Missing girl found in Florida swamp

TAMPA, Fla. — A missing 11-year-old central Florida girl with an autism-related disorder was found alive Tuesday by a member of her family's church four days after she disappeared into an alligator-infested swamp a half-mile from her home.

Fifth-grader Nadia Bloom was taken to a hospital where she was evaluated and treated for dehydration and insect bites, said Winter Springs Police Chief Kevin Brunelle.

"If I never believed in miracles, I sure do now," Brunelle said during an afternoon news conference.

It took nearly two hours for rescuers to carry Nadia out of the thick brush and swamp. James King, who goes to church with Nadia's family and was helping in the search, found her in a dry patch in the middle of the swamp and called authorities. He started walking at daylight and found her several hours later, he said.

"Hey, I've got her," King said, in the 911 call. "I've got Nadia."

King said the girl had bug bites yet "no major injuries, just exposure."

King added: "The Lord told me where to find her."

A Winter Springs dispatcher asked to speak with Nadia.

"Hi," Nadia's little and weak voice said. "This is Nadia and I'm the girl that got lost."

Later in the afternoon, the medical director at South Seminole Hospital in Longwood spoke to reporters.

"She's smiling. Her vital (signs) are stable. She has some abrasions and bites. She is dehydrated and receiving (intravenous) fluids and wound care," said Dr. Rakish Parekh. "She is doing remarkably well."

By 8 p.m., Geo Morales, a spokesman from the hospital, said that Nadia's family requested privacy and said he could not release any information about her, including whether she was still being treated.

Brunelle said Tuesday night that he wasn't sure if Nadia had gone home.

"Children can be very resilient," Brunelle said. "Especially Nadia. She's a driven young lady, and she surprised a lot of people today."

Nadia's discovery was a welcome — and rare — event in a state that has been plagued with missing children.

Brunelle said Nadia told rescuers two things: "I'm glad you guys found me" and "I can't believe you guys rescued me."

Her sister has said Nadia, who has Asperger syndrome, may have gone into the dense woods around their Winter Springs home hoping to make a nature video.