Hernando County law enforcement has activated a Florida Missing Child – Spectrum Alert for 14‑year‑old Lucas Maresca, a nonverbal autistic teen who disappeared in Spring Hill on Tuesday. The alert, which is shared statewide, asks the public to remain vigilant and report any leads.
What is known about Lucas
Lucas is described as a white male, 14 years old, about 5 feet tall and weighing roughly 126 pounds. He has brown hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a gray and white t‑shirt, neon‑orange shorts, and black shoes with neon‑green shoelaces. The disappearance occurred in the vicinity of the 10500 block of Blythville Road.
Details still pending
Officials have not released the exact time Lucas was last seen, nor the direction he may have been traveling. The investigation remains active, and detectives are reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with neighbors.
How the community can help
Anyone who may have seen Lucas, noticed unusual activity near Blythville Road, or has any information that could aid the search is urged to contact the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office at 352‑754‑6830 or dial 911 immediately. The sheriff’s office emphasized that even the smallest detail could prove critical.
Why the alert matters
The Spectrum Alert system is designed to quickly disseminate information about missing children across Florida, leveraging media, highway signs, and digital platforms. By issuing a statewide alert, authorities hope to expand the search radius beyond Hernando County and enlist the help of motorists, local businesses, and neighboring jurisdictions.
Support for families of children with autism
Lucas’s condition adds urgency to the search, as nonverbal autistic individuals may have difficulty communicating distress or navigating unfamiliar environments. Local advocacy groups for families of children with autism have expressed their solidarity, urging community members to stay alert and report any sightings.
The search continues, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available. Residents are asked to keep an eye out for Lucas and to share the alert with friends, family, and anyone traveling through the Spring Hill area.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
