Categories: Brevard County

Manatee Riding Woman Wanted By Pinellas Sheriff's Office

UPDATE: Manatee Riding Woman Turns Herself In

PINELLAS COUNTY, Florida — The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office – Environmental Lands and Marine Enforcement Unit is searching for an unknown female subject who was observed touching and riding a manatee over the weekend at Fort DeSoto Park.
On Sunday, September 30, 2012, at approximately 1:00 p.m., deputies responded to Fort DeSoto Park due to reports of a woman “riding” a manatee in the waterway just north of the Gulf Pier.
When deputies arrived on scene, the woman was unable to be located.  Witnesses in the area were able give deputies a description, including photos, of the woman and where she was last seen.
Florida State Statute 379.2431(2)d (Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act) states “It is unlawful for any person at any time, by any means, or in any manner intentionally or negligently to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb or attempt to molest, harass, or disturb any Manatee.”
A violation of this statute is a 2nd degree misdemeanor.
No manatees are believed to have been injured.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy Charlie Tita of the Environmental Lands and Marine Enforcement Unit at 727-582-6200.

SIMILAR STORIES:

SeaWorld Releases Rescued Manatee In Merritt Island

Sea World Rescues Manatee North of Vero Beach

SeaWorld Orlando Rescues Newborn Baby Dolphin

Sea World Releases Rescued Sea Turtle In Cocoa Beach

Sea World Cares For Sea Turtles Found On Brevard Beaches

Rescued Merritt Island Manatee Is Pregnant

Sea World Releases Sea Turtle Rescued From Indialantic

Pygmy Sperm Whale Washes Ashore On Cocoa Beach

Copyright 2011-2023 Brevard Times. All Rights Reserved.  Contact Us   Privacy Policy