Carrollwood Man Dies While Paddleboarding Across Tampa Bay

CARROLLWOOD, FL — Pinellas County sheriff's deputies are investigating the cause of death of a well-known Tampa Bay paddleboard enthusiast who was found in the waters of Tampa Bay near the Gandy Bridge Saturday.

At 2:32 p.m., marine deputies responded to a report of a body floating on the north side of the Gandy Bridge and discovered the body of Daniel L. Lukens, 60, of the 6300 block of Eaglebrook Avenue, Tampa.

Deputies learned Lukens launched his paddleboard from Gandy Beach around 12:45 p.m. and was attempting to cross Tampa Bay, heading toward Picnic Island.

On Saturday, the National Weather Service posted a small craft warning Saturday due to an arctic cold front that was producing 3- to 5-foot surf.

According to deputies, Lukens' paddleboard and tether were not found, but he was wearing a life vest. It is unknown how long Lukens was in the water before he was recovered.

The medical examiner's office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.