Overview
- Deputies in Walton County responded to Miramar Beach near the Hilton Sandestin after beachgoers reported an unattended baby under a tent around midday on Oct. 10–11.
- Security footage showed the parents and their three older children were away for about 50 to 60 minutes and had left their phones behind.
- Good Samaritans stayed with the infant until first responders arrived, and the South Walton Fire District found the baby’s vitals normal with no distress.
- Sara and Brian Wilks told investigators they put the baby down for a nap and lost track of time, and both were arrested on child neglect charges without great bodily harm.
- The couple were released on $1,000 bond as the Florida Department of Children and Families temporarily placed the children with relatives, and officials publicly criticized the parents’ judgment; coverage also notes Sara Wilks’ executive role and recent 'Forty Under 40' recognition.