Event Brief
UPDATED Aug 26, 2026 at 1:00 AM ET
Aug 25, 2026 at 12:00 PM ET
Operation Statewide Shield recovers 163 missing kids
By The BriefBrief
Florida officials announced a five-day, multi-agency sweep called Operation Statewide Shield that recovered 163 missing children across Florida and other states. The effort used real-time intelligence and coordinated field teams, with 46 recoveries in the Tampa Bay area. Officials said many victims experienced abuse, neglect, exploitation, or exposure to criminal activity, including human trafficking.
WHO: Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Office of Statewide Prosecution, state and local law enforcement partners; Attorney General James Uthmeier
WHAT: Operation Statewide Shield recovered 163 missing children in Florida and connected cases beyond the state, marking the first statewide child recovery effort and the largest of its kind in Florida history.
WHEN: Reported Aug 25, 2026 at 3:40 PM ET
WHERE: Tampa Bay area, Florida
WHY: Officials said the sweep was triggered by leads and real-time intelligence to locate missing children and pursue predators, including those involved in human trafficking.
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