MULBERRY, Fla. — An abounded newborn was found after someone reported hearing "a baby crying outside" early Saturday morning in Mulberry, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
The baby girl was found around 1:47 a.m. wrapped in a blanket, on a small hill near the Regal Loop Mobile Home Park, just off Bailey Road. She was still attached to the placenta, the sheriff's office explained.
Authorities estimate the newborn was born approximately one hour before she was found, based on the infant's body temperature.
"In the Mulberry area overnight, the outside temperature was in the lower 50s," deputies said. "Polk County Fire Rescue transported the girl to a local hospital and she was reported to be healthy and stable."
The mother of the newborn has not been found. Deputies said they've attempted to locate her with a K-9 unit, drone, bloodhound and even going door-to-door.
"It was by the Grace of God that we found the abandoned baby girl when we did, before exposure to the cold or any animals caused her any harm," said Sheriff Grady Judd.
"She was left in an extremely vulnerable condition, but she's a strong little girl, and it looks like she's doing great."
Attorney Charles Gallagher said Florida's Safe Haven law was established to stop incidents like this from happening. It decriminalizes leaving an unharmed infant a week old or younger at a hospital, fire rescue or emergency medical station.
“With the exception of believing the child may be abused, there is no requirement that the receiving party take any action," Gallagher said.
There is also a 24-hour hotline for those in crisis. The number is 1-888-742-2133.