A family vacation at one of Central Florida’s premier resorts took a shocking turn on December 19, 2025, when a Fort Myers woman was arrested for allegedly holding a 6-year-old boy underwater during a confrontation at the pool. Tiffany Lee Griffith, 36, faces serious charges stemming from the incident at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, a popular destination known for its holiday festivities and proximity to theme parks. What began as children’s play in a shallow pool escalated into an alarming altercation, leaving the young victim distressed and prompting swift action from authorities and hotel security.
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office responded to the resort’s pool area around 4:30 p.m. after reports of a battery involving a child. Witnesses described a scene where three young children were splashing and playing in a section of the pool only about two feet deep. The play reportedly turned more aggressive, with one boy allegedly dunking or holding underwater Griffith’s son, who is around 7 years old and described as nonverbal with autism. Griffith, vacationing with her family, entered the water and confronted the boy, yelling at him before placing her hands on his shoulders and forcibly submerging him for several seconds—estimates range from two to four seconds based on surveillance footage reviewed by deputies.
The boy emerged from the water visibly upset, crying, and suffering from a nosebleed. He immediately reported the incident to his parents, who were nearby. Griffith then allegedly followed the child out of the pool and began yelling at his mother, accusing the boy of trying to harm her son. A man intervened to de-escalate, removing Griffith from the area. Hotel security quickly became involved, and deputies located and arrested Griffith later that evening as she was leaving her room.
Griffith, a resident of Fort Myers and a former law enforcement officer, was initially charged with aggravated child abuse, a felony that carries significant penalties. During questioning, she told investigators that she had entered the pool to protect her son, believing he was being “drowned” by the other child. She claimed her actions were defensive, aimed at pulling her own child to safety and confronting the parents. However, prosecutors and deputies characterized the incident as retaliatory rather than protective, noting that the submersion appeared deliberate and unprovoked in response to the earlier play.
Surveillance video from the resort captured key moments, showing Griffith approaching the children, splashing water, and then dunking the boy. Hotel security also reported that alcohol may have been a contributing factor, though no specific details on impairment were released. The young victim did not require hospitalization but was evaluated for his injuries, including the nosebleed, which authorities linked to the stress or force of the incident.
Griffith appeared emotional in her first court hearing the following day, where a judge initially held her without bond but later set conditions for release. The charge was downgraded to child abuse in some proceedings, with bond posted at around $20,000. As part of her release terms, she is prohibited from consuming alcohol, returning to the Gaylord Palms Resort, or having any contact with the victim, his family, or witnesses. If convicted on the original aggravated charge, she could face up to five years in prison, though outcomes depend on trial evidence and defenses.
At a pretrial hearing, Griffith’s husband, William, testified in support of his wife, describing how another child had repeatedly dunked their autistic son underwater, leaving them searching for the boy’s parents to address the issue. He portrayed the events as a heated parental response rather than malice. The prosecutor countered that the actions crossed into retaliation, emphasizing the vulnerability of the children involved.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion about parental intervention in children’s disputes, especially in public spaces like resort pools where families from across the state gather. Many parents relate to the instinct to protect a child, particularly one with special needs, but experts stress the importance of de-escalation and involving adults or staff rather than physical confrontation. The shallow depth of the pool—designed for young children—highlights how quickly play can turn concerning, yet also underscores the potential danger of adult involvement.
The Gaylord Palms, a luxurious property famous for its atrium, holiday decorations, and family-friendly amenities, cooperated fully with the investigation. The resort declined public comment, focusing on guest safety protocols. Incidents like this are rare at such venues, but they serve as reminders of the need for vigilance around water, even in supervised areas.
Griffith’s background as a former police officer adds an ironic layer to the case, raising questions about judgment and response in high-stress situations. Community reactions in Fort Myers and Kissimmee have been mixed: some express sympathy for a mother defending her vulnerable child, while others condemn any physical harm to a young boy as unacceptable.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on healing for the families involved. The victim’s parents have not spoken publicly, prioritizing their child’s well-being. Griffith’s family maintains her actions were misguided protection rather than abuse. The case proceeds in Osceola County court, with potential for plea negotiations or trial.
This unsettling event at a place meant for relaxation and joy serves as a cautionary tale during the busy holiday travel season. It underscores the fine line between advocacy and overreach, especially when children with differing needs interact. While the physical injuries were minor, the emotional impact on all involved—particularly the young boys—may linger. Authorities continue to review evidence, ensuring justice balances accountability with context in this complex family matter.
