Sarasota County, Florida – A missing hiker was located within minutes of deputies arriving at Deer Prairie Creek Preserve, prompting a coordinated rescue response Thursday.
According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, its Aviation Unit responded to reports of a lost hiker in the preserve. Within four minutes of arriving on scene, the agency’s pilot and tactical flight deputy spotted the individual from the air.
Authorities said the air crew directed patrol deputies and K-9 teams, along with fire medics on the ground, to the hiker’s location. The individual was then brought to safety. Officials did not release the hiker’s name or specify whether any injuries were reported.
The Sheriff’s Office credited coordination between its Aviation Unit and ground personnel for the swift outcome. Aerial footage shared by the agency shows dense vegetation within the preserve, underscoring the challenges search crews can face in heavily wooded areas.
Deer Prairie Creek Preserve spans thousands of acres across Sarasota County and is a popular destination for hikers, wildlife watchers and outdoor enthusiasts. Rapid response times can be critical in remote areas where cell service may be limited and daylight conditions change quickly.
The incident highlights the role aviation resources play in search-and-rescue operations across large natural preserves. Students, young outdoor workers and weekend hikers frequent the area, particularly during cooler months.
Authorities have not indicated whether the hiker required medical treatment. The search was concluded after the individual was safely escorted out of the preserve.
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