Release posted on 06-13-22 at 12:05 p.m.

A body discovered Monday (06/13/22) in Boca Ciega Bay near the Pinellas Bayway has been confirmed to be that of a missing St. Petersburg woman.

Arlete Desousa, 70, who lived on Brittany Drive South near the Pinellas Bayway, was reported missing late Sunday, hours after her last contact with a relative.

Her disappearance led police investigators to launch a search by land and air to find her.

Shortly after 10 a.m. Monday a passerby spotted a body in the water near Osprey Drive South and dialed 911. A rescue team responded to the area and recovered the body.

Based on a preliminary investigation, there is no sign of foul play at this time.

This is an active investigation. We will release additional information as it become available.

The body has been turned over to the Pinellas County Medical Examiner's Office to determine the cause of death.