Family waits for word on missing man with ties to Lowcountry

SUMMERVILLE, SC (WCSC) - A family of a man with ties to the Lowcountry is waiting for word after he was reported missing and possibly endangered in Florida.

Michael Wayne Floyd, 27, moved from the Summerville area to Inglis, Florida in about three years ago, according to Renee McCormick, whose daughter married one of Michael's brothers. Michael, his brothers and their father relocated to Florida to work together on a shrimp boat, McCormick said.

Deputies from the Levy County, Fla. Sheriff's Office say he left his home on Monday for Clearwater at approximately noon to run an errand for his family.

What happened next remains a mystery.

Investigators say he never reached Clearwater. Credit card records indicate Floyd stopped at a Crystal River gas station shortly after noon and purchased gas. But video surveillance shows an unknown person was with him, deputies say.

Two days later, on Wednesday, Floyd's car, a silver 2006 Honda Accord, turned up in an open parking lot in Chicago. There was no sign of Floyd near the car, but his car keys, his cell phone and other personal items were in the car, according to Lt. Scott Tummond, who is in charge of criminal investigations for the Levy County Sheriff's Office.

"What's most distressing to the family is that he has no ties to the Chicago area," Tummond said.

Tummond says authorities in Chicago are examining the car to look for any recoverable prints or any signs of foul play.

McCormick said Floyd would not have left the Florida area without word because he and his wife's first child is due just weeks from now.

Anyone who knows where Floyd may be should call the Levy County Sheriff's Office in Florida at (352) 486-5111 or Crime Stoppers at (877) 349-8477.

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