Body found in the waterway at the Laishley Park Marina

PUNTA GORDA — The Punta Gorda Police Department responded to a report of body in the water near the Laishley Park Municipal Marina in Punta Gorda on Sunday evening.

It occurred at about 5:30 p.m. Sunday during high winds and rain during Tropical Storm Debby.

The department has identified the body but is attempting to notify next-of-kin before releasing the name and age of the man who fell into Charlotte Harbor.

The body is at the medical examiner's office to determine the cause of death. It is unclear if the death was related to Tropical Storm Debby as it moved by the area.

"We do not believe this was someone who lived on a boat," said Eric Burris, department spokesperson. "We think the person fell into the water and someone else saw a body in the water and called 911."

Burris said it's believed to be an isolated situation.

According to the Charlotte County EMS, a unit was in route, but then canceled after learning the man was dead.

Burris said the department will give an update once more information is available.

Anyone with information about the case is asked call 941-639-4111.