Family presses for answers in case of missing Coral Springs teen Skylee Merino
UPDATE: Coral Springs Police said May 6 that they have successfully recovered Skylee Merino near Atlanta, Georgia. Read the full story here.
Loved ones of missing teen Skylee Merino are asking the community to attend the Coral Springs City Commission meeting Wednesday night to raise awareness for her case, as police reiterate their belief that she has not been harmed.
“She told others she wanted to leave and come home — and has not been heard from since,” the event posting says. “We are asking the community to show up and stand together to ensure this situation receives the attention it deserves.”
The action was organized by MaryAnne Marinas, Merino’s mother, and Michelle Simmons, who are asking those concerned about her case to arrive at Commission Chambers before 6:30 p.m. on May 6, when elected officials will begin their scheduled session.
On Tuesday, Coral Springs police released a major update on Merino’s whereabouts, including that her last known location was an Orlando hotel, where she stayed with an unknown adult man on April 28.
What happened to Skylee Merino?
Merino was reported missing by family members on April 21, following a meetup with an individual from Snapchat.
Shy Perry, Merino’s sister, said that a friend driving a white Ford Raptor dropped off Merino at Tamarac’s Cypress Commons Plaza at around 8:30 a.m., where she was supposed to meet a teen or young man that she had been speaking with on Snapchat.
About an hour later, Perry said, Merino asked her friend to pick her up, but the friend was unable to do so because they were at school. Her sister said this is what makes her believe Merino may be in danger.
Merino hasn’t responded to messages from family members since. Police wrote Tuesday that she is taking steps to avoid being located.
In the days following Merino’s disappearance, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and other organizations have shared her story in response to the family’s concerns.
Merino’s story has since made national news, with support coming from as far as the U.K. and Colombia, Perry told the Coral Springs News last week.
The Coral Springs Police Department continues to classify her as a runaway, but has assigned a detective to the case. Officials say they do not have reason to believe the 15-year-old is at risk of harm.
“At this time, while investigators remain concerned that Skylee’s actions may be placing her at risk, there is no indication that she has been the victim of a crime,” officials said in a statement. “The investigation remains active and ongoing.”
Marinas, Merino’s mother, has previously expressed deep anguish at what she sees as a lack of effort and communication from police.
Merino is 5 feet, 4 inches tall with dark hair and dark eyes, and weighs between 110 and 120 pounds, according to family and police. She has braces and was last seen wearing a black tank top and leggings, a black shark backpack and Jordan 4 sneakers.
Investigators said they are working to identify the individual from Snapchat and are asking anyone with information to call Detective Daniel Powers at 954-346-1223 or email dpowers@coralsprings.gov.
Those interested in attending the City Commission meeting can park at the city’s garage for free and proceed through City Hall to Commission Chambers.
This story was originally published May 5, 2026 at 10:54 AM.
