Texas Parents Arrested After Leaving Baby Alone on Walton County Beach for Nearly an Hour

In Brief:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who: Brian and Sara Wilks, parents from Houston, Texas
🚓 What: Arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm
🕛 When: Around noon on Friday, October 10, 2025
🏖️ Where: Miramar Beach, near 4000 Sandestin Boulevard, Walton County, Florida
❓ Why: Deputies say they left their six-month-old unattended under a tent for nearly an hour

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WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — Two parents visiting from Texas were arrested on child neglect charges after deputies say they left their six-month-old baby alone on a beach in Miramar Beach for nearly an hour while they walked with their other children.

Around noon on Friday, October 10, deputies from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 4000 block of Sandestin Boulevard following reports of an unattended infant under a beach tent. When deputies arrived, witnesses said they had seen the child alone for almost an hour while the parents were walking down the shoreline with three other children.

Concerned beachgoers, described by deputies as “Good Samaritans,” stayed with the baby, ensuring the child was shaded and safe while they contacted law enforcement. Deputies quickly responded and waited with the child for South Walton Fire District medical personnel to arrive.

Paramedics evaluated the infant and confirmed that the child’s vital signs were normal and that the baby did not appear to be in distress. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) was notified and sent representatives to the scene.

While deputies were still present, the parents—identified as Brian Wilks, 40, and Sara Wilks, 37, of Houston, Texas—returned. Deputies say both parents admitted to placing the child under the tent for a nap before leaving with their other children. They told deputies they had lost track of time.

Investigators obtained security footage from nearby properties that showed the parents were away from their tent for nearly an hour. Deputies also noted the family had not brought a cellphone with them to the beach.

Both Brian and Sara Wilks were arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm. DCF took temporary custody of all the children until relatives could arrive from Texas. The couple was taken to the Walton County Jail and later released on $1,000 bond each.

In a statement, Sheriff Michael Adkinson expressed gratitude toward the beachgoers who reported the situation and assisted the child.

“We’re thankful for the quick-thinking beachgoer who raised the alarm and for those who stepped in to care for the child with the same kindness and concern they would show their own,” Adkinson said.

The sheriff’s office emphasized that the case serves as a reminder of the dangers of leaving young children unattended, especially in outdoor environments where conditions can change rapidly.

“Even brief moments of inattention can have serious consequences,” the release stated. “Our agency remains deeply committed to the safety and well-being of every child in Walton County, whether they are residents or visitors.”

Summary of Arrest Reports: Sara Sommers Wilks & Brian David Wilks
📍 Incident Overview
• Location: 4000 Sandestin Blvd S, Miramar Beach, Florida
• Date/Time: October 10, 2025, at 12:55 PM
• Charge: Neglect of a Child Without Great Bodily Harm (Florida Statute 827.03(2)(d))
• Type: Felony Arrest

📄 Allegations
• Both parents allegedly left their infant child unattended in a beach tent for nearly an hour.
• Witnesses (Mirabel Guardia and Laura J. Todd) reported the child was alone from approximately 11:10 AM to 12:06 PM.
• The parents were seen walking down the beach with their other three children.
• Upon return, they admitted post-Miranda that they left the infant asleep and lost track of time.

👮‍♀️ Officer Statements
• Deputy A. Newsome filed both reports and probable cause statements.
• Attesting Officer: Allen Chester Pullings
• Both defendants were charged based on witness accounts and their own admissions.