Okeechobee (34972) Alarm: Missing & Endangered Woman – URGENT SEARCH

Okeechobee (34972) – Okeechobee County authorities have launched a critical search for 59-year-old Cheryl Austin, who is considered endangered and was last spotted on foot around 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Deputies from the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, joined by Port St. Lucie Police, are urging the public’s immediate assistance in finding her. Cheryl was seen wearing a purple shirt, blue jeans, and carrying an orange backpack as she disappeared near downtown Okeechobee. Known to have medical issues, her disappearance is especially concerning amid high temperatures and remote terrain that could endanger her well-being.

Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for credible information. Authorities have established a command center and coordinated grid searches—utilizing K9 units and drones—to scour roads, neighborhoods, and wooded areas. The community is rallying, with volunteers joining deputies in search efforts. Residents are encouraged to check cameras, doorbells, and outdoor areas, and to report any sightings immediately. As daylight dwindles, search teams intensify efforts to bring Cheryl home safely—and every tip counts.

Key Facts

• 🔴 BREAKING: Cheryl Austin, 59, missing in Okeechobee since 10:30 a.m. Saturday

• 👥 IMPACT: One endangered adult at risk amid heat and medical conditions

• 🗣 OFFICIAL SOURCE: “We are deeply concerned for Ms. Austin’s safety.” – Sheriff’s Office

• ✅ ACTION: Check visuals and report sightings to 911 or Crime Stoppers

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   Okeechobee (34972) – downtown area near Hwy 98 & Park Street

2. Community Connection:
   “She’s part of our neighborhood—everyone’s praying she’s found safe.”
   – Carlos Rivera, Okeechobee business owner

Saturday morning began like any other in downtown Okeechobee—until deputies responded to a missing-person report for Cheryl Austin. According to the Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office, Cheryl was walking near Highway 98 and Park Street at 10:30 a.m., dressed in a purple top, blue jeans, and carrying an orange backpack. Concern is escalating due to her age, medical conditions, and the soaring Florida heat. Authorities, joined by Port St. Lucie Police and local volunteers, have established a search grid across wooded areas, residential blocks, and canal banks.

K9 units and thermal drones are scouring difficult terrain, while mobile command vehicles at the Okeechobee Sheriff’s Office coordinate the operations. Deputies urge residents to review doorbell and trail cams for any footage of Cheryl, especially from midday Saturday through evening. A hotline through Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers—1‑800‑273‑8477—is active and rewarding tips leading to her safe return. “We are deeply concerned for Ms. Austin’s safety,” stated the Sheriff’s Office in a public appeal . As volunteers fan out at dusk, officials stress the importance of swift action: regardless how small a sighting, call 911 immediately.

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:

This disappearance comes as Florida faces record summer heat and rising concerns about vulnerable adults walking alone near busy highways in rural zones.

Crisis Response

• IMMEDIATE RESOURCES:
  » Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers: 1‑800‑273‑8477 (anonymous tips, reward offered)
  » Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office: (863) 763‑3117 – main line

• OFFICIAL GUIDANCE:
  “If you saw Cheryl, even briefly, please call 911 immediately.”
  – Sheriff’s Office press release

Update Log

• 🆕 4:30 PM Sat: Search grid expanded to include wooded canal areas

• 🆕 6:45 PM Sat: Drones deployed to scan heat-stressed zones

The clock is ticking for Cheryl Austin. In remote Okeechobee, every second matters. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, check footage, and share any information. Together, the community and deputies hope to bring her home safe—before night falls.