Deputies, dive team search near Croom Rd. for missing park ranger

BROOKSVILLE (FOX 13) - A Florida Forest Service ranger has been missing for two days and investigators are worried may be in trouble.

Hernando County deputies say 43-year-old Mitzi Babb, a seven-year employee of the Florida Forest Service, hasn't been seen for two days.

Deputies have named her boyfriend, Jeffrey Morrison as a person of interest.

"The whole community knows her," said her sister-in-law, Angela Cormier. "She is known as "Red." Or the favorite ranger. She is spirited. She is beautiful."

She was last seen at her job as a park ranger in Brooksville on Tuesday at around 5 p.m.

Deputies and FDLE spent hours searching the woods off Croom Road, including sending a dive team into a body of water. 

The last person she is known to be with is Morrison, who may be driving a dark Kia Soul with Florida tag 12CBT.

"We can't locate him," said Denise Moloney, a spokesperson for the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. "He is not calling in. He is not saying, 'Hey, I am over here. I don't know where she is.' We need to speak with him."

Deputies won't say publicly why they believe Babb is in danger, but it's clear she didn't simply pick up and go.

Cormier says Mitzi's relationship with Morrison was occasionally rocky.

"We all have ups and downs. She is one of the most beautiful people I have ever known, and we have to find her," she said.

Mitzi has a college-age daughter. She lost her husband in a house fire eight years ago.

Along with nature, her family says she also loves cats and she frequently changes her hair color.

Those who love her can't fathom where she might be.

"She was there when I had my daughter," said Cormier. "I called her daughter my niece when she was five. She was my backbone and I am hers."

Deputies say it is possible Morrison may have left the state.

The sheriff's office is asking anyone who has any further information to give them a call.