SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. – A missing Venice man has been safely located in Alachua County and will soon be reunited with his family, concluding an urgent search by local authorities.
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office had previously asked the public for help finding 85-year-old Gary Howard Eberly after he disappeared early Friday morning. Eberly was initially last seen in Venice at around 3:00 a.m. on June 12 inside the Jacaranda Trace subdivision, wearing a burgundy shirt and black pants.
Authorities were highly concerned for his safety on the road because he had been diagnosed with dementia. Investigators were actively searching for his black 2020 Kia Sportage SUV bearing the Florida license plate Z231DP.
Officials originally believed Eberly might have been trying to drive to Pennsylvania. Earlier tracking information had placed him near Melburne Boulevard and North 50th Street in the Tampa area before he was ultimately found further north.
Thankfully, the search has now officially concluded with Eberly found safe in Alachua County.
ORIGINAL REPORT: The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help finding an endangered missing man who might be traveling through the Tampa area.
Gary Howard Eberly, 85, was last seen in Venice at around 3:00 a.m. on June 12 inside the Jacaranda Trace subdivision. Authorities noted that Eberly has been diagnosed with dementia, raising immediate concerns for his safety on the road.
Eberly is described as a white male, 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes. When he was last seen, he was wearing a burgundy shirt and black pants.
Investigators say he is driving a black 2020 Kia Sportage SUV displaying the Florida license plate Z231DP. Officials believe he might be trying to drive to Pennsylvania. However, recent tracking information indicates he could currently be in the Tampa area, specifically near Melburne Boulevard and North 50th Street.
Anyone who spots him or his vehicle, or who has any information about his location, is asked to contact the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office right away at 941-861-5800.
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