Ongoing Search for Missing Jacksonville Mother of Five

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Only a few weeks after being discovered dehydrated and confused in a forested area, Kayla Bailey, a mother of five from Jacksonville, is missing once more. Her family reports that she is dealing with serious mental health problems.

The 34-year-old was last seen at her family’s home on Blackthorn Road in the Wesconnett area early Sunday morning.

Her mother, Lisa Lucas, told First Coast News her daughter was mentally fragile and expressed deep concern for her wellbeing.

“She’s abandoned everything in her life,” said a family member. “Her business, her kids, her family, even her home. This isn’t like my daughter. She shouldn’t be out there wherever she might be.”

Her family explains that Bailey was discharged from the hospital on Thursday, under two weeks since she was located in the woods suffering from dehydration. Her brother, Scott Lucas, noted that Kayla declined joining a grocery trip on Sunday morning and was found missing within less than an hour after.

“I’ve combed the woods and checked under every bridge,” he said. The family mentions that their concerns deepen with each hour that passes.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office released a statement to First Coast News emphasizing the complexity and numerous factors involved in cases like this one.

JSO stated there isn’t a specific timeline for starting comprehensive searches when someone is presumed to have left on their own accord, but confirmed that Bailey’s case remains active.

As the search continues, Kayla’s family and community members are pleading for help and holding onto hope for her safe return.

“If we can find her, I think she can come back to life again,” her family said. “There’s still hope. She’s never done anything like this in her whole life.”

Bailey was last seen wearing a black romper and brown sandals. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.