JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Police were called Monday to investigate a call about a body in Marco Lake, a lake in the San Marco area of Jacksonville surrounded by private property.
A man was walking his dog when the dog began to pull toward the water, police said. When he approached the lake, he saw the body and called police.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office says upon arrival, a female was located and pronounced deceased.
She was in her late teens or early 20s and has not been identified, JSO said.
Police say there is evidence of foul play.
"I have chill bumps," said Maxine Blakely when she learned about the incident while walking her dog on Sorrento Road. "It's really scary. I don't remember anything like this ever happening here."
In the 25 years she's lived in San Marco, Blakely has taken her dog, Doce, on countless walks through the neighborhood, both day and night.
She'd never expect to come across a body floating in Marco lake, but that's what happened to a fellow dog walker earlier this morning.
"It's upsetting because I've never experienced anything like this before," said Blakely. "I might think again about walking at night."
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office reports a woman called around 7:00 a.m. after spotting the body.
They say there is evidence of foul play, and described her as a white woman in her late teens or early 20s.
"That's somebody's daughter, and it's heartbreaking for her life to end that way," said Mary Jaycox, who lives on the lake.
Jaycox says she lives right next to where police pulled the body out.
She's hoping it's not something she thinks about every time she looks out her backdoor.
"I hope not, but I will for awhile," said Jaycox. "Something like that doesn't leave your mind."
Marco Lake has a small canal that allows the St. John's River to feed into and out of it.
However, police say the body was discovered closer to the street away from the canal.
Police are yet to announce an identity or suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS (8477).
This is a developing story and First Coast News will update when we know more.
