Busted: Ana Gloria Garcia-Gutierrez, 53, was arrested by Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies early Saturday morning for riding a manatee in September
Posted on 11/24/2012 4:12:03 PM PST by nickcarraway
Ana Gloria Garcia Gutierrez, 53, was arrested on a misdemeanor warrant Saturday on the charge of violating Florida’s Manatee Sanctuary Act
A St. Petersburg woman has been charged with violating Florida law by riding a manatee, authorities said.
Ana Gloria Garcia Gutierrez, 53, was arrested on a misdemeanor warrant Saturday on the charge of violating Florida’s Manatee Sanctuary Act. Pinellas County sheriff's deputies say she was photographed riding the manatee at Fort De Soto Park in September.
On Oct. 2, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri held a press conference asking for the public's help in identifying the woman. Gutierrez called deputies and allegedly admitted touching the endangered sea mammal. She told them she was new to the area and didn't know it was illegal to touch a manatee. The manatee was not hurt.
That same month, authorities told Gutierrez that charges would be forwarded to prosecutors, officials said. Officials at the time said the crime may not have been an arrestable offense, because a deputy was not present when it occurred.
Still, the case was referred to the Pasco-Pinellas State Attorney's Office, which conducted a review and issued the misdemeanor arrest warrant, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
The manatee law 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."
The maximum penalty is a $500 fine and six months in jail. Gutierrez was released on $1,500 bail
Noooooooo score for that cowgirl!
That’s it! We have lost a million freedoms in a America. Now we can no longer ride a Manatee? That’s it! CWII!!!
Ma’am,
Please pardon my laughter. But, as you imply, the foolishness is far beyond ridiculous.
What passes for thinking these days is amazing.
To begin with manatees are not native to Floriduh.
Manatees use to be used for transportation from the mainland to Hutchinson Island and back.
Also they make some fine steaks.
Busted: Ana Gloria Garcia-Gutierrez, 53, was arrested by Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies early Saturday morning for riding a manatee in September
It sure is hard sitting here letting these soft curve balls just go by....
The one liners just write themselves with headline/storyline like this BUT also gives one a chance of being ‘banned’ or at least comment bounced....<: <: <:
Is #45 a picture of the Manatee?
That is being researched even now, I'm told.
Is #45 a picture of the Manatee?
That is being researched even now, I’m told.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
It always humanizes (whatever) a story if one is provided a picture of the victim.....
Also helps ascertain the level of guilt or innocence.
Now that is a decent looking Manatee but sorta on the downside if not the Manatee.
I’ve seen better heads on boils.
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