Holmes Beach police arrested Myakka resident Kevin Garlisch, 40, May 18 on a third-degree felony charge for alleged possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana and a first-degree misdemeanor for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Two officers responded to reports of a man smoking marijuana outside the beach cafe at the Manatee Public Beach, 4000 Gulf Drive.
Police, asked to trespass the man, later identified as Garlisch, approached him and saw marijuana in his backpack when he opened it.
A search found about a pound of marijuana, as well as a grinder and glass pipe.
Garlisch was arrested and transported him to the Manatee County jail, where he remained in custody with $3,000 bond as of May 22.
If convicted, punishment for a third-degree misdemeanor charge includes up to five years in prison.
Punishment for a first-degree misdemeanor includes up to one year in prison.
An arraignment will be July 2 at the county judicial center in Bradenton.
— Ryan Paice