She Was Just 12: Florida Girl Disappears After Midnight — Have You Seen Her?
Lauderdale Lakes, FL – What began as a quiet early morning in Lauderdale Lakes turned into a heartbreaking nightmare for the family of 12-year-old Alkeria Brownlee, who was reported missing shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday. As hours turn into days, desperation grows—yet so does the community’s resolve to bring her home.
Who Is Alkeria?
Alkeria isn’t just another missing person on a flier—she’s a bubbly, smart, and kind-hearted preteen, well-known at her school and in her neighborhood for her radiant smile and love of music. Her teachers describe her as “gentle and curious,” while friends say she’s the one who always lends her headphones when someone forgets theirs.
The Night She Disappeared
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Alkeria was last seen around 1 a.m. Sunday on the 2700 block of Somerset Drive. Her family had assumed she was home asleep. But when her mother went to check on her just after dawn, the room was empty—Alkeria was gone.
She was last seen wearing:
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Black pants
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Gray tank top
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Black bonnet
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Black slides
Her absence has shaken the family and local community to the core.
Mother’s Plea: “Please Bring My Baby Home”
Alkeria’s mother made a public plea Sunday evening:
“My daughter is only 12. She didn’t deserve this. We are begging for anyone who has seen anything—please, help us. Please bring my baby home.”
She clutched a framed photo of Alkeria while speaking through tears in front of their home, now surrounded by community members holding candles and printed flyers.
Police Involvement and What’s Being Done
The Broward Sheriff’s Office Missing Persons Unit is leading the investigation. Authorities have asked the public to report any tips or sightings, even those that might seem insignificant.
Contact Information:
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Det. Chris Blankenship – 954-321-4268
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Non-emergency tip line – 954-764-HELP (4357)
Law enforcement is reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and apartment complexes and has expanded their search perimeter using drones and K9 units.
Community Support and Collective Vigilance
Local schools, churches, and neighborhood associations have come together. Volunteers are walking neighborhoods in groups, handing out flyers and calling out Alkeria’s name. A GoFundMe was launched to support printing costs, and some local businesses are offering free meals and water to volunteers.
Why It Matters: The First 48 Hours
Experts say the first 48 hours are the most critical when it comes to missing children. Groups like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children warn that time is everything—and community involvement plays a crucial role.
“We cannot do this alone,” said Det. Blankenship. “This isn’t just about law enforcement—this is about our neighborhoods staying alert, staying hopeful, and standing together.”
Summary
| Name | Alkeria Brownlee |
|---|---|
| Age | 12 years old |
| Last Seen | ~1:00 a.m., July 21, Somerset Dr. |
| Clothing | Black pants, gray tank top, bonnet |
| Contact Info | Det. Blankenship – 954-321-4268 |
| Tip Hotline | 954-764-HELP (4357) |
In a world full of noise and fast headlines, this story reminds us of what matters most: the safety and wellbeing of our children. Behind this breaking news is a family paralyzed by fear and clinging to hope. And in that hope, there’s power—because when communities act together, they can do extraordinary things.
If you live in South Florida—check your doorbell footage, look through your backyard, ask your children if they saw or heard anything, and above all, share this story.
One post could be the key to bringing her home.
Pulkeet Gupta is a dedicated content writer specializing in the field of education and entertainment niche. With a passion for learning and a keen interest in sharing knowledge, Pulkeet has established himself as a prominent figure in the education and entertainment writing community.
