POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Dozens of people gathered in Winter Haven on Tuesday night to pray for a missing Auburndale woman’s return.
Tonya Whipp was last seen about two months ago.
What You Need To Know
- Tuesday evening, dozens of family, friends and community members came out to pray for Tonya Whipp, who hasn't been heard from in almost two months
- Whipp is now no longer only considered missing, but missing endangered
- PREVIOUS STORY: Auburndale police search trailer in connection with missing woman
Whipp’s sister, Donna Martin, said she would not have gone this long without contacting them.
“I’ve been wearing this (bracelet) every day and I’m making a wish every day that my sister returns.”
Tuesday evening, dozens of family, friends and community members came out to pray for her.
Whipp is now no longer only considered missing, but missing endangered.
“Time frame is starting to get really critical now,” said Nico Tusconi, with the We Are The Essentials group helping search for Whipp. “We’re going to be asking for your help again in the very near future.”
Police searched a trailer in Auburndale last week after the group says it received information she was last seen there June 6.
Family members said she was not found.
“We’re just crying out to the community,” Martin said. “To everybody here, to everybody outside of here — please help us find our sister.”
Martin says she’s not sure where their efforts go from here.
She said another search will likely be organized, and she hopes reward money gets someone with information to come forward.
A $4,000 reward is being offered for information on Whipp’s case.
Tips can be reportedly anonymously to Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-Tips.