Gust of wind accused of blowing trash into Sarasota Bay

Saturday, June 24

Boats allowed 

10:30 a.m., Greer Island

Boat-Miscellaneous: Police on marine patrol were dispatched to Greer Island to respond to a caller’s complaint that boats were operating too close to shore and the “swim zone.” On scene, police located the two personal watercraft that were not in any violation. The caller was then advised that the boats were not in any violation, and that there are no designated swimming zones. 

Sunday, June 25 

Water on board 

12:22 p.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Boat-Miscellaneous: While on marine patrol, an officer noticed a vessel partially submerged and tied to a dock. The cabin had been filled, but no hazardous materials or debris were seen in the area. Days earlier, police were dispatched to respond to the same vehicle, during which time the owner informed police that the vessel had been dewatered. At this time, though, police attempted to call the owner but without success. The owner responded hours later, and police issued a citation due to the situation meeting the criteria for “Vessel at Risk.” 

Osprey in distress

2:32 p.m, 700 block of Hideaway Bay Drive 

Animal Complaint: A resident called police to report an osprey that appeared injured on the resident’s dock. Police saw the osprey had an injured right leg, so they called Save Our Seabirds. However, the bird flew away, heading south. 

Party foul

2:43 p.m., 4000 Gulf of Mexico Drive

Litter, Pollution, Public Health: Police responded to a complaint that trash was being placed in Sarasota Bay. On scene, police made contact with an individual hosting a birthday party. The individual claimed a gust of wind blew party favors off the tables. He also said the items were quickly picked up and placed in the trash. 

Road rage 

3:16 p.m., 4000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Citizen Dispute: A woman flagged police down to request assistance. She told the officer that while driving her car on Gulf of Mexico Drive she had been followed by an unknown individual riding a motorcycle. When she pulled into the parking lot, the motorcycle rider, wearing all black, followed her, pulled beside her car, and yelled “why did you do that” before calling her a profanity. The motorcyclist left the scene, according to the driver. She said she had not been injured nor was her car damaged. 

Confused locations

4:24 p.m., 3600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Citizen Dispute: While responding to a complaint of someone parked on private property, Longboat Police officers arrived on scene and saw two women yelling at each other. The officer separated the two and then talked to them individually. The complainant told the officer that the woman was illegally parked on private property. The woman said she had parked in the same location just a few weeks ago, and showed the officer the dropped pin on her cellphone of the previous parking location. When the officer showed the woman that she was actually 100 yards north of the dropped pin, she began apologizing for the parking incident.