Jack-o’-Lantern Justice: Florida Man Arrested on Halloween with Pumpkin Seized By Cops

You'd expect the scariest thing to happen this past Halloween is a spooky ghost popping out of a pumpkin, right? Well, not in Port Charlotte, where a man named Edward Atwood decided to add some criminal spice to his holiday festivities.

According to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, it was a regular day at the Chili's Restaurant in Port Charlotte, when a poor coworker misplaces her wallet in the parking lot. She searches high and low, but it's gone with the wind. Flash forward to her bank statement. And what does she see? Charges, my friends, unauthorized charges. Like, who does that, right?

Charlotte County detectives swing into action like detectives do, and what do they find on the security footage? A guy wearing a Chili's cap, using the missing wallet's credit card. Now, if you're thinking he used it for some high-stakes operation, think again. This mastermind decided to grab a case of beer and a pumpkin. Maybe he wanted a beer buddy to carve the pumpkin? Who knows!

Sheriff Bill Prummell, said, "All jokes aside, it is sad that an individual would do this to anyone, but especially someone with whom they work." Yeah, Bill, we get it. You expect more from your coworkers, not just carving pumpkins and sipping beer on your dime.

When the deputies roll up to Atwood's place, what do they find? A freshly carved pumpkin, right in the driveway. They chat with the homeowner, who spills the beans about the recent pumpkin purchase. How thoughtful of Atwood to keep up with the seasonal trends while swiping stolen credit cards, right?

But here's a twist that should surprise exactly no one, the deputies nab Atwood as he returns home, finding the victim's credit cards, driver's license, and a bunch of other cards in his wallet. The pumpkin? Yep, that's evidence now too.

So, Mr. Atwood, congrats on adding a dash of... BOO! WE GOT YOU! Kind of thrill to your Halloween. But next time, maybe stick to carving pumpkins you've paid for yourself. Trick or treat, ya filthy animal.

My Halloween pumpkin bit the dust days ago. In fact, here is a hairy and scary video of it. Pumpkins just don't last in the Southwest Florida heat and humidity. Halloween may be wrapping up but pumpkins are still in season. Wether you scoop the guts out of the gourd or buy the puree in a can, here are five of the best pumpkin recipes for Fall in Florida and for TikTok Tuesday.

Some health officials call pumpkin a superfood because they are low fat and packed with nutrients. They have things like iron, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and foliate which are all said to be great for boosting immunity. Pumpkins are also full of beta carotene which is good for eye health as well as immunity. Because these gourds have  lots of fiber, they also help to keep you feeling full a little longer than some other foods. Pumpkins have a natural sweetness which is a benefit for those trying to avoid added sugar to their diet.

Spoiler alert...NO pumpkin pies recipes are listed below.  That is way to obvious and are being reserved for the theme of another TikTok Tuesday post as we get closer to Thanksgiving. These recipes are both sweet and savory and all look oh so good. Get your pumpkin fix with these five recipes for TikTok Tuesday.

Pumpkin puree is essential to these recipes. Sure you can buy it in a can but making it yourself doesn't take that much effort. Then you don't have to deal with any preservatives.
https://www.tiktok.com/@myhealthydish/video/7150756174672104750?q=pumpkin%20recipe&t=1698671467486

This is a seasonal classic and this particular recipe makes the process look pretty easy. It also looks great on the table if you are entertaining this season.
https://www.tiktok.com/@theloopywhisk/video/7273953677667290400?q=pumpkin%20recipe&t=1698671467486

I love a good pumpkin ravioli but this looks pretty delicious too. It has elements of both sweet and savory, not to mention delicious pasta.
https://www.tiktok.com/@tracesoats/video/7286145560610966815?q=pumpkin%20recipe&t=1698671467486

This is yet another great way to use those gourds. The kids will love it too. Maybe you could make them together for some good family time.
https://www.tiktok.com/@carolinagelen/video/7143715049582955781?q=pumpkin%20recipe&t=1698671467486

Here is a recipe that works for breakfast, a snack or dessert. While pumpkin is in season, make a couple of extra loaves and freeze for when you need a fix.
https://www.tiktok.com/@sisterscook4theirmisters/video/7271615380668288298?q=pumpkin%20recipe&t=1698671467486