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Florida mom denies instigating 500-person skating rink riot after daughter’s party was canceled

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Florida mom denies instigating 500-person skating rink riot after daughter’s party was canceled


A Florida mom charged with instigating a 500-person riot at a skating rink refused to accept any blame for the melee, telling The Post it “had nothing to do with my daughter’s birthday party being canceled.”

“I know that for a fact,” she added.

Stephanie Pedroso, 36, was arrested Thursday for allegedly causing the chaos at Astro Skate in Brandon, Florida, after the rink canceled her May 17 event over a breach of contract.

Twenty-three juveniles and six adults were arrested after fights broke out at a Florida skating rink. Astro Skate

Pedroso was issued a refund the day prior to the party, but she was pissed off and reportedly called on her daughter’s friends through social media to still show up and “tear this bitch up.”

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And they did.

It took around six hours for police to contain the riot. They arrested 23 minors and six adults at the scene. Five local businesses sustained damaged during the frenzy.

But Pedroso said it’s not unusual for there to be mayhem at the skate club, and it was an easy excuse to blame it on her.

“It’ll be proven in court that it’s false,” she said.

One of the groups participating in the riot attacked a juvenile inside a nearby barber shop, the sheriff’s office said. Hillsborough County Sheriff
The owner of Astro Skate said the riot was incited by Stephanie Pedroso. Hillsborough County Sheriff

Astro Skate owner Chris Maganias said in his 43 years in business, this type of incident is a rarity at any of his seven skate rinks.

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“That was brought on by [Pedroso],” he said.

Maganias said Pedroso rented the rink after hours — 11:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. — for what he believed was an elementary school-aged party. They agreed to a price of $400 for 50 kids for the first two hours, and then $7 a head after.

Stephanie Pedroso contends the riot had nothing to do with her. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

But staff started seeing Pedroso advertising it as a “teen dance,” and charging $15 a person.

The club canceled the party and refunded Pedroso’s money, pointing to violations of her contract: She didn’t let the rink approve advertising, she sold tickets for more than the rink sold them to her for, and she refused to hire off-duty deputies for the event.

Party organizers then allegedly turned to social media, hyping up people to meet at Astro Skate and riot against the business and law enforcement officials.

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It took about six hours for authorities to contain the melee. Hillsborough County Sheriff

Pedroso was charged with one count each of inciting a riot, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and driving with a license suspended, canceled or revoked, authorities announced.

“This lady clearly could have gotten someone killed,” Maganias said. “God forbid someone pulled out a gun.”



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Florida investigating AI role in mass shooting at university

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Florida investigating AI role in mass shooting at university


Florida on Tuesday announced a criminal probe into whether artificial intelligence played a role in a deadly mass shooting at a university in the US state.

The decision to launch an investigation came after prosecutors reviewed exchanges between OpenAI chatbot ChatGPT and the suspected gunman, who opened fire at Florida State University last year, according to state Attorney General James Uthmeier.

“If ChatGPT were a person, it would be facing charges for murder,” Uthmeier said.

Florida law allows anyone who assists or counsels someone in the commission of a crime to be treated as an “aider and abettor” bearing the same responsibility as the perpetrator, according to Uthmeier.

In exchanges with ChatGPT, the accused shooter sought advice on what type of gun and ammunition to use, as well as where and when on campus a lot of people would likely be found, the state attorney general said during a press briefing.

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“Last year’s mass shooting at Florida State University was a tragedy, but ChatGPT is not responsible for this terrible crime,” an OpenAI spokesperson said.



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Florida wildfire strands Amtrak passengers for over 24 hours

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Florida wildfire strands Amtrak passengers for over 24 hours


A massive wildfire in Putnam County in northern Florida left Amtrak passengers stranded on a train for more than 24 hours.

One train heading to New York City was forced to turn around, arriving back in Miami Monday night, including one passenger who said he had been on that train for about 38 hours.

He says he and other passengers were left uncertain about what was going on.

“Angry, confused, uncertain, in the dark,” said John Reardon.

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Reardon, who lives in New York City, says he boarded the train around 7 a.m. Sunday to go back home. He said around 3 p.m. Sunday, the train stopped near Jacksonville.

“Finally, after about 5 hours, they said we’re not going to New York, we’re going back to Miami,” Reardon said. “One stop at a time.”

Amtrak said for the safety of its passengers, the train couldn’t continue going north because of the fire.

“Amtrak sends a notification to the phone saying, ‘Hey, there’s an issue with the wildfire, it’s too close to the railway,’” said passenger Katrinia Wheeler.

Multiple crews are battling multiple fires in two Florida counties, leaving at least 3,000 acres burned. 

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“I saw that there was a lot of smoke coming from the woods, and then I saw the fire trucks and emergency services,” Wheeler said.

The train that left Miami at 7 a.m. on Sunday returned around 9 p.m. on Monday, leaving passengers frustrated.

Amtrak corporate says they made the decision out of safety for their customers and said customers would receive full refunds and vouchers.



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Florida Lottery Fantasy 5, Cash Pop results for April 19, 2026

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Florida Lottery Fantasy 5, Cash Pop results for April 19, 2026


The Florida Lottery offers several draw games for those hoping to win one of the available jackpots.

Here’s a look at the winning numbers for games played on Sunday, April 19, 2026.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from April 19 drawing

Midday: 06-09-19-34-35

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Evening: 08-09-12-25-31

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash Pop numbers from April 19 drawing

Morning: 03

Matinee: 08

Afternoon: 04

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Evening: 01

Late Night: 07

Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.

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Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win

Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.

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Just the FAQs, USA TODAY

Winning Pick 2 numbers from April 19 drawing

Midday: 4-0, FB: 3

Evening: 0-6, FB: 6

Check Pick 2 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 19 drawing

Midday: 2-9-1, FB: 3

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Evening: 3-7-0, FB: 6

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 19 drawing

Midday: 9-7-8-0, FB: 3

Evening: 3-6-7-8, FB: 6

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Pick 5 numbers from April 19 drawing

Midday: 3-9-3-5-1, FB: 3

Evening: 1-3-1-8-7, FB: 6

Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Where can you buy Florida Lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at any authorized retailer throughout Florida, including gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. To find a retailer near you, go to Find Florida Lottery Retailers.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

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Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

  • Prizes of $599 or less: Claim at any authorized Florida Lottery retailer or Florida Lottery district office.
  • Prizes for $600 to $1 million: Must be claimed in person at any Florida Lottery district office for games that do not offer an annual payment option.
  • Prizes greater than $1 million and all prizes with an annual payment option: Must be claimed at Florida Lottery headquarters, except Mega Millions and Powerball prizes, which can be claimed at any Florida Lottery district office.

You also can claim your winnings by mail if the prize is $250,000 or less. Mail your ticket to the Florida Lottery with the required documentation.

Florida law requires public disclosure of winners

If you’re a winner, Florida law mandates the following information is public record:

  • Full name
  • City of residence
  • Game won
  • Date won
  • Amount won
  • Name and location of the retailer where the winning ticket was purchased.

When are the Florida Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Florida Lotto: 11:15 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Jackpot Triple Play: 11:15 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
  • Fantasy 5: Daily at 1:05 p.m. and 11:15 p.m.
  • Cash Pop: Daily at 8:45 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 2:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 11:45 p.m.
  • Pick 2, 3, 4, 5: Daily at 1:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Florida digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.



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