Urgent search for missing 11-year-old boy in Florida (Photo)

Authorities in Central Florida are searching for an 11-year-old boy who has been reported missing, prompting a statewide alert and an urgent appeal for the public’s assistance.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) issued a Missing Child Alert for Jacob Bowling, 11, who was last seen in the Geneva and Oviedo area of Seminole County, northeast of Orlando.

According to the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, Jacob was last seen boarding a school bus near Sanctuary Drive in unincorporated Oviedo. Investigators believe he may have traveled toward the Osceola Road or Raccoon Trail area.

Jacob is described as approximately 4 feet, 6 inches tall and weighing around 100 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes.

Authorities say he was last seen wearing a cream-colored Harry Potter T-shirt and black-and-white shoes. He was also carrying a black backpack.

The statewide alert was issued Tuesday evening, October 13, as law enforcement agencies began asking residents to help locate the missing child.

As of Wednesday morning, October 14, authorities had not publicly confirmed that Jacob had been found.

Officials have not released detailed information about the circumstances of his disappearance or indicated whether foul play is suspected.

A Florida Missing Child Alert is intended to help law enforcement locate missing children whose safety may be at risk. Unlike an AMBER Alert, it does not necessarily indicate that a child has been abducted.

The case has drawn attention across the Orlando metropolitan area, with local news outlets sharing Jacob’s description and information about the search.

Authorities are urging residents to remain alert, particularly in the Geneva, Oviedo and surrounding Seminole County communities.

Anyone who believes they have seen Jacob or has information that could help investigators is asked to contact the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office at 407-665-6650. Anyone facing an immediate emergency should call 911.

Residents are encouraged to share the official missing child alert to help authorities reach as many people as possible.