25 Missing Children Found in Florida During “Extraordinary” 3-Day Rescue Operation

In a powerful show of coordination and commitment, 25 missing children—ranging in age from 7 to 17—were safely located across six Florida counties during a sweeping three-day operation led by the National Child Protection Task Force (NCPTF).

The multi-agency initiative, completed by June 18, brought together law enforcement, child advocacy groups, nonprofits, and local sheriffs to conduct an intensive review of missing child cases in Clay, Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Putnam, and Flagler counties. The effort, hosted at the Jacksonville office of nonprofit Operation Light Shine, also led to promising new leads in ongoing investigations.

Photos from the operation show rows of experts from different agencies poring over laptops, maps, and a large display screen tracking the number of recoveries as it climbed.

“Lives Forever Changed”

Kevin Branzetti, CEO of the NCPTF, told local media that some of the children had been missing for just over a week—while others had vanished more than 400 days ago. All 25 have now been located, with work underway to ensure they receive proper care, support, and stability.

“This was about more than just finding kids—it was about building pathways to long-term safety,” NCPTF said in a statement. “Teams worked around the clock to review cases, track leads, and implement trauma-informed strategies for each recovery.”

The Tim Tebow Foundation, Operation Light Shine, and several sheriff’s offices were key partners in the rescue effort, alongside more than 70 professionals from child protection services, social work, law enforcement, and nonprofits.

On Instagram, Operation Light Shine shared stories of children who were deeply impacted by the operation—including one girl who offered her only meal to an advocate, and teens newly inspired to pursue GEDs, jobs, and secure housing. “What we witnessed this week was extraordinary,” the post read.

Community United in Action

“There’s no greater responsibility than protecting our most vulnerable—our youth,” said a spokesperson for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. “This operation shows the strength of working together with a common goal.”

Tim Tebow echoed that sentiment in a statement: “There is power when we come together. We’re humbled to stand in the gap for these children and proud to be part of a mission that’s changing lives.”

He added, “Our heart is to fight for the world’s Most Vulnerable People—the real MVPs. We’re so encouraged by what’s been accomplished this week.”

Authorities say that details about each case will remain confidential to protect the identities of the minors. But officials hope these 25 rescues are just the beginning of more recoveries across Florida as investigations continue.

“This is not the end—it’s a turning point,” said Branzetti. “And more children will come home because of it.”