Pinellas may be the most densely populated county in Florida, but it still has room for a monkey to hide while roaming all over the county.

   It first was spotted in eastern Clearwater in Jan. 13 last year, but didn’t appear again until Nov. 11 — this time in eastern Hillsborough County. Then, like any good tourist, it headed for the beaches — and was periodically spotted throughout north Pinellas County.

   On Wednesday, it approached a school crossing guard in south St. Petersburg, and quickly drew a personal pack of paparazzi — spectators, wildlife trappers, police officers and news media helicopters. But it proved too wily for wildlife officials, who swore they darted it twice with tranquilizers before it scampered away.