Tallahassee, FL – Law enforcement agencies across North Florida have recovered 43 critically missing children as part of a multi-county effort known as Operation Northern Lights, officials announced this week.
According to the Florida Sheriffs Association and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the coordinated mission focused on locating children listed as critically missing — including those who were endangered or trafficked.
The operation, which spanned several North Florida counties, located children ranging in age from 1 to 17 years old. Authorities said the youngest recovered was a 1-year-old from Leon County, while another child, 13, had been missing for eight months before being safely found.
Officials credited collaboration between local sheriff’s offices, the U.S. Marshals Service, and child protection units for the successful recovery. “This was about finding our most vulnerable — those at the highest risk — and bringing them home safely,” investigators said during a Thursday press conference in Tallahassee.
The Florida Sheriffs Association praised the results on social media, calling the effort “amazing work to save missing children.”
Authorities did not release all locations where recoveries occurred but emphasized that each case will be reviewed to ensure continued safety and support for the children involved.
Community members are encouraged to report tips about missing or endangered children through local sheriff’s offices or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
