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PORT RICHEY, Fla. (AP) —

The Coast Guard is searching for a missing boater whose vessel was found adrift near Tampa.


Officials say a person reported the unmanned boat of 45-year-old Paula Migliorini three miles north of Anclote Key on Sunday. Shortly after, Migliorini's mother reported that her daughter had not arrived back.

Rescuers found a dog, vessel keys and a towel aboard the 16-foot sport-craft.

The Coast Guard was scouring the area with a rescue boat and a helicopter Monday. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Pasco County Sheriff's Department are also investigating.

Coast Guard suspends search for missing Port Richey boater

Last Update: 8/19 8:08 pm


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PORT RICHEY, FL -- The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended it's search for a New Port Richey man missing at sea.

Wednesday, friends and family of 49-year-old Mark Portus announced they would offer a $20,000 reward to anyone who finds him alive.

Portus was reported missing after he failed to return from a fishing trip. He left Monday morning and was reported missing around 6pm that evening.

At around 7:30pm, a Sea Tow Services crew member discovered Portus' fishing boat aground on a sandbar on the north end of Anclote Key.

The engine was running and no one was aboard.

Although the search was suspended, the Coast Guard issued the following statement in the event that family members continue to sear for Portus:

"If friends of the family or people looking to assist the family are planning additional voluntary searches they should exercise appropriate caution, particularly with respect to local weather conditions. We recommend anyone who does go out, file a float plan with a family member or friend, has emergency equipment on board, including EPIRB, and wears a life jacket."

The family says anyone interested in assisting in the search can call (229) 588-0931.

what is going on in New Port Richie ? ???