Crime & Safety
Search Called Off For Missing Swimmer Near Sand Key
James Poindexter, 27, of New Port Richey, has been missing since Monday afternoon.
The search for a swimmer who went missing Labor Day was called off after six more hours of searching in rough water Tuesday near Sand Key.
"The current in the area became so bad this afternoon it was ripping the masks off of the divers," Rob Shaw, Clearwater Public Safety spokesman, said in a release.
No other search efforts are planned.
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James Poindexter, 27, of Spring Hill, was swimming near the Clearwater Sailing Center when he started yelling for help around 2:15 p.m. Monday, according to Clearwater Fire and Rescue.
Clearwater Fire and Rescue, Clearwater Police Marine Unit, the Coast Guard and Pinellas County Sheriff’s Eagle helicopter searched around Clearwater Pass, near the Sand Key Bridge and surrounding areas Monday and again starting Tuesday morning and ending around 3:15 p.m.
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Poindexter was swimming out by the south buoy, about 40 yards from shore, at Bayside Park, 951 Gulf Blvd. when his family saw he was in trouble. Poindexter called out for help. A family friend tried to but was unable to locate him.
Poindexter still has not been found.Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
