Animal in car deemed not a criminal offense on breezy, 68-degree day

Friday, March 20

Serving behind bars

3:58 p.m., 4011 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Animal problem: A Longboat Key police officer was dispatched to investigate a report of a dog on the beach, which is against town ordinance. The caller told officers that a dog was in a cage underneath a white and blue tent. Police found the tent and a group of four women easily and spoke with the owner of the dog. The owner explained the dog was a service dog, and the officer said the pup could remain, but advised the owner to use a leash if the dog were let out of its crate.

Three-wheel van

7:47 p.m., Harbourside Drive

Suspicious vehicle: A woman called police when she looked outside her window to see a white van in front of her house. The caller said the van was on a jack, missing a wheel and she was worried the vehicle could fall. Police arrived and inspected the van, finding that the Texas tag on it was registered to another vehicle and the VIN was titled to a Tampa man. The officer peered through the window and saw packages that hint the vehicle may be used as a delivery van. The complainant told the officer she did not want to be held responsible if the vehicle were to fall. The officer said if she were to have the vehicle removed, that would need to be handled by the Homeowners Association as the vehicle was on private property. The officer then canvassed the area, found no one walking and closed the case.

Saturday, April 21

68 with a breeze not considered animal abuse

10:45 a.m., 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Animal problem: Police were called to Bayfront Park after a concerned citizen saw a dog locked inside an SUV, according to a police report. When the officer arrived on scene, he saw the vehicle with a window ajar and a small white dog inside. The owner of the vehicle was near the pickleball courts. The officer noted on the police report that it was 68 degrees outside with a slight breeze and closed the case.

Wrong glasses

9:52 p.m., 4052 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Citizen assist: A vehicle was drifting out of its travel lane, prompting a call to police on a recent Saturday night. The caller told dispatch that the vehicle in question had pulled over at Bayfront Park. When police arrived, they spoke with a 70-year-old woman behind the wheel of the vehicle who told police she had lost her prescription glasses and was instead wearing her reading glasses. She said she was having trouble seeing the road with her reading glasses on. The officer noted the woman did not seem to be under the influence of any drugs or alcohol and did not report being on any medication. The officer made contact with family members of the driver who came to pick her up and take her home. The case was closed.

Sunday, April 22

4:00 a.m., 4825 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Noise disturbance: Music rang out on the beach early in the morning Sunday, prompting multiple calls to police. When an officer arrived, music could not be heard, but a lamp about 300 yards from the beach access was seen. Police approached a man wearing a headlamp who told the officer he had been playing music earlier while crabbing with friends. He said he was unaware of the town’s noise ordinance as it was his first time on Longboat Key. Police issued a warning and closed the case.