The following are actual police reports as written by Longboat Key Police Officers. They are edited for length, punctuation and to protect privacy.
Aug. 16
Boat
11:20 a.m.
Officer Barrett while on patrol, observed an abandoned sailboat that had drifted into the Longboat Pass Bridge and was striking the bridge due to the waves and current. Officer Barrett contacted the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Cortez and they removed the vessel to prevent any damage to the bridge or future hazards. They towed it to a safe location just east of the Mar Vista Restaurant. Further investigation revealed that the current owner did not have the funds to have it properly towed and secured nor have it properly registered. The owner was warned that he only had 30 days to register the vessel from the date of purchase and that it had to be properly anchored and secure. The owner advised that he contacted a salvage company and that they would respond later today and take possession of the vessel. He advised that he has the title and that he will relinquish ownership of the vessel to the salvage company. Case clear.
Beach
6:26 p.m.
Officer Mathis was dispatched to the 1500 block of Gulf of Mexico Drive in reference to a dog on the beach. Upon his arrival, Officer Mathis met with the dog’s owner and advised her K9 was a certified service dog. The owner insisted on providing the officer with the K9’s service credentials and license. Officer Mathis thanked the owner for the information and returned to his patrol unit to contact the complainant. The complainant advised that it was completely unacceptable for the lady to have her dog on the beach. Officer Mathis then advi