Florida Mother Arrested for Child Neglect After Leaving Daughter at Universal Bar

A Florida mother faces child neglect charges following her arrest Saturday night at Universal CityWalk. Amanda Thorpe allegedly abandoned her 12-year-old daughter at the Shoreline Bar to go dancing at another establishment. Orange County deputies responded around 10:30 PM after a patron witnessed Thorpe verbally abuse her daughter and then depart.

Deputies found the young girl alone, visibly distressed, and crying on a bar stool. She informed officers that her mother was intoxicated and became enraged after an argument with another patron. The daughter stated she wanted to return to their hotel, but Thorpe insisted on going to the Red Coconut Club. When her daughter refused, Thorpe reportedly cursed at her, displayed a middle finger, and left the bar without her.

Universal Security located Thorpe dancing alone with a drink at the Red Coconut Club. When confronted by deputies, Thorpe initially claimed she believed her daughter was with her or at their hotel. She then spontaneously admitted to officers that she was confused about why she might go to jail, stating she had "done this before." Deputies observed signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, unsteadiness, and the smell of alcohol. Thorpe was subsequently booked into the Orange County jail, and the Department of Children and Families was notified, with the girl's grandfather picking her up.