WALTON COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Two parents from Houston, Texas, are facing child neglect after allegedly leaving their six-month-old baby unattended on a beach in Florida for nearly an hour.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) said it happened at around noon on October 10, at Miramar Beach, near 4000 Sandestin Boulevard. Deputies responded to reports of a baby left alone beneath a beach tent. Witnesses told authorities the child had been alone for close to an hour while the parents walked down the beach with their three other children.

Concerned beachgoers quickly stepped in to care for the infant and contacted law enforcement. When deputies arrived, WCSO waited for South Walton Fire District personnel to assess the child, who was found to be in stable condition with normal vitals and no signs of distress.

The parents, identified as Brian Wilks, 40, and Sara Wilks, 37, admitted to placing the baby under the tent for a nap and walking away, claiming they lost track of time. Investigators reviewed security footage that confirmed the family had been gone for nearly an hour and had left their cell phone behind, according to the news release.

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The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) was notified and responded to the scene. DCF took custody of all four children pending the arrival of relatives from Texas. Brian and Sara Wilks were arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm. They were released the following day on a $1,000 bond.

“This incident serves as a reminder that even brief moments of inattention can have serious consequences,” said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “We’re thankful for the quick-thinking beachgoer who raised the alarm and for those who stepped in to care for the child with the same kindness and concern they would show their own.”

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office emphasized its commitment to protecting children, whether they are residents or visitors to the area.

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