Woman wanted for 'riding' manatee turns self in

Ana Gloria Garcia Gutierrez says she didn't know act was against law

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – A woman captured in a photograph taking an apparent joyride on a manatee at a Florida park has turned herself in to authorities.

Ana Gloria Garcia Gutierrez, 52, contacted the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Tuesday afternoon and admitted to riding the manatee at Fort De Soto Park, officials said.

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Gutierrez told deputies she's new to the area and didn't realize it was against the law to touch or harass manatees.

The state attorney's office will determine if Gutierrez will face charges in the incident.


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