Residents argue over who parked on private property

Friday, June 16

Invalid license  

11:22 a.m., 500 block of Bay Isles Road

Traffic Citation: Police received a hit on their traffic camera system for a driver with a suspended license. An officer located the vehicle and advised the driver the stop was made because the driver didn’t have a valid license. The driver said she knew her license was suspended, and she did not take the required driver's course after a previous citation. The responding officer issued her another notice to appear, and advised her she would go to jail if she was pulled over another time. 

Wardrobe malfunction

4:27 p.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Suspicious Incident: Someone called the police department about someone lying on the ground possibly needing assistance. On arrival, the officer found an individual who had seen the person in question. The person did not need assistance, and was on the ground trying to get her shoe on. She successfully completed her outfit and left in a vehicle. 

Saturday, June 17

Castaway

3:15 p.m., Longboat Pass

Boat-Miscellaneous: While patrolling the water, an officer saw a flat mat float carrying four people. The float was drifting under Longboat Pass Bridge. The four said they had drifted from the beach and asked for assistance. Police got the four people on the police vessel and took them to safety on their friend's boat, who also responded. 

Struggling sails

6:15 p.m., New Pass

Boat-Miscellaneous: Marine patrol observed a sailboat taking crashing waves over its sides. The captain waved the police vessel over and said he was having difficulty getting back on course because the boat’s engine was disabled from a wave. Police stayed near the boat while the captain and mate gained control of the boat with the sails. Since the sailboat did not have means of communication, police guided them to New Pass Bridge where the police had to radio for an opening on behalf of the sailboat.

Monday, June 19

After hours

5:12 p.m., 300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Noise Complaint: Longboat police responded to a noise complaint due to after hours construction. An officer was directed to the dwelling, where roofers were actively working. The supervisor was advised that no work could be done after 5 p.m. and also could not be done on a federal holiday. The officer issued an ordinance warning to the supervisor. 

Tuesday, June 20 

Lost and found

9 a.m., 5000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Found Property: A public works employee turned in a found bag to the police department. The employee said a swimmer handed in the bag after it had been discovered off Greer Island. In the bag, made of “hemp-type” material, was a lighter, soggy cigarettes, a vape device and an old iPhone that would not turn on. Police let the objects dry out at the station, but no identification was found. 

Locked bikes

12:11 p.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Citizen assist: Police were dispatched to a resident who needed help with his bikes. According to the complainant, he allowed relatives to use his bikes weeks ago and after they were locked up, the keys were misplaced. He asked police to cut the locks for him, but the responding officer advised him to purchase a cutting instrument at a local hardware store. 

Thursday, June 22

Suspicious beachgoer

7:10 p.m., 2000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Alcohol Offense: A caller reported a suspicious person with alcohol on the beach, with blonde hair and wearing an orange towel. The caller also advised that it may be a person connected to a similar report two days prior, though police could not confirm. The responding officer located the person who had one unopened Twisted Tea in a cooler. The offender cooperated and said he was unaware of the no-alcohol rule. 

Parking problems

11:29 p.m., 600 block of Linley Street 

Citizen Dispute: A resident, who was out of town, called police and said a car was parked in the resident's driveway without permission. The complainant said the car was visible via the security cameras on the property. Upon arrival, the police did not find a car in the complainant’s driveway, but were told by the complainant that the complainant believed it was a neighbor’s car. The neighbor, who lives across the street, was then contacted by police. The neighbor also said the complainant was already in contact with them and threatened to tow the car, but it was established it was not the neighbor's car. Police told the complainant that if security footage could be provided showing neighbors parking on their property, as well as witness statements, then they could be charged with trespassing.