78-Year-Old Found Safe After Going Missing in Florida Woods

K-9 bloodhound Remington located Joceli Coutinho, who had no food or water, in less than an hour

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Joceli Coutinho, a 78-year-old Florida man with Parkinson's disease and dementia, went missing in a wooded area on January 28. After an extensive search involving the Lee County Sheriff's Office, K-9 bloodhound Remington was able to track Coutinho's scent from his flip-flops and locate him in less than an hour, despite Coutinho having no food, water, or medication. Coutinho was reunited with his family and required a week in the hospital to recover from dehydration and muscle breakdown.

Why it matters

This story highlights the importance of specialized K-9 units in search and rescue operations, especially for vulnerable individuals like the elderly who may have cognitive impairments. It also underscores the challenges faced by those with conditions like Parkinson's and dementia, and the need for vigilance and support from the community to ensure their safety.

The details

Using a scent taken from Coutinho's flip-flops, 3-year-old K-9 bloodhound Remington was able to track the man's location in less than half a mile of the Buckingham Trails Preserve, where he was found in deep brush. Coutinho had been missing for nearly 24 hours, including a stretch of freezing temperatures, before being rescued.

  • Coutinho was last seen on January 28 on Atherton Avenue in Lehigh Acres, Florida.
  • The search for Coutinho focused on the Buckingham Trail Preserve, Buckingham Road, and surrounding neighborhoods on January 29.
  • Coutinho was found safe later on January 29.
  • Coutinho and Remington had a reunion at the Lee County Sheriff's Office on February 12 to celebrate Coutinho's return.

The players

Joceli Coutinho

A 78-year-old Florida man with Parkinson's disease and dementia who went missing in a wooded area.

Remington

A 3-year-old K-9 bloodhound with the Lee County Sheriff's Office who was able to track and locate Coutinho.

Thomas Mafra

Coutinho's grandson, who expressed relief and emotion when his grandfather was found safe.

Everton

Coutinho's youngest son, who said his father spent a week in the hospital to recover from dehydration and muscle breakdown.

Carmine Marceno

The Lee County Sheriff who commended the efforts of the search and rescue team that located Coutinho.

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What they’re saying

“The whole family cried when we heard the news.”

— Thomas Mafra, Coutinho's grandson (WBBH)

“Utilizing his instincts and training, Remy played a vital role in successfully rescuing 78-year-old Joceli Coutinho, who had gone missing at Buckingham Trails Preserve for nearly 24 hours including a stretch of freezing temperatures.”

— Lee County Sheriff's Office (Lee County Sheriff's Office social media post)

“Mr. Coutinho is blessed with an amazing family, and we are beyond grateful to celebrate that he is here safely with us!”

— Lee County Sheriff's Office (Lee County Sheriff's Office social media post)

What’s next

The Lee County Sheriff's Office will continue to work with Coutinho's family to ensure his ongoing safety and well-being following his ordeal.

The takeaway

This heartwarming rescue story underscores the critical role that specialized K-9 units can play in search and rescue operations, particularly for vulnerable individuals like the elderly who may have cognitive impairments. It also highlights the importance of community support and vigilance in ensuring the safety of those at risk.