25 Missing Children Located in Major Multi-Agency Operation Across Florida
A coordinated three-day effort involving law enforcement, child protection experts and nonprofit organizations led to the recovery of 25 missing children across six Florida counties, according to the National Child Protection Task Force (NCPTF). The operation, completed on June 18, is being described as one of the most intensive and collaborative child recovery initiatives in the region this year.
The mission was headquartered at the Jacksonville office of Operation Light Shine, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting law enforcement with technology, intelligence and resources to combat child exploitation and human trafficking.
Children Recovered From Six Counties
The initiative focused on Clay, Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Putnam and Flagler counties. NCPTF officials confirmed that the children located ranged in age from 7 to 17 years old. Some had been missing for just over a week, while others had been unaccounted for more than 400 days.
Photos released by Operation Light Shine showed professionals from multiple agencies gathered around computer stations, coordinating searches and tracking leads. A large digital counter on a central screen updated in real time as each missing child was found.
“Throughout the three-day effort, law enforcement, child protection professionals, prosecutors, social service providers, NGOs, and private partners collaborated to review cases, uncover leads, and develop trauma-informed strategies to help each child gain long-term safety and stability once recovered,” the NCPTF said in its press release.
Kevin Branzetti, CEO of the NCPTF, shared with CBS affiliate WJAX that the early group of 21 recovered children represented a wide range of circumstances and timeframes, underscoring the urgency of the operation.
Stories of Courage and Hope
Operation Light Shine highlighted several powerful moments from the initiative, describing the recovery of children whose resilience left a deep impression on responders.
Among them was a young girl who had almost nothing and offered her only meal to the advocate who helped her, according to the organization’s Instagram post. They also described teenagers beginning to “reimagine their future” after being located.
The nonprofit called the operation “extraordinary,” emphasizing that the week’s work had changed “countless lives forever.”
The Power of Collaboration
The NCPTF stressed that recovering missing children requires intense coordination and shared expertise. When a child is reported missing, there is a critical window where rapid, organized action can determine the outcome.
“No one can find a missing child alone,” the NCPTF noted. “Progress happens when investigators, analysts, social workers, advocates, partners and concerned citizens combine their efforts to protect children.”
The organization credited the success of this mission to the collective commitment of agencies, volunteers and specialized partners who contributed technology, investigative skills and trauma-informed support.
How Public Support Helps These Operations
The NCPTF said that community involvement continues to play a crucial role in these lifesaving efforts. Donations enable the organization to:
- support search and recovery operations
- provide immediate case assistance when agencies request help
- deliver trauma-informed care to recovered children
- improve interventions for vulnerable children who may otherwise go unnoticed
Their statement emphasized that dedicated community supporters make it possible to respond quickly and effectively when urgent calls come in.
Special Matching Offer to Support Future Missions
To sustain this work, the NCPTF announced a year-end fundraising campaign. All contributions made before December 31 will be matched, doubling the impact of each donation.
“Together, we can help protect one more child,” the organization said, calling on the public to join their mission to ensure more missing children return to safety.
