
Search Intensifies for Missing Girls Last Seen Paddleboarding in Cedar Key, Florida
The search for two missing teenage girls, last seen paddleboarding in Cedar Key, Florida, has intensified as concerns grow for their safety. The girls, identified as 14-year-old Gabriella and 16-year-old Audrey, were reported missing on Saturday evening after they did not return from their paddleboarding outing.
According to the Levy County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred near the Atsena Otie Key, a small island off the coast of Cedar Key. The girls were reportedly paddleboarding when they were last seen around 5:30 p.m. A massive search operation involving multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and local volunteers, has been underway since their disappearance was reported.
Authorities have utilized helicopters, drones, and boats in their efforts to locate the missing girls. The search has been complicated by the area's challenging tidal conditions and dense mangrove forests, which can obscure visibility. The community of Cedar Key has rallied together, with many residents joining the search efforts and offering support to the families of the missing girls.
The Levy County Sheriff's Office has urged anyone with information about the girls' whereabouts to come forward. As the search continues, the community remains hopeful for a safe return of Gabriella and Audrey. The incident has sparked discussions about water safety and the importance of being prepared when engaging in activities like paddleboarding.