News Summary
Kayla Bailey, a 34-year-old mother from Jacksonville, Florida, was found alive after being missing for over two days. Discovered in a wooded area near her home, authorities had raised concerns about her well-being. A significant search effort was mobilized to find her, leading to her eventual discovery. Following her return, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to help her and her children, as she is a survivor of domestic violence. Investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Jacksonville Mother Kayla Bailey Found Alive After Two Days Missing
Jacksonville, Florida – Missing for over two days, 34-year-old Kayla Bailey was discovered alive on Wednesday, August 21, 2025. Found lying in a wooded area approximately three-quarters of a mile from her Maxville home, Bailey’s absence had raised significant concern among local authorities and the community.
Bailey was reported missing by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) on Monday, August 19, 2025. During her time missing, it is reported that she did not have access to food, water, or shelter. The determination of her well-being prompted a major search operation involving around 50 officers and firefighters, who utilized the MEPSAR (Missing Endangered Person Search and Rescue) system. Authorities initially expressed fears for her safety, with speculation that she might have been endangered.
A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated by TKS America to assist Bailey and her children during this challenging time, aiming to raise $12,000. As of Thursday evening, the campaign had already garnered nearly $7,000 in support. The funds are intended to help Bailey, a survivor of domestic violence, and her five children rebuild their lives in a secure environment.
Background and Investigation
Bailey’s disappearance came after a tumultuous period in her life related to domestic violence issues. Court records indicate that her husband, Joshua Elias Bailey, 40, has faced multiple accusations of domestic abuse. He was arrested on August 20, 2025, on charges of violating a domestic violence injunction. His bond is set at $15,003, following a legal order that prohibited him from contacting his wife or approaching their family home.
The JSO had previously noted that Joshua Bailey was subject to a restraining order that mandated he remain at least 500 feet away from the family residence. This context raised additional concerns when Kayla Bailey went missing. The investigation revealed no current persons of interest in her case, suggesting that she was believed to have been in the wooded area of her own accord.
Community Response and Support
The search for Bailey mobilized significant community support, illustrating the concern for her well-being. Local citizens and various organizations actively participated in the effort, demonstrating the strong ties and mutual care in the Jacksonville area.
As investigations continue, Kayla Bailey is currently receiving medical attention and will undergo a more comprehensive interview once she is stabilized at the hospital. In light of her situation, the response to her disappearance has sparked a dialogue about domestic violence within the Jacksonville community, which has a notably high rate of restraining order requests in such cases, ranking fourth statewide in Florida.
Kayla Bailey is described by her family as a dedicated mother and a business owner who operates a photography business she established in 2013. Her mother has urged the public to refrain from speculation regarding her daughter’s circumstances until the JSO investigation is concluded, emphasizing the importance of sensitivity during this time.
As the GoFundMe campaign continues to evolve, community members are encouraged to contribute to support Kayla Bailey and her children as they navigate the challenges ahead, focusing on safety and recovery following this harrowing incident.
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
