ORLANDO, Fla. — A five-day statewide operation led by Florida officials resulted in the recovery of 163 missing children, including 21 in the Orlando area, authorities announced.
Operation Statewide Shield focused on identifying, locating and safely recovering missing children under the age of 18 across Florida. Officials described it as the state’s first state-led statewide recovery initiative and one of the largest child-recovery operations in U.S. history.
The operation included recoveries in several major Florida regions:
- Tampa Bay: 46 children
- Jacksonville: 32 children
- Orlando: 21 children
- Miami: 41 children
- Fort Myers: 12 children
- Pensacola: Eight children
- Tallahassee: Three children
Officials also reported recoveries in six states, one U.S. territory and 12 countries.
The children ranged in age from 2 months to 17 years old. Authorities said many had experienced abuse, neglect, exploitation or exposure to other criminal activity.
“Many of these kids have been victimized by those who prey on the most vulnerable,” Attorney General James Uthmeier said. “Thanks to the outstanding work of FDLE, the Office of Statewide Prosecution, and our state and local partners, these children are now safe and receiving the care they deserve.”
Children connected with Central Florida
The 21 recoveries reported in the Orlando region represented the third-highest total among the Florida areas identified by officials, behind Tampa Bay and Miami.
The Tampa Bay region recorded 46 recoveries, the largest regional total announced to date. Jacksonville followed with 32 recoveries.
Officials did not release individual information about the children or provide additional details about the cases, citing the need to protect the minors.
Children received support services
Children in need of assistance were taken by local law enforcement to designated recovery hubs. Social-service agencies, child-welfare professionals, medical providers, victim advocates and other organizations provided support at the hubs.
The Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice coordinated custody transfers for the recovered children.
The operation’s recovery information was documented through Florida’s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse to help ensure the cases were closed.
The Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office served as legal advisers during the operation. Officials said three felony cases were generated and are being pursued.
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