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The Best ‘Florida Man’ Headlines of 2023

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HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA – MAY 29: Beachgoers are seen next to law enforcement officers on a crime scene as they respond to a shooting at Hollywood Beach on May 29, 2023 in Hollywood, Florida. At least nine people were hospitalized Monday after an altercation ended in gunfire near the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. The victims were taken to Memorial Regional Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. (Photo by Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images)

Gather ’round because we’re spilling the tea on Florida – the place where sunshine is a given, and the headlines are wilder than your wildest dreams. We’re diving deep into the world of “Florida Man” and “Florida Woman,” those iconic characters who serve up stories that even Hollywood couldn’t make up.

From high-speed chases that feel ripped from a video game to snakes trying to slither their way onto planes, Florida’s headlines are a wild, unpredictable trip. So, grab your popcorn, because we’re about to plunge headfirst into the most bonkers tales Florida has to offer.

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“Florida Man Likens High-Speed Police Chase to ‘Grand Theft Auto’ Game”

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In July, a Florida Man led deputies on a high-speed chase, reaching speeds of up to 120 mph on I-75. He later told law enforcement that he felt like he was in the video game “Grand Theft Auto” during the pursuit.

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“Florida Man’s Backyard Firework Astronaut Fiasco: ‘Houston, We Have a Bonfire!'”

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In an attempt to become a “space recliner astronaut,” a Florida Man’s DIY fireworks-fueled launch left him smoldering in his chair. As he ignited the fireworks, he boldly exclaimed, “Houston, we have a bonfire!”

“Florida Woman Tries to Bring 4-Foot ‘Emotional Support Snake’ on Plane”

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At Tampa International Airport in January, security screeners discovered a 4-foot-long boa constrictor in a carry-on bag during a routine scan. The passenger claimed it was her “emotional support pet,” but the snake was not allowed on the plane.

“Giant Rubber Duck Stolen from Local Lake”

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Pranksters decided to make a big splash by stealing a massive inflatable rubber duck from a local lake. This audacious heist led to a citywide search operation, with residents and law enforcement baffled by the disappearance of the beloved quacker.

“Underwater Disco Scandal: Florida Man Converts Sunken Ship into Naughty Nautical Dance Den”

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Amidst the sunken remains of a shipwreck off Florida’s coast, a visionary Floridian saw potential for aquatic revelry. He transformed the submerged vessel into an underwater dance club, outfitting it with neon lights and inviting adventurous divers to dance among the coral-encrusted decks.

“Florida Man’s ‘Booty Patrol’ Truck Leads to Arrest”

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In October, a Florida Man was apprehended for driving a vehicle resembling a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol truck, but with “Booty Patrol” written on it. He had multiple prior interactions with law enforcement due to his unconventional vehicle, even maintaining a TikTok account dedicated to it.

“Florida Man Discovers Iguana in Toilet”

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A Florida Man was startled to find an iguana in his toilet, describing it as “huge.” However, releasing captured iguanas is prohibited by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

“Zombie Apocalypse Chaos: Florida Man’s Prank Sparks Pandemonium on the Highway”

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One Florida man’s idea of a practical joke took a terrifying turn when he dressed as a zombie and staggered onto a busy highway during rush hour. Commuters, believing the undead had risen, flooded emergency lines with frantic calls. Law enforcement descended upon the scene, only to discover that the apocalypse was merely a prank gone awry.

“Wanted Florida Woman Found Hiding Inside Couch”

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A Florida Woman wanted for parole violation was discovered hiding inside a couch in a manner reminiscent of a scene from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” She faced charges related to the sale of fentanyl and unlawful use of a communication device.

“Florida Man Brings Pet Alligator to Office, Challenges Coworkers to Wrestle”

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Tired of mundane office meetings, one Florida employee hatched an unconventional plan to spice things up. He brought his pet alligator to work and challenged his coworkers to a reptilian wrestling match. The bizarre spectacle left the office in stitches but also served as a reminder that not all team-building exercises are created equal.


“Mullet Makeover Challenge Sweeps Florida with Tug-of-War Battles”Over the Ultimate Party Hairdo”

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Florida witnessed a hair-raising trend in 2023 known as the “Mullet Makeover Challenge.” Enthusiasts transformed their locks into iconic mullet hairstyles and engaged in spirited tug-of-war battles, proving that in the Sunshine State, business (in the front) and party (in the back) was serious business indeed.

“Florida Woman Attempts Bikini-Clad Bank Robbery”

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In a scene straight out of a Hollywood heist flick, a Florida woman decided to rob a bank while sporting a bikini, oversized sunglasses, and a sunhat. Her unconventional attire turned the robbery into an unforgettable spectacle, but law enforcement swiftly intervened, reminding her that crime doesn’t pay, even in swimwear.

“Florida Men Steal Truckload of Toilet Paper”

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Florida’s infamous toilet paper craze from the early days of the pandemic resurfaced in a peculiar fashion. A group of Florida men pilfered an entire truckload of toilet paper, citing their unwavering commitment to preparedness. While the act raised eyebrows, it also served as a comical reminder of the quirks of pandemic-era hoarding.

