TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WWSB/Gray News) - Florida officials say a statewide operation has helped find dozens of missing children.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said 163 children were recovered during a five-day statewide operation that included the Sarasota and Manatee County sheriff’s offices.
The children ranged in age from 2 months to 17 years old.
Officials said it was the largest operation of its kind in state history that brought together state, local and federal agencies to help recover the missing children.
The Tampa Bay region accounted for 46 recoveries, the largest regional total reported. Miami had 41 recoveries, followed by Jacksonville with 32, Orlando with 21, Fort Myers with 12, Pensacola with eight and Tallahassee with three.
Officials said some children had experienced abuse, neglect, exploitation or exposure to criminal activity, including human trafficking.
Recovered children were taken to designated recovery hubs, where officials said they were connected with child welfare professionals, medical providers, victim advocates and other services.
Uthmeier’s office also reported that authorities made multiple arrests in the operation. Those in custody were facing charges that included lewd and lascivious offenses involving minors, interference with child custody and resisting an officer without violence.
Copyright 2026 WWSB via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
