Search temporarily suspended for missing Spring Hill Florida man due to gator infested waters

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) –- The search for a missing Spring Hill Florida man is temporarily suspended because the area is filled with alligators.

Authorities in Alachua County located his vehicle in a swampy area, which is frequented by alligators.

Paul Anthony Marvella was last seen on Sunday Jan. 15, after making a delivery for his boss at a tissue bank in Jacksonville. The 30-year-old Spring Hill resident contacted his employer saying he was on his way but he never returned.

According to a Hernando County Sheriff’s Office report, the vehicle Marvella was driving – a 2014 GMC Yukon, Florida tag DNS K41 was found Saturday in Alachua County off of Interstate 75.

Unfortunately, there was no sign of the missing Florida man.

HCSO is working closely with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol in their search of Marvella.

At approximately midnight, a friend of Marvella said she received a call from him and that he was near Starke, but the call dropped. His mother spoke with News Channel 8 on Thursday.

“We are running out of options,” explained Wendy Marvella. “We just need to find him and that’s where we are. We’re asking the public, please, please, anybody [call] 911.”

If you have seen Marvella or have any other information on his whereabouts, please contact your local law enforcement agency.

Officials hope to reopen search efforts after working with the EPA to ensure the safety of themselves and the alligators.