“Florida Man Executes Underwater Art Heist in Scuba Gear”

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In a plot that seemed ripped from the pages of a spy novel, a Florida man donned scuba gear to execute an audacious underwater art heist. His target: a priceless sculpture resting on the ocean floor. The theft baffled authorities and left art enthusiasts in suspense, wondering where the aquatic masterpiece would resurface.

“Feud Over Stolen Flamingo Lawn Ornaments Escalates in Suburbia”

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What started as a petty dispute over missing plastic flamingo lawn ornaments spiraled into an epic neighborhood feud. Midnight raids, front yard flamingo battles, and clandestine reconnaissance operations became the norm in this suburban battleground. The flamingo feud became a cautionary tale of the lengths to which people will go to protect their kitschy treasures.

“Parasailing Pizza Delivery Takes Off in Florida”

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In a quest to redefine pizza delivery, Florida introduced the world to parasailing pizza. Customers placed orders from boats at sea, and intrepid delivery drivers descended from the sky, providing a unique dining experience that combined culinary satisfaction with an adrenaline rush.

“Crocodile Karaoke Event Amuses Audiences”

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In a thrilling yet unconventional entertainment event, Florida residents gathered to sing karaoke while being surrounded by live crocodiles. The daring performances and the proximity to the fearsome reptiles turned this karaoke night into an unforgettable show, leaving participants with an adrenaline rush and unforgettable memories.

“Lingerie-Clad Lawnmower Race Raises Funds for Charity”

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Residents of a Florida town traded their conventional lawnmowers for a chance to race in lingerie-clad style. This quirky charity event not only raised eyebrows but also funds for a good cause, proving that even yard work could have a humorous and charitable side.

“Florida Woman’s Primate Prank at Restaurant Goes Awry”

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A Florida woman hatched a plan to sneak her pet capuchin monkey into a restaurant by disguising it as a baby. However, the plan took an unexpected turn when the monkey escaped its stroller, creating a hilarious and chaotic dining experience for restaurant-goers and staff alike.

“Biker Flamingo Gang Makes Waves in Florida”

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A group of motorcyclists in Florida embraced a unique and whimsical theme, dressing as flamingos and hitting the streets in avian-inspired attire. Their unexpected and flamboyant appearances turned heads and brought a touch of eccentricity to the open road.

“Florida Man’s Cheetah Chase: High-Speed Pursuit with Feline Friend”

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In a heart-pounding escapade that could have been lifted from an action movie script, a Florida man led police on a high-speed chase while racing alongside his pet cheetah. The pursuit unfolded on a sun-drenched highway, where witnesses couldn’t believe their eyes as the man and his speedy feline friend left law enforcement officers in their dust. Eventually, the pursuit came to a dramatic conclusion, but not before cementing itself as one of the most adrenaline-pumping moments of the year.

“Gorilla Escape Prank: Florida Man’s Hairy Hoax at Local Zoo”

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In an attempt to prank visitors at a local zoo, a Florida Man donned a lifelike gorilla suit and staged an “escape.” However, the hoax quickly turned chaotic when a real gorilla got wind of the commotion and staged a genuine escape. The zoo found itself dealing with not one but two primates on the loose, making it one of the most bizarre incidents of the year.

“Hedgehog Herding Race: Florida Man’s Spiky Speedway Challenge”

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Inspired by an unusual fascination with hedgehogs, a Florida Man organized a hedgehog herding race. Participants attempted to guide a group of hedgehogs through an obstacle course, showcasing their herding skills in a race against time. This offbeat event combined the charm of these prickly creatures with a dash of friendly competition.

“Florida Woman Advocates for ‘Sugar Daddy and Mommy Appreciation Day’ at Board Meeting”

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During a Planning & Zoning Board meeting in March, a Florida Woman requested the designation of March 10 as “Sugar Daddy and Mommy Appreciation Day,” highlighting Florida’s significant population of sugar daddies and benefactors in the state.

“Shirtless Florida Man’s Tree Climbing Escapade After Police Chase”

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Following a chase, a shirtless Florida Man was discovered hiding high up in an oak tree by Port Orange police officers. Body camera footage captured his unconventional escape attempt.

“Florida Man Evades Deputies Using Whiteboard Tactic”

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A Florida Man sought to evade deputies attempting to arrest him for aggravated battery by displaying a whiteboard message claiming that he didn’t live at the location. Deputies eventually apprehended him and several other individuals.

“Florida Man’s Stolen Ambulance Joyride Ends at Sheriff’s Office”

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A Florida Man took a stolen ambulance for a joyride, leading deputies on a chase that ended at the front lawn of the sheriff’s office operations center. He was swiftly apprehended.

“Inaugural Florida Man Games to Feature Beer Belly Wrestling and ‘Evading Arrest’ Obstacle Course”

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An event inspired by the antics of the infamous “Florida Man” will include competitions such as beer belly wrestling and an “evading arrest” obstacle course. The games playfully poke fun at Florida’s reputation for producing strange news stories.