MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Spectrum Bay News 9 has covered the unsolved case of Sarasota teen Jabez Spann at length, and while how he died remains a heartbreaking mystery, his mother is using the tragedy as motivation to help other families of missing children.

Tawana Spann is now working on a podcast, with plans to launch it early next year.

Spann said she knows all too well the feeling of having a child go missing. Her son Jabez disappeared in September of 2017.  It was nearly a year and a half later before his remains were found on the side of a rural Manatee County road.

“Your life literally just stands still, it doesn’t go anywhere,” Spann said.  And while she pointed out her son’s case did get a lot of local media attention, Spann said many missing children cases involving a people of color don’t get high lighted as often.

“That platform that was used for Gabby Petito found her. Even though it wasn’t the way they wanted to, it still found her in a matter of…those platforms could save kids,” Spann said.  “Save them, find them.  And they’re not being used to do that.”

Jabez Spann disappeared in September of 2017.  It was nearly a year and a half later before his remains were found on the side of a rural Manatee County road. (File image)

Spann Hopes her new podcast will provide that kind of coverage for all families. She is currently working on episodes in the studio above her and husband Joe Butler’s gym Signature Punch Training Center.

Spann calls the gym a safe haven for children and young adults interested in boxing.

“It’s important for kids to know that they have a safe place and people they can talk to an be open with.  So this is what it provides for them.”

Signature Punch is putting on a breast cancer awareness event called  “Title Night 4: Fight for the Cure” at the Tampa Convention Center on Saturday, October 23. Click here for more information.