news as issues

orange park fl

ORANGE PARK, FL -- Somer Thompson's mom, Diena Thompson, will appear on all three network morning shows this morning.

The parking lot at Orange Park's Town Hall is filled with trucks, as crews prepare for the interviews inside council chambers.

Thompson will appear on Good Morning America on ABC and The Today Show on NBC.

A reporter for NBC News and several network news producers are also in Orange Park this morning.

Sheriff Rick Beseler will appear with Diena Thompson at 8:15 a.m. today, which First Coast News will cover live.

The sheriff has indicated the search has expanded and there's a statewide Amber Alert. But it's unclear if the search has expanded to the southeast region or even the entire country.

Somer's mother gathered with friends for a candlelight vigil Tuesday night. Her father who lives in North Carolina also pleaded for her safe return.

The 7-year-old girl disappeared while walking home from Grove Park Elementary school Monday afternoon. She was last seen with her hair tied into a ponytail with a red bow. She wore a maroon sweatsuit with a pink stripe and a black t-shirt. She was carrying a purple Hannah Montana backpack and lunchbox.