News Summary
A Texas couple, Brian and Sara Wilks, are facing charges of child neglect after their 6-month-old was found unattended on a Miramar Beach. The incident occurred when the couple left their infant under a tent for nearly an hour while attending to their other children. Good Samaritans provided care until law enforcement arrived. The case highlights serious concerns about child supervision and the implications of neglect in public spaces. The couple has been released on bond as the legal process unfolds.
Miramar Beach, Florida
A Texas couple, Brian Wilks, 40, and Sara Wilks, 37, from Houston, are facing charges of child neglect without great bodily harm after their 6-month-old infant was found unattended on a Florida beach. The incident took place on Friday, October 10, 2025, in the 4000 block of Sandestin Boulevard around noon.
According to reports, witnesses saw the infant left alone under a tent for nearly an hour while the parents attended to three other children. During this time, good Samaritans intervened, providing care for the infant until law enforcement arrived on the scene. Security footage later confirmed that the couple was away from the tent for almost an hour and noted that they did not bring their cell phones with them to the beach, which likely hindered their ability to check on the child.
Upon arrival, first responders evaluated the infant and found that the child’s vitals were normal and they were not in distress. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) was promptly notified and subsequently took custody of the children, pending the arrival of family members from Texas. Both Brian and Sara Wilks were arrested and later released on a $1,000 bond each.
Local authorities, led by Sheriff Michael Adkinson, commended the quick actions taken by beachgoers who noticed the situation. The sheriff’s office additionally stressed the dangers of leaving young children unattended, particularly in outdoor environments where conditions can quickly change. They emphasized the importance of vigilance when supervising children, especially in potentially hazardous locations like beaches.
Details of the Incident
The incident unfolded on October 10 at a popular beach location in Miramar Beach, Florida. Witnesses, including other beach patrons, reported that the Wilks family had left their infant under a tent with no supervision while they were engaged with their other children. It was nearly an hour before bystanders noticed the infant alone and alerted authorities.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that the parents had placed the child under the tent for a nap and lost track of time. This lapse in judgment led to significant concerns regarding the safety and well-being of the young child, prompting immediate intervention from bystanders and law enforcement.
Legal Consequences
The charges of child neglect without great bodily harm reflect the serious nature of the offense. While first responders assessed the child as being unharmed, the legal implications for leaving an infant unattended, especially in a public setting such as a beach, can be quite severe. Both parents now face the possibility of further legal proceedings as the case is processed through the judicial system.
Background on Child Welfare in Florida
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about child welfare and supervision, particularly during family outings. The Florida Department of Children and Families plays a critical role in responding to situations involving children at risk, ensuring their safety and well-being. This case serves as a reminder for all caregivers to remain vigilant and responsible to prevent circumstances that could endanger children.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus will likely remain on the responsibilities of parents in safeguarding their children, as well as the broader implications for child welfare advocacy.
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
