A Florida mother has been arrested on serious child neglect charges following a distressing incident at a popular Orlando entertainment complex. Amanda Thorpe, aged 33, allegedly abandoned her 12-year-old daughter at a bar after a heated argument, leaving the preteen distraught and alone.
Disturbing Scene at CW Shoreline Bar
According to police affidavits obtained by multiple media outlets, the incident unfolded on Saturday at the CW Shoreline Bar located within Universal Orlando's bustling CityWalk. Officers responding to the scene discovered Thorpe's daughter visibly upset, crying, and sitting alone on a bar stool. The child had been left unattended after her mother allegedly stormed out following a confrontation.
Alcohol-Fueled Confrontation
The affidavit details that Thorpe had been drinking at the bar when another patron's comment apparently upset her. This prompted the mother to announce she wanted to move to a different venue - the Red Coconut Club, another nightclub within the resort complex. When her 12-year-old daughter expressed fatigue and requested to return to their hotel room instead, the situation escalated dramatically.
"Amanda got livid with [the child], displayed the middle finger, said '(Expletive) you' and left the CW Shoreline Bar without [her daughter]," the affidavit stated, per law enforcement documents. The child's name has been redacted from all public records for protection.
Mother Located at Nightclub
Police later located Thorpe at the Red Coconut Club, where she was reportedly dancing alone while holding an alcoholic beverage. Officers noted she exhibited clear signs of intoxication including red, bloodshot eyes, uncontrollable body swaying, unsteady walking, and the scent of alcohol on her breath.
When initially questioned by deputies, Thorpe claimed she believed her daughter was with her, then later asserted the child was back in their hotel room. Both statements proved inaccurate as the 12-year-old had remained abandoned at the original bar location.
Child Safely Recovered
The abandoned daughter was eventually picked up by her grandfather, according to the police report. Meanwhile, Thorpe was taken into custody and transported to Orange County Jail. She has pleaded not guilty to a third-degree felony charge of child neglect.
Court records indicate Thorpe was granted a $2,500 cash bond following her arrest. Her booking photograph shows she was still wearing party beads around her neck at the time of processing. The Daily Mail has reached out to Thorpe's attorney for comment on the allegations.
Legal Proceedings Underway
The case highlights serious concerns about parental responsibility in entertainment environments. Third-degree child neglect charges in Florida can carry significant penalties including potential imprisonment and permanent marks on one's criminal record.
Universal Orlando's CityWalk, where the incident occurred, is a sprawling entertainment district featuring numerous bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues adjacent to the theme parks. The complex attracts millions of visitors annually, including families with children of all ages.
As the legal process continues, child welfare advocates emphasize the vulnerability of minors in adult-oriented entertainment settings and the critical importance of parental supervision. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences when that responsibility is allegedly compromised by intoxication and poor judgment.
