Florida
Florida skate rink owner says canceled party sparked riot involving kids: 'They came to fight'
A riot broke out at a Florida skate rink after the venue called off what was supposed to be a child’s birthday party. Now, the rink owner is speaking out and is set to discuss the incident with law enforcement.
Chris Manganias, owner of Astro Skating Center in Hillsborough County, explained on “Fox & Friends First” that the event was booked as a child’s party from 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., but a manager saw the clients were advertising the event online as a teen dance party.
Manganias said the clients violated their contract by advertising the event without approval and failing to hire an off-deputy officer for security, which the rink requires for teen events.
He then decided to cancel the event entirely.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to a large brawl at the Astro Skate roller skating rink in Brandon, Florida on Saturday, May 18, 2024, leading to the arrests of 23 juveniles and six adults.
FLORIDA MAN CONVICTED OF MURDER AT 19 RUNNING FOR CITY COUNCIL, CALLING FOR MORE POLICE AND YOUTH RESOURCES
“So we exercised our option, called [the client] on Friday, gave her her money back,” he explained.
“She screamed and cussed, carried on, called us all sorts of filthy names. And then on Saturday started posting on social media platforms to ‘go to the skating rink and give the police and the skating rink a hard time.’ And that’s what they did.”
Police say as many as 400 people showed up, and the situation escalated to a massive brawl.
“It’s a different world, man. You’ve got 12, 13, 14-year-old kids cussing, screaming, threatening the police. And then the mamas come and say that, ‘Oh they’re just children.’ And I’ve been dealing with children my whole life. What you see on that camera? Those are not children.”
Footage provided by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office shows dozens of people fist fighting, breaking through windows, and shocking violence.
Manganias said a crowd gathered outside the rink after being denied entry, but when efforts were made to disperse the large group, violence broke out.
Police ultimately arrested 23 juveniles and six adults.
“The climate has changed dramatically with the teenagers,” he said, adding that many rinks don’t host events on Friday or Saturday nights at all.
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The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested six adults for trespassing and other charges after a brawl broke out at Astro Skate in Brandon, Florida on May 18, 2024. Pictured top left to right: Lekera Evans, Yazelynn Ramos, Malik Carter. Bottom left to right: Jadyn Sebro, Aliyah Alfonso, Fareed Carter (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)
“When the crowd smells like marijuana, when there’s nothing but profanity, all sorts of those words that we’re not allowed to use – that’s my call. And I said, ‘look, we’re done. We’re not going to let any more people in.’”
“They dispersed, but then they went up and down the block attacking people and destroying people’s businesses. So this is the climate right now with that element.”
Manganias said security was on-site when the violence broke out, as his rinks always employ off-duty officers, but the crowd didn’t seem to care.
“If you look at these videos of these people fighting up and down the street, none of them have roller skates in their hands. None of them have skates on their feet. They came to fight. That’s what they do,” he said.
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Fox News’ Greg Wehner contributed to this report.
Florida
Florida woman confesses to stabbing 76-year-old roommate to death, authorities say
A Florida woman confessed to stabbing her 76-year-old roommate to death before covering his body with a tarp, stealing his truck and driving away from the scene, according to authorities.
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Shannon R. Giblin, 48.
Shannon R. Giblin (Photo: Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office)
In a news release, the sheriff’s office said deputies were dispatched to a home on Sunday after they received a report about a person who was not breathing. When they arrived at the home, they found a man, later identified as Paul De Wayne Bradley, who was dead.
Police said they tracked Giblin down in Bradley’s truck, which was missing from the driveway, in Sarasota County.
“As Charlotte County detectives questioned Giblin, she provided a confession to stabbing Bradley following an argument,” Sheriff Bill Prummell said in the release.
“After realizing that the victim was beyond help, Giblin then covered Bradley with a tarp and left the scene in the victim’s pickup truck,” Prummell added.
Online jail records show Giblin was charged with second-degree murder, as well as grand theft of a motor vehicle.
“I want to recognize my Major Crimes detectives who worked this case through the night and identified the suspect quickly,” Prummell said. “They truly show a dedication to their craft and the results are irrefutable. I also want to thank the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office for their quick actions in locating and detaining her based on the intelligence my team was able to share. As I have always said, Southwest Florida is fortunate to have law enforcement who work together so effectively for the people we serve.”
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Giblin is being held without bond, according to the release.
Florida
Florida No Kings protests planned for Stuart, Fort Pierce
There are two No Kings protests planned for the Treasure Coast; one in Stuart and one in Fort Pierce.
No Kings Day protests are scheduled for March 28, with over a thousand protests planned across the United States.
Organizers say the No Kings events will challenge President Donald Trump as he escalates “his attempts to control us.” Dozens of protests are planned across Florida, including two on the Treasure Coast.
Here’s what to know about the protests.
What is a No Kings protest?
No Kings is a nationwide protest organized in response to President Donald Trump and his administration.
“It is on us, the people, to show that we will fight to protect one another and our country,” according to the nokings.org website. “If he believes we will roll over and allow him to take our freedoms, he is mistaken.”
One core principle of No Kings is a commitment to nonviolent action. The organization’s website states participants should seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with dissenters and act lawfully.
No Kings protest in Stuart
No Kings protest in Fort Pierce
No Kings protests in Florida
There are dozens of protests planned across Florida, including two on the Treasure Coast, with one in Stuart and one in Fort Pierce. Find a protest near you.
Olivia Franklin is TCPalm’s trending reporter. You can contact her at olivia.franklin@tcpalm.com, 317-627-8048 or follow her on X @Livvvvv_5.
Florida
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