Texas mom featured in 40 Under 40 list arrested for leaving baby on Florida beach
A healthcare leader from Texas, who was recently named in a national “40 Under 40” list, has found herself in legal trouble after leaving her infant on a Florida beach. Sara Sommers Wilks, along with her husband Brian Wilks, was arrested following the incident at Miramar Beach on October 10.
Details of the Incident
According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the couple was reported to have left their six-month-old baby unattended for nearly an hour while they walked along the shoreline with three other children. Beachgoers spotted the infant alone beneath a tent near 4000 Sandestin Boulevard and alerted local authorities.
Response by Authorities
- Deputies responded around noon.
- Fire district personnel assessed the baby and confirmed she was unharmed.
- The couple returned shortly after being notified of the situation.
Upon their return, Sara and Brian admitted they had placed the baby under the tent for a nap and lost track of time. Investigators reviewed security footage, which corroborated the timeline of events, including that they had left their cell phones with the child.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Sara, 37, and Brian, 40, face charges of child neglect without great bodily harm, a third-degree felony in Florida. Both were booked into the Walton County Jail and later released on a $1,000 bond each.
Child Protective Services Involvement
The Florida Department of Children and Families has taken custody of the couple’s four children while arrangements are made for relatives from Texas to pick them up.
About Sara Sommers Wilks
Sara Sommers Wilks is the Regional President for Southeast Texas at US Heart and Vascular, a healthcare organization that operates in several states. Earlier this year, she earned recognition in Cardiovascular Business magazine’s prestigious “Forty Under 40” list, which celebrates influential figures in cardiology administration.
Community Response
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office commended the quick actions of the beachgoers who intervened to ensure the child’s safety. Sheriff Michael Adkinson expressed gratitude for their concern and prompt reporting.
This incident has sparked discussions regarding child safety and parental responsibilities, underscoring the importance of vigilant supervision in crowded environments like beaches.
