Search Intensifies For Missing USF Students Near Howard Frankland Bridge

Authorities are scrambling to locate two University of South Florida students who vanished near the Howard Frankland Bridge in Tampa early Thursday morning. The disappearance of 20-year-old Lucas Chen and 21-year-old Mia Rodriguez has sparked widespread concern, with search teams combing the area and social media amplifying calls for help.

The students were last seen leaving a late-night study session at the USF Tampa campus around 1:30 a.m. Their abandoned vehicle was discovered hours later on the bridge's southbound shoulder, with personal belongings still inside. Florida Highway Patrol confirmed the car showed no signs of collision or mechanical failure.

Tampa Police Department spokesperson Lt. Daniel Cruz called the circumstances "highly unusual" during a Friday press briefing. "We're pursuing all leads, including reviewing nearby traffic cameras and marine patrols scanning the bay," Cruz said. The bridge spans Tampa Bay, connecting Tampa to St. Petersburg.

Friends created a viral Instagram page (@FindLucasAndMia) that has garnered over 50,000 followers since Thursday. USF President Rhea Law issued a statement urging anyone with information to contact campus security or local authorities. The case has drawn national attention, trending on Twitter with #FindUSFStudents.

Weather conditions were clear when the students disappeared, ruling out environmental factors. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deployed sonar equipment Friday afternoon to search underwater areas near the bridge's support pillars. Family members told reporters both students were in good spirits before vanishing.

This marks the third disappearance near the Howard Frankland Bridge since 2022, though officials stress no connection has been established. The 4-mile-long bridge sees approximately 180,000 daily vehicles. Anyone with information is urged to call Tampa PD's tip line at (813) 231-6130.