News Summary
Elaine Banks Douglas, a 76-year-old woman with dementia, who was reported missing from Jacksonville, Florida, has been safely located in Georgia. After a Silver Alert was issued, community involvement and law enforcement efforts led to her discovery. Douglas was last seen driving a white Toyota Venza and was found unharmed thanks to prompt public responsiveness.
Jacksonville, Florida – Missing 76-Year-Old Woman with Dementia Found Safe in Georgia
A 76-year-old woman with dementia, Elaine Banks Douglas, who was reported missing over the weekend, has been found safe in Georgia. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) issued a Silver Alert for her disappearance on Saturday after concerned family members reported her missing.
Douglas was last seen wearing a white baseball cap and a dark-colored shirt. At the time of her disappearance, authorities believed she was driving a white 2010 Toyota Venza with the Florida license plate JW020A. Douglas is described as being 5-foot-3 with black hair. The JSO alerted the public, asking anyone with information on her whereabouts to contact them at 904-630-0500.
On Saturday night, around 9:45 PM, JSO confirmed that Douglas had been located unharmed by law enforcement officers in Georgia. The timely actions of the community in response to the Silver Alert, along with the assistance of law enforcement, were crucial in ensuring her safe return.
Significance of Silver Alerts
Silver Alerts are disseminated to inform the public about missing individuals, particularly those suffering from dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive impairments. This system aims to quickly rally community support in locating individuals who may be at risk due to their health conditions. The timely issuance of such alerts can significantly increase the likelihood of a safe and swift reunion with loved ones.
In this case, the prompt actions by JSO fulfilled their mission of public safety, showcasing how these alerts serve as critical tools in preventing potential tragedies involving vulnerable populations.
Background on Elaine Banks Douglas
Elaine Banks Douglas, a resident of Jacksonville, has been diagnosed with dementia, a condition that can impair memory, cognitive function, and the ability to navigate one’s environment safely. Missing persons cases involving individuals with dementia pose unique challenges, as these individuals may become disoriented and unable to communicate their needs or location.
The community’s response to such incidents is vital, as quick reporting and awareness can lead to successful recoveries. Families and friends often face distress when their loved ones go missing, especially when underlying health issues are involved.
The JSO routinely engages the public through various means, including social media and community-based outreach, to facilitate the search for missing persons. Their efforts underscore the importance of vigilance and the role of community engagement in addressing public safety concerns.
The alert regarding Douglas’s disappearance serves as a reminder to the public about the risks faced by individuals with cognitive impairments. It also highlights the essential collaboration needed between families, law enforcement, and the community to provide support for those at risk.
In conclusion, Elaine Banks Douglas’s safe recovery is a positive outcome attributed to the efforts of law enforcement and the community’s responsiveness to the Silver Alert. Instances like these reinforce the significance of public awareness and participation in the ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable individuals within the community.
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax: Silver Alert for Missing Woman
- First Coast News: Missing Woman Silver Alert
- News4Jax: Missing Mother Found Alive
- THV11: Jacksonville Missing Woman Reports
- Wikipedia: General Knowledge
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.
