Holmes Beach Police officers responded to a call about a disabled car on the beach between 67th and 68th streets at 6:30 a.m. the morning of April 28 to find the vehicle stranded in the sand.
The driver, Casandra Gill, 25, of Tampa, said neither she nor her passenger, Erick Santiago, saw the sign prohibiting vehicles on the beach.
HBPD Officer Steve Ogline and Sgt. Vern McGowin investigated. But because the vehicle had a temporary tag, the registration was in another name, and Gill could not provide proof of ownership, a tow vehicle was called.
Tracks showed the vehicle was driven onto the beach at 67th Street and Gill admitted being the driver. However, because the officers did not see anyone driving the vehicle, Gill received only a citation for violating a city ordinance.