A Pinellas County woman was arrested Saturday for riding a manatee near St. Petersburg in September.
Sun Sentinel reports that Ana Gloria Garcia Gutierrez, 53, was arrested at her work Saturday on a warrant issued by the States Attorney’s office.
“Gutierrez admitted to the offense claiming she is new to the area and did not realize it was against the law to touch or harass manatees,” the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
She is being charged with a second degree misdemeanor and could face a $500 fine or a maximum of 60 days in jail, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office released photos of a woman riding a manatee near the Fort De Soto Park on September 30. When approached, Gutierrez stepped forward.
NBC reports that two out of the three species are considered to be threatened. Manatees are covered by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act that says, “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.”
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri had this to say, “Go ride a jet ski.”
https://tothecenter.com/2012/11/florida-woman-arrested-for-riding-a-manatee/
