Walton County, FL – A six-month-old baby was rescued after being left unattended on Miramar Beach for nearly an hour Friday, leading to the arrest of two Texas parents, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded around noon to a report of an infant left alone beneath a tent near Sandestin Boulevard. Witnesses told authorities the baby had been unattended for close to an hour while the parents and three other children walked down the beach. Concerned beachgoers stepped in to care for the child until deputies and first responders arrived.
According to the sheriff’s office, the parents — identified as Brian Wilks, 40, and Sara Wilks, 37, of Houston, Texas — allegedly admitted to placing the infant under the tent before leaving to nap with their other children, claiming they lost track of time.
Security footage confirmed the family had been away for nearly an hour and did not bring their phone. The child was evaluated by South Walton Fire District personnel and found to be in good condition. The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified and took temporary custody of the children until relatives could arrive from Texas.
Both parents were arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm. They were later released on $1,000 bond each.
Sheriff Michael Adkinson praised the beachgoers’ quick response, saying he was “thankful for the quick-thinking beachgoer who raised the alarm and for those who stepped in to care for the child with kindness and concern.”
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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