Outrage in Bunnell (32110) : Baby Left Inside Running Car While Parents Drank at Florida Bar – POLICE RESPOND IMMEDIATELY

Bunnell (32110) – In a deeply disturbing incident that’s sparked outrage across Flagler County, Florida, sheriff’s deputies responded late Saturday night to reports of a baby left alone in a running vehicle while the parents were allegedly drinking inside a bar. The 1-year-old was found unharmed but alone inside the car parked outside Smiles Nite Club in Bunnell, while outside temperatures hovered near 90°F.

According to authorities, bar patrons noticed the unattended child around 11:45 PM and called 911. Deputies arrived to find the child still strapped into a car seat with the engine running and the air conditioning on. The child’s parents, identified as Samantha and Joseph Byrd, reportedly returned to the vehicle nearly 20 minutes after deputies arrived and appeared intoxicated.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: Baby left alone in car while parents drank at bar, Flagler deputies say

• IMPACT: 1-year-old child placed in DCF custody; 2 adults arrested

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “Completely unacceptable behavior.” – Sheriff Rick Staly, Flagler County

• ACTION: Call 386-586-4800 if you witness child left in vehicle

Both parents were arrested on child neglect charges, and the baby was placed in the care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). Sheriff Rick Staly called the situation “a heartbreaking and reckless example of parental failure.”

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   Bunnell (32110) – Smiles Nite Club, near the intersection of SR-100 and US-1

2. Community Connection:
   “We heard crying. Thank God someone stepped up.”
   – Luis Martinez, local Uber driver outside the bar

This incident adds to growing concerns about child endangerment cases tied to adult alcohol consumption in public spaces. The investigation remains active, with additional charges possible pending toxicology reports.

Exclusive Angle

• WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
  This is the second case this month in Flagler County involving children left in cars while guardians were allegedly drinking or gambling nearby. Local child safety advocates say these repeat incidents point to a rising pattern of parental negligence tied to nightlife behavior.

Crisis Response

• IMMEDIATE RESOURCES:
  » Flagler DCF Reporting Hotline: 1-800-962-2873
  » Parental Counseling Services – Flagler Family Center: (386) 437-7747
  » Child Endangerment Tip Line: (386) 586-4800

• OFFICIAL GUIDANCE:
  “Never leave a child alone in a vehicle — not for a minute.”
  – Sheriff Rick Staly, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office

Update Log

• 1:18 AM: Baby transferred to DCF custody; no physical injuries reported

• 12:03 AM: Parents arrested at the scene; charged with child neglect

•  11:45 PM: Bar patrons alert deputies to unattended baby in running vehicle