ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Investigators are working to identify a body found in the woods on State Road 207, near Silver Lane.
The wooded area where the body was found is also near a thriving community, where some neighbors in St. Augustine are now concerned.
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The detectives began their search Sunday night after a citizen called the Sheriff's Office and stated they believed they had found a body. <a href="https://t.co/cUbuhj67iH">pic.twitter.com/cUbuhj67iH</a>
St. Johns County Sheriff’s Deputies said a neighbor first spotted the body on Sunday, but that the body had likely been there for days.
Action News Jax Courtney Cole went back into the wooded area, to give you a look at the where investigators spent hours collecting evidence. Cole discovered a pretty expansive homeless camp.
At this time, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office has not confirmed if the person found is from the homeless community.Cole also spoke to a neighbor who said she wants more details about this investigation— for the sake of her family’s safety.
"I don't like dead bodies being by my house, I have two young kids. But I'm hoping it's just natural causes and not foul play,” Chelsey Baker told Action News Jax.
Baker lives in Deerfield, the subdivision right across the street from where a body was discovered.
"I definitely want to know more,” said Baker.
The wooded area off of Silver Lane and SR-207, directly across the street from the Silver Creek Senior Living Community, is where the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office spent hours investigating on Monday.
On Monday night, the Silver Creek Senior Living Community sent this statement:
Silver Creek Senior Living Community is saddened to learn that a body was found near our St. Augustine facility. While we and our residents have no connection to the situation, we recognize that the deceased is likely to have loved ones who will be deeply affected by their loss. We will keep all who are involved in our thoughts and prayers.
- Peggy Landon
The Sheriff’s Office says their search started on Sunday, after a neighbor called saying they believe they found a body.
Action News Jax requested the 911 calls and a list of the missing people in the area.
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Baker told Cole she wasn’t completely shocked to hear about the investigation today, because there are known homeless camps in the area.
"I don't see them as frequently. But when I run on 207 each day— there's always people coming in and out of the woods, so it wouldn't surprise me,” said Baker.
The sheriff's office says they were able to find the body—deep within the block of woods— with the help of Brevard County.
They had a K9 named Aryia, specially trained to find human remains.As we learn more information about the body found, we'll bring you the latest on-air, online and on our Action News Jax Mobile App.
This story is developing. Check back for more updates or follow us on Twitter @actionnewsjax.