25 Children Located in First-Ever Northeast Florida Missing Child Rescue Operation

25 Children Located in First-Ever Northeast Florida Missing Child Rescue Operation

Share This Story

Over 30 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and child protection partners came together for a three-day collaborative operation to locate and safeguard missing and endangered youth. 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., June 2025—We are grateful to have supported our partner, the National Child Protection Task Force (NCPTF), in collaboration with law enforcement, nonprofits, and private-sector experts, to host the Northeast Florida Missing Child Rescue Operation. The operation resulted in the recovery of 25 missing and endangered children in just three days. 

This marked a first-of-its-kind collaborative initiative in the region, uniting local, state, and federal law enforcement alongside numerous organizations and partners to provide coordinated investigative support. By aligning efforts across the area, this powerful operation played a vital role in bringing vulnerable children to safety.

“One of our non-negotiables at the Tim Tebow Foundation is that there is power when we come together. We’re humbled to come alongside this incredible team of law enforcement, child protection agencies, experts, and partners to stand in the gap for these missing and vulnerable children,” shared Tim Tebow, founder and chairman of the Tim Tebow Foundation. “Our heart is to fight for the world’s Most Vulnerable People—the real MVPs—and we’re so encouraged that we were able to be a part of impacting these lives this week.” 

The operation, led by the National Child Protection Task Force (NCPTF) and hosted by Operation Light Shine and the INTERCEPT Task Force, unfolded across six counties in northeast Florida: Clay, Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, Putnam, and Flagler. Over three days, partners worked around the clock to investigate active missing child cases, follow leads, and employ cutting-edge technology in their searches. 

This coordinated effort not only resulted in the location of 25 children as of June 18 but also generated additional investigative momentum for several more cases still in progress and created multidisciplinary relationships that will expedite this work far into the future.

“Every missing child deserves a community that refuses to give up,” said Kevin Branzetti, CEO and Co-Founder of the National Child Protection Task Force. “In Northeast Florida, that’s exactly what happened. Law enforcement, social services, and community partners came together—not just to find, but to listen, and help. At NCPTF, we believe real change happens through collaboration, kindness, and relentless determination. This week, we didn’t just find missing children—we built trust, strengthened systems, and showed what’s possible when people put purpose over ego. The momentum we created here doesn’t end—it becomes a model for what every community can do.” 

Law enforcement officials, prosecutors, social workers, and community partners worked side-by-side to deliver trauma-informed care and support services to each recovered child, ensuring their next steps are met with compassion, stability, and hope, while planning for their long-term sustainability and safety. As part of the wrap-around care, youth were also provided with hygiene kits, comfort items, food, and access to ongoing services through state and local organizations.

"Hosting this operation at our INTERCEPT office wasn’t just an honor — it was a reflection of what’s possible when committed partners come together with one purpose: to protect kids,” added Operation Light Shine Chief Operating Officer, Bryan Weight. “This mission is deeply personal to us, and we’re proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with those on the front lines across Northeast Florida. Together, we’re not just responding — we’re building a safer future for our children.” 

As follow-up work continues, law enforcement will manage the details of individual cases confidentially to protect the privacy of the children and families involved. Additional rescues are anticipated as investigations progress. 

Click here to read the press release from NCPTF.

Share This Story