LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) — A 17-year-old Lakeland girl who was missing for more than a week was found safe, police said Monday morning.

Mercedes McLeod left her home on Dec. 8 and had not been seen since. A spokesperson for the Lakeland Police Department said Monday morning she was located safe and would be reunited with her family.

“Thank you to everyone who shared her photo and prayed for her safe return,” the spokesperson said.

The police department also thanked Plant City police for their help. Detectives had previously said she may be in the Plant City or Tampa area.