Over the Fourth of July weekend, a real estate entrepreneur from Florida, who also maintains a strong presence as a social media influencer, and her spouse found themselves in legal trouble. They were apprehended after allegedly leaving two small children unattended in a hotel room at a Key Largo resort while they enjoyed drinks by the pool, as reported by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
The individuals, identified as Allison Sirica Cannella, aged 40, and Brian Nicholas Cannella, aged 43, who both reside in Delray Beach, are facing serious charges. According to jail records, each has been charged with two felony counts for child neglect.
The incident took place at the Reefhouse Resort & Marina in Key Largo, prompting deputies to respond around 1:45 p.m. on a Saturday. Staff from the hotel contacted authorities after discovering a room with a baby crying continuously without adult supervision.
Following the events of July 4, authority figures from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrested Allison Sirica Cannella on charges of two felony child neglect counts at a Key Largo resort. (Monroe County Sheriff’s Office)
Within the hotel room, law enforcement found two young children left alone in cribs. The investigation revealed that resort staff had tracked down the Cannellas at the pool area, where the couple had been partaking in alcoholic beverages.
Security camera footage, witness statements and other evidence indicated the children had been left unattended for approximately 40 minutes to one hour, investigators said.
The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified, and the children were released into the custody of a family friend until child welfare officials arrived. Authorities said neither child suffered serious injuries.
Brian Nicholas Cannella, 43, was charged with two felony counts of child neglect following a July 4 incident at a Key Largo resort, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. (Monroe County Sheriff’s Office)
Both Cannellas were arrested and booked into the Monroe County Jail. Their first court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 1.
The arrest stands in stark contrast to Allison Cannella’s public image, which centers on luxury real estate investing, home renovation and social media.
Deputies say two Delray Beach parents were arrested after allegedly leaving their young children alone in a room at the Reefhouse Resort & Marina in Key Largo while they drank at the pool. (Google Maps)
Her private Instagram account highlights luxury real estate, renovation projects and Florida lifestyle content while identifying her as a lawyer and real estate investor. The profile also links to Exhale Vacation Rentals and an online storefront featuring products from her renovation and design projects.
Cannella also was featured in “Atlantic Ave Magazine,” which highlighted her renovation of luxury Florida vacation rental properties. The publication detailed one waterfront investment project that more than doubled its annual rental revenue after an extensive redesign.
Her employer’s online biography says Cannella has more than 15 years of real estate and legal experience and has worked on more than $25 billion in real estate and corporate transactions. She serves as senior vice president and general counsel and previously practiced commercial real estate law.
News Media reached out to Allison Cannella, the company where she is employed, Exhale Vacation Rentals and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office for additional comment but did not immediately receive responses.