An AMBER Alert has been activated in Riviera Beach for two missing children, ages 3 and 11, sparking an urgent multi-agency search. The siblings were last seen near Blue Heron Boulevard, with witnesses reporting a suspicious silver SUV in the area.

Authorities suspect a custody dispute may be involved, as court records reveal a contentious divorce between the parents. Florida’s child recovery statistics show a 92% success rate, but cases involving family members often take longer to resolve.

Riviera Beach Amber Alert: 3 and 11-Year-Old Children Missing Near Blue Heron Blvd – Custody Dispute Suspected

Amber Alert Activated for Siblings Last Seen Near Blue Heron Boulevard

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has issued an Amber Alert for two siblings—a 3-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy—who were reported missing from Riviera Beach on August 18, 2025. The children were last seen near the intersection of Blue Heron Boulevard and Congress Avenue, a busy commercial area with multiple surveillance cameras currently being reviewed by investigators.

Authorities describe the potential suspect vehicle as a silver sedan, though witness accounts suggest it might be an SUV. The timeline suggests the abduction occurred between 1:15 PM and 1:45 PM, when the mother reported the children missing after they failed to return from a supervised visit.

The proximity to Blue Heron Blvd worries me—that road connects directly to I-95. If this was planned, the abductor could already be out of state.

Custody Dispute Emerges as Primary Lead in Investigation

Court records reveal an ongoing custody battle between the children’s parents, with the father having filed three motions regarding visitation rights in the past month. While officials haven’t confirmed parental involvement, the circumstances match Florida’s criteria for custodial interference:

• History of documented custody disputes
• Recent court filings regarding visitation rights
• No evidence of forced abduction at the scene

The mother currently holds primary custody, with the father having standard visitation rights every weekend. Neighbors report tension between the parents during recent custody exchanges.

Florida’s Custodial Interference Laws

Under Florida Statute 787.03, even parents can face felony kidnapping charges if they:

• Violate court-ordered custody arrangements
• Conceal the child’s whereabouts
• Leave the state without permission

These cases are trickier than stranger abductions—the kids often don’t realize they’re “missing,” making identification harder.

Search Efforts Expand Across South Florida

Multiple agencies have mobilized search resources:

Local businesses along Blue Heron Blvd have provided security footage, while residents are asked to review their doorbell camera recordings between 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM on August 18.

The Silver Alert system could help here—if that sedan gets spotted on toll cameras, we might get plate verification within hours.

Community Response and Safety Recommendations

The Riviera Beach community has organized volunteer search parties while authorities emphasize:

• Do not approach suspicious vehicles
• Note license plates and distinctive features
• Report sightings to 911 immediately

Social media has circulated unverified sightings, prompting police to remind residents that false tips divert critical resources. The official tip line (1-800-FIND-KID) has received over 300 calls since the alert activation.

Psychological Impact on Missing Children

Child advocates stress the trauma experienced by abducted children:

• Younger children may not understand they’re in danger
• Pre-teens often resist leaving due to school/social ties
• Both age groups risk developing attachment disorders

The 11-year-old’s age concerns me most—old enough to seek help but young enough to be manipulated by a parental figure.

What Residents Can Do

• Review home security footage
• Check sheds/playhouses on property
• Monitor unusual activity at short-term rentals

Florida’s Amber Alert Success Rates and Statistics

FDLE data shows:

The extended resolution time for custody disputes reflects the challenges of locating children moved between residences rather than public spaces.

That high recovery rate sounds comforting, but it counts when parents turn themselves in—not when kids are found in imminent danger.

Related Cases in South Florida

• 2024 Miami Shores custodial case (resolved in 61 hours)
• 2023 Fort Lauderdale non-parental abduction (ongoing)
• 2022 West Palm Beach AMBER Alert (child found in Georgia)