Texas healthcare executive and husband arrested after allegedly leaving 6-month-old baby alone on Florida beach while they walked away

Two Texas parents were arrested in Florida after allegedly leaving their 6-month-old baby unattended under a beach tent for nearly an hour while they walked with their three older children. The incident occurred at Miramar Beach in Walton County, Florida.

Witnesses reported that Brian Wilks, 40, and Sara Wilks, 37, of Houston, Texas, had left their baby alone while they walked down the beach with their other children. A good Samaritan found the infant and ensured the child was safe until authorities arrived. Personnel evaluated the baby and confirmed the child's vital signs were normal and that the baby was not in distress. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) responded and took temporary custody of all children until relatives could arrive from Texas.




The parents returned to the scene while deputies were present. They admitted to placing the child under the tent for a nap before leaving with their other children and claimed they had lost track of time. Investigators reviewed nearby security footage, which confirmed the family had been away for nearly an hour without bringing their cell phones.

Both Brian and Sara Wilks were arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm, a third-degree felony under Florida law. They were released on $1,000 bond the following day.

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 ... Adkinson said.

The Wilks family was vacationing at Miramar Beach when the incident occurred. Sara Wilks serves as the regional president for US Heart and Vascular, a company that provides support services for independent cardiovascular practices.