Flagler Beach, FL - A Flagler Beach man is safe and sound because his neighbor saw something and said something. One of 62-year-old Jeffrey Browning's neighbors noticed Browning in a kayak, heading north into a canal at around 4:30 p.m. yesterday (June 11). That same neighbor called the Flagler County Sheriff's Office at 8:52 p.m. because they were concerned that Browning had not yet returned.
Deputies responding were able to contact Browning's sister who told deputies that she received a text message from him at 5:00 p.m. saying that he was in the kayak and enjoying the “beautiful views.” She asked him to text her when he got home but she never got a response. Browning's sister told deputies that she thought the kayak was a new purchase and that her brother did not have a lot of experience with using it.
Because of the circumstances, FCSO pinged Browning's cell phone and assembled a search team. Combining the efforts of FCSO, Florida Fish and Wildlife, Flagler County FireFlight, Volusia County Sheriff’s Office AirOne helicopter, and Seminole County’s ALERT helicopter, Jeffrey was located after a nine-hour search, early this morning (June 12). The FCSO Marine Unit utilized the airboat along with Flagler Beach Fire Department responding with their jet ski. Jeffrey was able to be brought to shore just before 8 a.m.
“This is another great example of see something say something in action,” Sheriff Staly said. “This neighbor did a great job looking out for Jeffrey and calling us when he thought there might be a problem. Thanks to the outstanding relationships we have with other agencies and the team effort we brought Jeffrey home safely. This is also a good reminder to always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back so if you have a problem or get lost we know where to start searching.”
View video of the rescue here.
Browning was found in good health and did not have any injuries.
