I hope the manatee will testify in this case:
The woman wanted by police for harassing and riding on a manatee at Fort DeSoto Park has turned herself in.
Why is riding a manatee illegal?
Gutierrez told deputies she’s new to the area and didn’t realize it was against the law to touch or harass the creature.
According to the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act, “It is unlawful for any person at any time, by any means, or in any manner, intentionally or negligently to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb or attempt to molest, harass, or disturb any Manatee.”
Does riding a manatee automatically count as annoying, molesting, harassing, or disturbing (or trying to do so)? You’d have to ask the manatee.
Or, as the authorities have done, just assume the answer is yes. Because of the mind-meld, I guess.
I wonder why she turned herself in. That decision made no sense.