Florida is widely known for its sunny beaches, theme parks, and strange headlines involving an “Florida man.” One such incident took place on February 20, 2020 when one such “Florida man” attacked a gas station clerk using hot dogs and corn dog sticks over beer sales.
What happened?
According to Marion County Sheriff’s Office reports, Cavan McDaniel, 35, entered a Petro gas station in Ocala and attempted to buy beer, however the clerk declined for unknown reasons and left McDaniel furious. When his request for alcohol was refused he quickly picked up a hot dog from behind the counter and threw it at her hitting her in the eye while also throwing corn dog sticks but missing their target1. All this action was captured on surveillance video1.
McDaniel fled the scene but was later captured and charged with battery and violating probation; he was held without bond.
Why Did He Do It?
McDaniel’s Motivations For Attacking with Food Items McDaniel had no discernible motive when he attacked the clerk with food items; however, his history of criminality and substance abuse are clear: He had been placed on probation following an earlier battery charge and was also arrested multiple times for theft, trespassing, and drug possession.
McDaniel was also a recovering gambling addict and recently relocated back to Florida from Las Vegas. According to deputies, McDaniel told them he had been attending Gamblers Anonymous meetings as he attempted to change his life for the better.
How did people respond?
This incident generated wide-spread amusement and confusion on social media, where many shared both the news article and video of the attack. Many commentated on the absurdity of using hot dogs and corn dog sticks as weapons while questioning why the clerk refused to sell McDaniel beer.
Others expressed sympathy and expressed the hope that McDaniel would receive help for his addiction and mental health concerns.
FAQs: The Ultimate guide to your questions
Q: What is the Florida Man meme?
A: The Florida Man meme is an internet trend featuring headlines about outrageous and sometimes illegal acts performed by Floridians, usually men. Such headlines often start off by using the term “Florida man” followed by an explanation for each act performed (e.g. “Florida man arrested for throwing alligator through drive-thru window”, or “Florida man bites off neighbor’s ear in fight over cigarettes”). This meme satirizes Florida’s reputation of housing eccentric and lawless individuals living among us all.
Q: How hot are hot dogs?
A: Hot dogs are prepared sausages typically served on a bun with condiments. Generally they are heated in boiling water, grilled, or microwaved before consumption and their temperatures vary depending on preparation methods and storage periods, though on average they usually fall around 140degF (60degC) when being eaten.
Q: What is a corn dog stick?
A corn dog stick is a wooden skewer used to secure corn dogs – hot dogs coated in cornmeal batter and deep-fried. Corn dogs are frequently sold at fairs, carnivals and street vendors and should typically be eaten with mustard or ketchup for best results.
Q: Can you explain Florida’s laws regarding alcohol sales?
A: In Florida, the legal drinking age is 21 and the legal blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.08%. Alcohol can be purchased in grocery stores, convenience stores, liquor stores, bars, and restaurants, though there are certain restrictions as to when and where alcohol sales occur – most counties prohibit sales between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. while consumption in public places such as parks, beaches, sidewalks or roadsides is banned unless otherwise permitted by local ordinances.
Stay tuned to Fox24x7 for the latest scoops and updates of Business News, Sports News, Technology News, World News and Entertainment News.
