A 7-year-old girl who had been reported missing earlier this week was found Tuesday afternoon beneath a cluster of palm trees along the coastline of Key Largo. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance and discovery have left the community stunned — with her own father now at the center of a police investigation.

Authorities were first alerted to the situation when beachgoers noticed a group of emergency responders huddled around what appeared to be a lifeless figure near a beach resort. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as paramedics worked quickly while officers cordoned off the area. It was soon confirmed that the girl, who had been missing for over 36 hours, had been found there — conscious but visibly disoriented and in need of medical attention.

According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the girl’s father is now in custody and facing multiple charges, including child endangerment and obstruction of justice. While details remain under investigation, early reports suggest that the girl may have been intentionally left in a secluded area near the beach following a domestic dispute.

“This case is still developing, but what we do know is deeply troubling,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay during a brief press conference. “We’re grateful the child was found alive. Our thoughts are with her as she begins the road to recovery.”