SARASOTA, FL — August 6, 2025 — A large-scale search is underway in Sarasota County for 18-year-old Giovanni M. Pelletier, who vanished after reportedly fleeing from a vehicle along Interstate 75 on the evening of August 1, 2025. Law enforcement and the teen’s family are urgently appealing to the public for help in locating him.
According to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Gio was last seen running on foot from a vehicle along a stretch of I-75 in Sarasota. No additional details about the vehicle, the driver, or the events that led to his flight have been released at this time. Authorities have not ruled out foul play but continue to treat the case as a high-priority missing person investigation.
“This is a critical time window,” said a spokesperson from the Sheriff’s Office. “We are asking anyone who was traveling near I-75 on August 1 or has home security or dash cam footage to come forward.”
Family members describe Giovanni’s disappearance as entirely out of character. Loved ones say he has never gone this long without contacting anyone and emphasize that he may be in danger or disoriented.
“He’s never just gone silent like this,” said a relative. “We’re scared. We need help. We just want Gio home safe.”
A social media campaign with the hashtag #BringGioHome has rapidly gained traction online, with thousands of shares calling attention to the teen’s disappearance. Flyers have been posted across the Sarasota and Charlotte County areas, and a community-led search effort is being planned.
Description of Missing Teen:
- Name: Giovanni M. Pelletier
- Nickname: Gio
- Age: 18
- Race/Ethnicity: Black / African American
- Height: 5’11” – 6’0″
- Weight: 145 – 150 lbs
- Hair: Short, curly, black
- Eyes: Brown
- Last Seen Wearing: White tank top, black sweatpants, black/gray Nike Jordans
- Last Known Location: Fleeing on foot from a vehicle along I-75 in Sarasota, Florida on August 1, 2025
How to Help:
If you have any information about Giovanni’s whereabouts — no matter how small — please contact:
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office
(941) 575-5361
Tips can also be submitted anonymously.
Authorities stress the urgency of public involvement in cases like this, where time is of the essence and even a single sighting or piece of information could lead to a breakthrough.
For now, Giovanni’s family and community continue to wait and hope — determined to bring him home.