What is a florida purple alert?

A Florida Purple Alert is a statewide program designed to aid in the identification and location of missing adults with a mental, cognitive, or developmental disability who are found in a public area, who have the potential to wander and become lost. The program is named after William "Willie" Joe White, a senior citizen with dementia who was found murdered in South Florida in 2017 after wandering from a caretaker's home.

When a person is reported missing under the circumstances outlined above, law enforcement agencies across Florida will issue a Florida Purple Alert. This alert includes the missing person's description, last known location, and other relevant details that can help the public identify and locate the individual.

The Florida Purple Alert is an important tool for quickly disseminating information and mobilizing resources to locate missing vulnerable adults. By raising awareness and engaging the community in the search efforts, the program aims to prevent tragedies and ensure the safe return of missing individuals.