Jacksonville deputies seek public assistance locating 69-year-old man last seen near McDuff and Beaver streets

Public appeal issued after man leaves independent living facility

Jacksonville authorities are asking for the public’s help to locate a missing 69-year-old man after he was last seen Tuesday afternoon near the intersection of McDuff Avenue and Beaver Street.

The man, identified as Nick Hatfield, was reported missing on September 9, 2025. Investigators said he was last seen at about 2:30 p.m., a short time after leaving an independent living facility on Lowell Avenue.

Authorities said they are concerned for his safety due to his age and reported cognitive issues. Police have asked residents and businesses in the surrounding area to remain alert and to report any potential sightings promptly.

Description released to help the public identify him

Authorities circulated a detailed description in an effort to help people recognize Hatfield if they see him.

• Age: 69
• Last known area: McDuff Avenue and Beaver Street, Jacksonville
• Clothing reported at the time he was last seen: two hats (a Dodgers cap worn over an NRA hat), a navy blue shirt under a white tank top, light blue jeans with holes under the knees, and black slides
• Other identifying note: he may be wearing an item that says “Nick”

How missing-person alerts work in Florida

Florida uses statewide alert systems to help locate missing people when specific criteria are met. A Silver Alert may be issued for missing individuals—generally age 60 and older—who have a verified, irreversible deterioration of intellectual faculties such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Separately, a Purple Alert is designed to help locate missing adults with certain mental, cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities who do not meet Silver Alert criteria.

In practice, the decision to issue any alert and the methods used to distribute information depend on circumstances such as confirmed risk factors, available descriptive details, and whether a vehicle is involved.

Anyone with information about Hatfield’s location has been asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number at 904-630-0500.

Update: Hatfield located safe

Authorities later announced that Hatfield was found safe on September 10, 2025, concluding the public request for assistance.