A man yelling at the beach prompts police response

Saturday, July 1

Missed appointment

2:29 p.m., 4100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Suspicious Incident: Police were dispatched in response to a caller stating a massage appointment had been made for 2 p.m. but then saw no workers in the building. The responding officer walked through the open massage shop and also saw no workers present. An attempt to call the owner was unsuccessful and the officer was unable to lock the door. 

Swimmers to safety 

3:10 p.m., Longboat Pass

Boat-Miscellaneous: While on marine patrol, two swimmers in distress were found holding onto a flotation device and seemed to be caught in the outgoing tide. The marine patrol officer brought them on board and transported them to a nearby boat. 

Dog dispute

3:28 p.m., Greer Island 

Dog on the beach: Police on marine patrol noticed two dogs off leash on Beer Can Island and made contact with the owner. She was advised that no dogs were allowed on the beach; meanwhile one of the dogs got comfortable and relieved itself. A citation was issued to the owner. 

Sunday, July 2

Snake on the loose

5:20 a.m., 200 block of Sands Point Road 

Animal Complaint: Early in the morning, police were dispatched because a snake was seen in the kitchen of a property. Two employees and the responding officer attempted to locate the snake in the kitchen, but with no luck. The officer told the employees that Animal Services would not be available until 8 a.m.

Trash can troubles

9:47 p.m., 3100 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Fire: Longboat Key Fire Rescue was already on scene when police responded to a fire in a trash can. A bystander had worked with friends and family to put out the trash can fire using a hose from a nearby resort and buckets of water from the ocean. The bystander said he did not know who started the fire, but did see fireworks in the trash can while putting it out. Authorities took pictures of the damaged trash cans, vegetation and picnic table. 

Monday, July 3

Suspicious supplements 

6:16 p.m., 1900 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Citizen Assist: An officer was dispatched to a resident’s home due to a suspicious package. The resident said she received an unusual package containing dietary supplements that she did not order. The officer recommended she check with family members or friends to see if anyone had sent her the package, and said she could return the package to the post office. 

Tuesday, July 4 

Hurt heron

7:40 a.m., 4600 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Animal Complaint: A caller reported a great blue heron entangled in fishing line. Police arrived on scene and found the heron with fishing line hanging from its beak with a chafed neck. The caller said the heron was hanging around the pool for 24 hours but now seemed lethargic. The responding officer called Animal Services and a local wildlife center. 

Kayak assistance 

3:28 p.m., Longboat Pass

Boat-Miscellaneous: While on marine patrol, the officer on duty noticed a kayaker struggling to make it out of an outgoing tide. The kayaker fell off the kayak, prompting the officer and a good samaritan to help. The officer then helped the kayaker and his vessel make it to the shore of Coquina Beach uninjured. 

Thursday, July 6

Broken dock 

1:31 p.m., 7000 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Citizen Assist: An officer responded to a call advising that a piece of wood had broken off of a nearby dock. Public Works was contacted, responding that they would send someone to pick up the piece of wood. 

Cycle of frustration

8:09 p.m., 2800 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive 

Suspicious Person: A caller said a suspicious man was seen yelling at the beach, prompting police to respond. On scene, police identified the suspicious person. He said he had fallen off his bike, was frustrated, and yelled towards the water, but not at anybody specifically. He did not exhibit any other concerning behavior, so police left the scene.