While people seem to be finding less and less to agree on, just about everyone can find common ground reflecting on how truly odd the past 12 months have been. And, like always, Florida stood second to none in producing the year’s most bizarre news stories.
As this rollercoaster of a year comes to an end, the team at Sachs Media Group has compiled our list of the year’s top 10 news articles detailing the inexplicable adventures of “Florida Man” and his curious counterpart “Florida Woman” – the wackiest residents of the Sunshine State. Each story is accompanied by an original illustration by our renowned cartoonist friend, Bill Day.
While we’re all glad to put the election season behind us (for now), your vote for the best “Florida Man” headline still counts. So cast your vote today and be sure to visit the linked news websites to learn more about each story.
Top Florida Man (and Woman) Headlines of 2016
1. Florida man arrested for tossing live alligator into Wendy’s
This Florida Man pulled up to a Wendy’s drive-thru and, after receiving his drink, threw a live alligator into the Wendy’s through the window. It simply doesn’t get more Florida Man than this. Read more about this story on PalmBeachPost.com.
2. Florida woman seeking revenge sets wrong car on fire
This Florida woman wanted to torch her ex’s car but accidentally burned down the wrong one. We guess revenge really is a dish best served cold. Read more about this story on ABCActionNews.com.
3. Florida debt counselor owes $100M, files bankruptcy
A prominent Central Florida debt counselor claimed to help people in the wake of the economic downturn. However, his recent bankruptcy filing and claim of $100 million in debt might having others questioning the wisdom of his advice. Read more about this story on OrlandoSentinel.com.
4. Florida man arrested when cops mistake donut glaze for meth
This Florida Man, pulled over in a routine traffic stop, was arrested when officers saw a “rock like substance on the floor of his car.” Turns out that he was no Walter White, just a guy satisfying his sweet tooth with some glazed Krispy Kreme donuts. Read more about this story on PalmBeachPost.com.
5. Florida man robs gas station, uses drawn on-beard as a disguise
This criminal mastermind thought the best disguise to rob a Pasco County gas station would be a hand-drawn beard, red bandana, and reading glasses. Read more about this story on ABCActionNews.com.
6. Florida man kills lionfish with handgun
Florida’s invasive lionfish species has a new threat to worry about now, thanks to this Florida Man’s creative approach. The Bradenton resident used a Glock handgun to shoot the pestilent fish point-blank. Read more about this story on PalmBeachPost.com.
7. Florida man trying to “time travel” drives his car through a building
This Florida Man is certainly no Marty McFly. In a failed attempt to travel through time, he crashed his Dodge Challenger into a Panhandle strip mall. Read more about this story on WAAYTV.com.
8. Florida man wearing bucket on head breaks into store to steal pigeons
This Florida man is on the run after breaking into a store with a bucket on his head and stealing some pricey pigeons. No word yet on whether he left a trail of bread crumbs. Read more about this story on PalmBeachPost.com.
9. Florida man breaks into home, cooks and eats pizza while inside
Where will you be when hunger strikes? This Florida man was arrested after he broke into a St. Petersburg home to steal cash. He also took time to cook and eat a pizza while inside the house. Perhaps the delicious aroma is what led officers to the scene of the crime. Read more about this story on ABCActionNews.com.
10. Florida man applies to be Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach, citing successful fantasy football experience
We all have our dreams. This Florida Man cited his experience as a “well rounded fantasy football manager” and the fact that he “plays Madden online” as reasons he should be anointed with the NFL team’s top coaching gig. Shockingly, his gracious offer was declined. Read more about this story on FloridaToday.com.
Still wanting more Florida Man? Check out the top 10 stories from 2015 here.