In a critical update from the Pasco Sheriff's Office, 10-year-old Gia Ford, who had been reported missing and endangered, has been found and is now safe. Ford was reported missing after last being seen around 9:30 p.m. on June 25 in the Old Florida Circle area of Hudson, sparking a search effort by local authorities. Ford, described as approximately 5'5" and weighing around 75 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes, was the subject of an urgent community appeal for any information regarding her whereabouts.

The initial report by the Pasco Sheriff's Office, shared as a community news alert, did not include details on what Ford may have been wearing at the time of her disappearance, the alert emphasized the urgency of locating the young girl and provided a non-emergency contact number and an online tip reporting resource. Community members were requested to call the Pasco Sheriff’s Non-Emergency Line at 727-847-8102, option 7, or to report tips online at PascoSheriff.com/tips if they had any relevant information.

The swift resolution to what could have been a protracted and distressing situation is a testament to the effectiveness of both law enforcement and community response. Details of how Ford was located and the specific circumstances surrounding her disappearance and safe return have not been made public at this time, as the focus remains on ensuring her well-being and privacy in the aftermath of the event.

The community around Old Florida Circle can now breathe a collective sigh of relief, as the palpable tension that hangs in the air when a child goes missing has been dispelled with Gia Ford's safe return, the actions of both the deputies and citizens who came forward with information, leads, or simply spread the word, underscores the pivotal role that public engagement plays in such critical moments; while the specifics of the investigation remain closely held by authorities, it is clear that the collective effort made a difference.