This unknown woman is the subject of a hunt by Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies. Witnesses took her photo as she unlawfully rode a manatee offshore Fort De Soto Park Sunday afternoon.
Photo courtesy PCSO
Another view of the unidentified woman photographed violating the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act.
Photo courtesy PCSO
This view shows the face of the woman Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies are looking for after receiving reports and viewing photos of her riding a manatee.
TIERRE VERDE – Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a woman who was observed touching and riding a manatee over the weekend at Fort De Soto Park.
Her actions were in violation of the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act – a second-degree misdemeanor.
Deputies responded to Fort De Soto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S. in Tierre Verde, about 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, after receiving reports of a female riding a manatee in the waterway just north of the Gulf Pier.
When deputies arrived on scene, they were unable to locate the woman. Witnesses in the area were able give deputies a description, including photos, of the suspect 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”.
Deputies said in a report they don’t believe any manatees were injured in the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Deputy Charlie Tita of the Environmental Lands and Marine Enforcement Unit at 727-582-6200.
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