Lake County, FL – Authorities are asking for the public’s help today after issuing a Missing/Endangered alert for a 37-year-old man last seen in Fruitland Park, raising concerns for his safety.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Royce Parnell was last seen leaving his residence on Cross Street in Fruitland Park and was believed to be traveling toward Ocala on a bicycle. Deputies say the circumstances surrounding his disappearance have prompted an endangered classification.
Parnell is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing around 150 pounds, with blonde hair and hazel eyes. No clothing description was immediately released. Authorities did not specify the time he was last seen, but the alert was issued Friday as efforts to locate him intensified.
Fruitland Park is located in Lake County, northwest of Orlando and south of Ocala, placing the search area across multiple Central Florida communities. Investigators say anyone who may have seen Parnell along roadways, bike paths, or in nearby neighborhoods is urged to come forward.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that its social media pages may not be monitored regularly after normal business hours and warned the public not to leave tips in comment sections.
Anyone with information on Royce Parnell’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at 352-343-9500. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-8477.
Residents in Lake County, Marion County, and surrounding Central Florida areas are encouraged to remain alert and share the information, as even small details could help locate Parnell quickly.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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