TAMPA, Fla. — You may be familiar with the meaning of an Amber Alert. You might even know what a Silver Alert is. But, have you heard of a Purple Alert?
It was introduced by Florida leaders in July 2022 and has since helped in finding more than 250 people.
A Purple Alert is issued when an adult over the age of 18 with mental, cognitive, intellectual or developmental disabilities goes missing.
It's different than a Silver Alert, which is used to locate missing people 60 years and up who are suffering from irreversible deterioration of intellectual facilities.
“In all missing persons situations, getting the word out – and getting it out quickly – is key to a swift and safe recovery,” FDLE acting commissioner Mark Glass said when the alert was announced. “Florida’s Purple Alert plan ensures a prompt and comprehensive response while ensuring the privacy and dignity of our disabled citizens.”
The public can help in the search for these missing people by signing up to receive Purple Alerts via text or email.
Florida has 10 active Purple Alerts as of June 17 — the earliest dating back to June 2022 and the most recent being issued on June 16, 2024. Here are the people at the center of Florida's active Purple Alerts:
- Alisha Rimas - missing since June 16, 2024
Collin Williams - missing since May 27, 2024(found safe as of June 18)- Isabel Gaviria - missing since Jan. 24, 2024
- Anastacia Shaw - missing since Jan. 11, 2024
- Marlenes Nunez - missing since March 7, 2024
- Sean Hinz - missing since Oct. 8, 2023
- Luis Rodriguez - missing since Sept. 25, 2023
- John Johnson - missing since Nov. 28, 2022
- William Miller - missing since June 30, 2022
- Herbert Lee McKinnon - missing since June 9, 2022
