Body of Missing Manatee Child Found in Offshore Waters

BRADENTON BEACH – The body of 6-year-old Lamontea Taylor was recovered by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers at around 10 a.m. Monday. Taylor, a student at Samoset Elementary School, drowned Saturday evening after being pulled away by strong rip currents off Coquina Beach.

Lamontea was discovered to be missing at around 6 p.m. Saturday, while attending a cookout with family. Authorities searched for him until after dark, and then resumed the search during the daylight hours on Sunday.

The boy was reportedly last seen near a spot known for bad currents, where signs are posted not to enter the water. Life guards were not on duty at the time of the incident. His body was reportedly found about one-mile offshore.