracelet on his person.
Sheriff John Ledbetter says an autopsy is pending on the man. This case is being treated as a homicide.
Anyone who may recognize the man’s tattoos, the clothing he was last seen wearing, or has any additional information, is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s department at (228)769-7063.
