Man Molests Fake Manatee, Throws Food Into Bar: Pinellas Sheriff

ST. PETE BEACH — A man accused of molesting a plastic manatee outside of a Gulf Boulevard bar, and then throwing gator nuggets into its dining area, was recently arrested, authorities said.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday released body cam footage of the man's arrest on Facebook, adding the suspected disturbance began when the man became angry after being told he had already paid his bill.

The man reportedly became more upset after being asked to leave the bar. It was while in the parking lot that authorities said he then molested a plastic manatee before being asked once again to leave the bar.

"He became physically aggressive with the employee asking him to leave and threw gator nuggets into the dining area before fleeing the scene," authorities said.

The man was seen at an inn about 30 minutes later shouting obscenities at staff members before they requested he leave the inn, authorities said. The man was accused of refusing, and deputies were called to the scene.

Both Local 10 and NBC 6 South Florida identified the man as Anthony Lessa, 23, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Pinellas County Jail records show Lessa was arrested Friday and was charged on suspicion of disorderly intoxication. He was released the next day on his own recognizance.

"During his pat down, deputies discovered he'd pocketed some nuggets for the road," authorities said.