WFLA Photojournalist Locates Missing Tampa Girl

The 11-year-old was found safe early Wednesday morning after going missing the previous evening.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:54pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police radio or other small law enforcement equipment, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a sense of urgency and investigation in the search for a missing person.

A photojournalist's quick action and observational skills helped locate a missing child in Tampa, underscoring the vital community role of local news media.Today in Tampa

A WFLA photojournalist played a key role in locating a missing 11-year-old girl in Tampa, Florida. The girl was reported missing on Tuesday after last being seen around 5:15 p.m. leaving the 4900 block of E Whiteway Drive. The photojournalist found the girl early Wednesday morning, and she was returned home safely.

Why it matters

The quick action and observational skills of the WFLA photojournalist helped bring a positive resolution to this missing persons case, highlighting the important role journalists can play in assisting law enforcement and providing valuable community support.

The details

According to the report, the 11-year-old girl was reported missing on Tuesday evening after last being seen leaving the 4900 block of E Whiteway Drive in Tampa. WFLA dispatched a photojournalist to assist in the search, and that photojournalist was able to locate the missing girl early Wednesday morning. The girl was then safely returned home.

The girl was last seen around 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
The girl was found early Wednesday morning, April 15, 2026.

The players

WFLA

A television news station serving the Tampa Bay area.