Fayren Morris, 16, was last seen near Washington Street in New Smyrna Beach. Authorities say she may be in the company of Ra'kim Edwards, 34, and the two could be traveling in a gray 2016 Acura TLX bearing Florida tag number FDMA64. Investigators believe the pair may be in the DeLand area.

The alert, issued Thursday evening, was activated under Florida's Amber Alert system, which is reserved for cases involving children believed to be in imminent danger. The FDLE distributed descriptions of both individuals to law enforcement agencies and the public across the state.

Edwards has several identifying tattoos, according to the alert: the word "Lala" on his right shoulder, "Boy" on his left forearm, "C.O.D." on his right forearm, and a sleeve on his right arm that reads "C.O.D. Boy."

Authorities are urging anyone who spots the pair not to approach them. Instead, the public should contact law enforcement immediately. Tips can be directed to the FDLE, the New Smyrna Beach Police Department at 386-424-2000, or 911.

The case adds to a growing list of missing-child alerts in Florida this year, and advocates say swift public response is often the difference between a safe recovery and a prolonged search. Amber Alerts rely on broad public participation — from highway message boards to phone notifications — to generate the sightings that investigators need.

New Smyrna Beach, a coastal community in Volusia County, sits roughly 25 miles northeast of DeLand, where authorities believe the two may be headed. The route between the two cities includes stretches of State Road 44 and Interstate 4, both heavily traveled corridors that law enforcement will likely monitor.

Anyone with information about Fayren Morris or Ra'kim Edwards is asked to come forward. Even details that seem minor — a vehicle matching the description, a sighting at a gas station or rest stop — can be critical to investigators working to locate the teen.