Search underway for missing Fort Myers girl

FORT MYERS, Fla. – A local 9-year-old girl, Diana Alvares, is missing.

She was last seen at 2 a.m. on Unique Circle in Fort Myers and has dark hair, brown eyes and two distinctive scars on one of her legs, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Alvares was last seen wearing blue bottoms and may be carrying a green blanket with flowers printed on it.

Neighbors said they hope the girl is found and have posted fliers around the community. One woman said she finds the incident startling.

“So unlikely it just doesn’t make sense,” she said. “”She never goes more than four, five houses. She’s afraid to go in the woods. She’s afraid to go anywhere near the major road. This is just so wrong.”

Alvares’ family said she is not a runaway. Nancy Martinez said she is getting nervous.

“I mean it’s been 18 hours. She hasn’t had food. She hasn’t had water. I mean how do we know she’s not out there? It is it’s completely frustrating because she’s 9 years old. She’s not a runaway,” Martinez said.

Please contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office with any information or if Alvares is located by calling 239-477-1000 or 9-1-1.