\u2014 FDLE (@fdlepio) August 25, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n Officials also reported recoveries in six states, one U.S. territory and 12 countries.<\/p>\n The children ranged in age from 2 months to 17 years old. Authorities said many had experienced abuse, neglect, exploitation or exposure to other criminal activity.<\/p>\n \u201cMany of these kids have been victimized by those who prey on the most vulnerable,\u201d Attorney General James Uthmeier said. \u201cThanks to the outstanding work of FDLE, the Office of Statewide Prosecution, and our state and local partners, these children are now safe and receiving the care they deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n Children connected with Central Florida<\/p>\n The 21 recoveries reported in the Orlando region represented the third-highest total among the Florida areas identified by officials, behind Tampa Bay and Miami.<\/p>\n The Tampa Bay region recorded 46 recoveries, the largest regional total announced to date. Jacksonville followed with 32 recoveries.<\/p>\n Officials did not release individual information about the children or provide additional details about the cases, citing the need to protect the minors.<\/p>\n Children received support services<\/p>\n Children in need of assistance were taken by local law enforcement to designated recovery hubs. Social-service agencies, child-welfare professionals, medical providers, victim advocates and other organizations provided support at the hubs.<\/p>\n The Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice coordinated custody transfers for the recovered children.<\/p>\n The operation\u2019s recovery information was documented through Florida\u2019s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse to help ensure the cases were closed.<\/p>\n The Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Miami-Dade State Attorney\u2019s Office served as legal advisers during the operation. Officials said three felony cases were generated and are being pursued.<\/p>\n Click here<\/a> to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here<\/a> to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.<\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM WFTV CHANNEL 9<\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n