Nobody in Florida likes to be cold. When it gets a little chilly here in Fort Myers, it's time for a sweatshirt or long sleeves. Maybe a light jacket. But that wasn't good enough for drunk Florida Man Michael Dubberly. This 38-year-old guy decided to set his shoe ablaze to combat the chill. Spoiler alert: it didn't end well.
According to FOX35, it was on a chilly December night in Lady Lake. Dubberly, allegedly thought it was a stellar idea to start a fire in his shoe. Why? To keep warm, of course! The only issue was that he didn't appoint a fire babysitter before passing out completely drunk-faced.
Luckily for him, Lady Lake's finest rolled up onto the scene. There our drunk Florida man was passed out. Dubberly, out cold, dreaming who knows what, with his trusty shoe acting as the neighborhood's newest heat source. The fire department? Nah, they don't need a call. It's just a shoe barbecue near the real estate office.
Drunk Florida Man Ideas:
Not only did Dubberly leave his flaming footwear unattended, but he also managed to surround himself with a few loyal cans of liquid courage. One can was empty, another half-full, and a third remained untouched. I mean drink responsibly, right?
Now the cops next move surprised absolutely no one... Dubberly was cuffed and stuffed into the back of a police car. Good job officers! Get this guy out of here! He's a real "fire hazard." Ya know?
In the end, Michael's grand plan was to start a fire to stay warm, sip on a Mike's Hard Lemonade tall boy, and enjoy the cozy warmth of a Florida night. Sure sounds nice when you're a drunk Florida man... Still very stupid.
Now he's inside the prestigious Lake County Jail. Dubberly will remain there until he pays a $1,000 bond. At least he's warmer... And not on fire.
Sanibel Makes The Cut For Coziest Hygge Town In Florida
Baby it's cold outside. We've had a nice burst of cool air this week with more to come throughout the season. It's a time to cozy up under a blanket or by a fire. It's not just about fuzzy blankets. There are towns around the state, the country and the world that have an unexplained cozy feel to them. It might not surprise you that quant little Sanibel makes the cut for coziest hygge town in Florida.
What the heck is "hygge"
It is a Danish concept pronounced hoo-guh. The term that encompasses feelings of comfort, contentment, and well-being. Simply, that sense of being and feeling cozy. MyDatingAdviser used hygge as a guide to assess 170 US towns. They used three key factors. First, the weather and things such as temperature and snowfall. Second, culinary delights which includes charming cafes and bakeries. Finally, the researchers looked at overall things to do.
“We've traveled across the state to unveil some of the warmest hygge towns in Florida, perfect for a winter getaway," said Amy Harris, Editor-in-Chief at MyDatingAdviser.com. I encourage everyone to embrace the essence of hygge. Enjoy a leisurely stroll by the beach, indulge in local cuisine, immerse yourself in local culture, and create cherished memories with loved ones.”
Coziest Florida town
No Florida cities or towns made the top 20 hygge spots in the nation. However, if you are looking for a cozy getaway outside of the Sunshine State, here are the top five in the nation according to this report:
You can find that complete list here. In the meantime, Sanibel ranks in the coziest Florida town list. There are seven others that made the cut if you want to take a hygge cozy road trip. Here they are:
Seaside
I just love this picturesque coastal town in the Panhandle. The architecture and the stunning views make this an inviting winter escape, even though it gets a lot colder here than Southwest Florida.
Winter Temperature: 56°F, Winter Season: 3 months
St. Augustine
It's also a little colder but it's know for warm cafes in old town, historic landmarks and lots of charm. Tour the Castillo de San Marcos, stroll St. George Street, and experience the Nights of Lights festival.
Winter Temperature: 59.5°F, Winter Season: 3 months
Crystal River
Crystal River is just north of Tampa and could be considered a Gulf Coast hidden gem. The downtown is charming and the river is famous for manatee tours.
Winter Temperature: 59°F, Winter Season: 2.8 months
Apalachicola
Apalachicola has a lovely historic district and lots of festivals. Explore the Apalachicola Maritime Museum and dine along the scenic Apalachicola River.
Winter Temperature: 56°F, Winter Season: 3 months
Alys Beach
Besides Seaside, this is one of my favorite Panhandle escapes. It's known for pristine white sands and elegant white architecture. There is an Amphitheatre, galleries and a cool digital art festival which keeps the art community vibrant.
Winter Temperature: 52.5°F, Winter Season: 3 months
Marathon
Marathon is even warmer than Southwest Florida at times, if want cozy without cold. The beaches are great and so are the water sports. And don't even bet me started on the brilliant sunsets.
Winter Temperature: 73°F, Winter Season: 2.9 months
Sanibel Island
Sanibel might still be in full Hurricane Ian recovery mode. However researches say with things like the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge shelling and local restaurants, it has all kinds of hygee.
Winter Temperature: 67°F, Winter Season: 2.8 months
Delray Beach
Delray Beach is a great place with superb dining and a vibrant arts scene. Check out the Pineapple Grove Arts District, the Delray Beach Farmers' Market, and the beautiful beachfront.
Winter Temperature: 69°F, Winter Season: 3 months