Florida Mother Arrested After Leaving Toddler Alone Two Hours Playground Extreme Heat

A 22-year-old Mary Esther woman, Danielle Bryant, was arrested on charges of child neglect after leaving her three-year-old son alone at a playground near Silver Sands Premium Outlets in Walton County, Florida, for nearly two hours in extreme heat. The child, who had no food or water and was exposed to temperatures of 88 degrees with a heat index of 101, was found wandering near traffic before a bystander intervened and brought him to mall security. Bryant claimed she was watching her son through a store window while working and that a friend was supposed to pick him up, but she was unaware of the child’s dangerous situation or that he had been with a bystander for about 45 minutes. Deputies emphasized the severity and danger of the situation, with Sheriff Michael Adkinson stating that it could have ended much worse and commending the quick action of the good Samaritans and law enforcement. Bryant was released on her own recognizance and is scheduled for a court date. The incident highlights concerns about child safety and neglect in hazardous conditions.