It's been a year since the family of a Flagler County man has heard from George Contos. People who lived nearby him are still holding out hope.
- Deputies found Contos' car at a Palm Coast Ace Hardware store weeks after his disappearance
- Flagler County Sheriff's Office treating case as "foul play/suspicious disappearance
An old flyer still hangs in a neighborhood where 59-year-old George Contos, also known as “Uncle Waldo,” once lived.
Neighbor Lois Silcox said his disappearance has left those who loved him with many questions.
“We'd always stop and say 'hello' and talk to him," said Silcox. "We just miss the guy. We just wish whoever knows anything would possibly bring him back.”
Contos was reported missing on May 9, 2015. Family members reported the last time anyone had spoken to Contos was two days before.
Deputies found his white Lincoln town car at a Palm Coast Ace Hardware store weeks later. Investigators said Palm Coast's F section is the last place anyone saw Contos before he disappeared.
"We certainly consider this a foul play/suspicious disappearance," said Flagler County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Jim Troiano. "Being over a year, we certainly would’ve hoped by now we would've gotten more leads."
But they haven’t given up. Troiano said the case could soon be upgraded to a murder investigation.
In January, a billboard offering a $10,000 reward was posted near one of the main roads in the county. Deputies are still hoping for more information from the public.
"We want them to know we're working as hard as we can on this case but it's truly going to depend on information from the community," said Troiano.
Silcox is hoping someone will come forward with information.
"Let the son have some closure," said Silcox. "I mean, Father's Day is coming up. Let the son bury him if he's dead, do something."
Anyone with information on Contos’ disappearance should call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS.