Deputies search for Clay County man in forest days after reported disappearance

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies have covered more than 350 acres in the search for a missing Clay County 79-year-old.

Hal Warth is believed to be lost and disoriented. His son reported him missing on Monday after visiting his Middleburg home and finding it empty.

"You know I honestly thought we would have found him by now,” said Hal Warth II. “It’s been a number of days now."

Warth's cell phone and wallet were found inside his home.

Clay County deputies said they can't determine if there is foul play because there is nothing unusual that would lead them to believe there is foul play.

Hal Warth II said he's been tirelessly searching for his father.

He joined more than 50 officers and 20 volunteers in a search of Jennings State Forest on Wednesday.

“We have gone over the victim’s property again, which is 40 acres, that makes the second sweep we made of it,” Ronnie Gann with Clay County Sheriff’s Office said.

He said since Monday, the agency has dedicated at least 1,200 man hours to the search.

Deputies are asking community members to be on the look out for him and to call 911 if they see him.

Anyone who would like to help in the search can check in with staff at the Clay County command center on Hatie Nolan Road at 9 a.m. or noon on Thursday if he is not found.

Emergency management and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials also helped in the search.

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