Found plush dragon toy near UTC entrance
Description
I found this plush dragon toy this afternoon around 4:15pm outside the main entrance of the University Town Center (UTC) in Sarasota, right by the fountain near the valet area. It's about 12 inches tall, purple with a lime-green belly, orange felt horns, and a small blue star patch on the left wing. One eye is stitched a bit crooked, and there's a tiny frayed thread on the tail from being loved. It clearly looks like a kid's favorite—soft and well-loved—and I held onto it to help someone reclaim it. If this is yours, send a quick message here and we can arrange a safe pickup in the UTC area.
Approximate found location
Pin shows an approximate area, not the exact spot — to protect privacy.
How to safely return this item
A short checklist to protect you and the item during the handoff.
Verify the owner before handing it back
- Ask the claimant for a specific identifying detail before confirming.
- If valuable, ask for a photo with matching ID, receipt, or original packaging.
- Never post the precise location publicly. Share it only with a verified owner.
- Do not accept payment to return it. That is a red flag for a scam claim.
Meet in a safe, public place
- Police stations, café entrances, transport hubs, and shop foyers all work.
- Meet during daylight hours where there is CCTV and foot traffic.
- Avoid private homes, car parks at night, or isolated locations.
Bring someone with you
- Tell a friend or family member where you are meeting and when.
- Share your live location with them during the handoff.
- For high-value items, consider contacting your local police station for advice first.
Keep communication on lostandfound.io
- Use the in-app message thread so there is a record if something goes wrong.
- Do not move to WhatsApp, SMS, or email until you have exchanged a verifying detail.
- Never share bank details, government ID numbers, or copies of your ID.