Saddened guitar player found on church steps after hours

Friday, April 18

Cyclists leave tracks 

7:45 a.m., 500 block of Bay Isles Road

Citizen Assist: A Longboat Key sergeant sent an officer to investigate a report of possible criminal mischief at the tennis center. The responding officer met with a tennis center staff member who said four individuals rode their bikes across the tennis courts the night prior, which left surface damage on some of the courts. One of the courts showed signs of tire indentations about a quarter to a half-inch thick. Security camera footage confirmed the activity, but the damage did not appear criminal since the cyclists only rode through for a few minutes before leaving the scene. Another worker on staff said he could repair the courts, and the office recommended the department conduct more frequent patrols in the area. 

Saturday, April 19

Citizen offers courtesy tow

12:24 p.m., 6900 block of Bayside Drive

Citizen Assist: A citizen called to report a loose vessel, and the responding officer quickly located the 40-foot sailboat near the shore. The complainant said the vessel broke anchor and the owner left the area. To avoid damage to other vessels at his dock, the complainant said he was going to attach the adrift vessel to his own and tow it himself. The officer observed the complainant tow the vessel about 300 yards offshore and securely anchor it. 

Monday, April 21

Abandoned marijuana 

3:09 p.m., 200 block of Sands Point Road

Lost/Found Property: A security guard at a local resort said a guest left his marijuana in his room and did not want it back. According to company policy — and, likely, common sense — the security guard reported the narcotics to the police. The responding officer took possession of 56 grams of pre-rolled marijuana, which the report said would be destroyed. 

Tuesday, April 22

Wandering woman checks out

1:44 p.m., 4300 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Suspicious Person: A property manager called police to report a suspicious woman walking around the property. The officer located a woman matching the description, and she said her aunt owns one of the units. Now, having received the names of the suspicious person and unit owner, the officer reported back to the property manager, who confirmed the information was correct and the woman was no longer deemed suspicious. 

Wednesday, April 23

Guitar therapy 

1:04 a.m., 6400 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Suspicious Person: While on patrol, a Longboat Key officer noticed a vehicle in a parking lot of a church after hours. The officer investigated further and quickly found a man walking down the stairs of the church. The man said he was driving on the island and made a pit stop because he was sad. He had an urge to play music, so he called a friend and played guitar on the back steps of the church. When the officer found the man, he was holding a guitar, which helped to corroborate the story. The man said he was not an employee of the church, nor did he have permission to be there. The officer checked the perimeter to ensure the man did not illegally enter the church, and once the search returned negative, the man was asked to leave the premises. 

Raccoon orphaned on roadside

12:43 p.m., 5500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive

Animal Problem: A concerned citizen reported a baby raccoon found at the base of a tree. Upon arrival, the officer spoke to the caller, who had contacted a sanctuary in Bradenton. Though the sanctuary said it would respond, it informed the caller that they would have to euthanize the animal. The officer told the caller that state law prohibits the removal of raccoons to other areas, and that it would be better to leave the raccoon so the mother could retrieve it.