Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau

Ivana Mendiola (Witness)
DOB: 12/24/1979

Norman Mendiola (Witness)
03/14/1982

What:
Pinellas deputies are investigating the drowning of a Largo man on Gandy Beach in St. Petersburg. Deputies say the incident appears to be accidental in nature.

When:
The incident occurred at about 7:08 p.m. on Wednesday, August 22, 2018.

Where:
The incident occurred on Gandy Beach in unincorporated St. Petersburg.

Why/How:
Pinellas deputies are investigating the drowning of a Largo man on Gandy Beach in St. Petersburg.

According to deputies, at approximately 7:08 p.m., a 58–year-old Largo man was found in the water by Ivana Mendiola, who was walking her dog along the beach.

Deputies say Mendiola observed the man floating approximately 30 yards from the shore. Mendiola called out to the man, but when she did not receive a response, she waded into the water to check on him.

Mendiola found the man unconscious and unresponsive. Mendiola and her husband pulled the man from the water and called 911.

Paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the man deceased prior to deputies’ arrival.

Deputies say the incident appears accidental in nature.

Next of kin has not been notified.

The investigation continues.