Early Sunday morning, in Volusia County, Florida, a man got into a showdown with another dude over some tricycle flashlights. According to WFTV, it happened around 1 a.m., when deputies got called out to the beach for a stabbing. Turns out, the victim was just riding his tricycle, with flashlights acting as his headlights. The poor guy was just minding his own business.
But then, he unfortunately shined his flashlight at the wrong guy. This dude was really NOT a fan of bright lights. Because he starts to lose it. Words are exchanged, and things get very heated, and next thing you know, the victim is knocked off his trike
Now if you thought a grown man on a tricycle was the crazy part, just wait for the machete attack that's about to happen. The angry guy then finds a machete in the victim's tricycle basket. I mean, who doesn't carry a machete when riding a tricycle? What was he planning on doing with that, a little beachside gardening? Anyway, the suspect grabs the machete and slashes the victim's thigh. They start wrestling over this ridiculous weapon, and in the machete attack chaos, the victim cuts his own hand.
Machete Attack Aftermath:
With his left-hand bleeding, our tricycle rider decides it's time to split. He hops back on his three-wheeler, rides away, and calls 911. He ends up in the hospital with injuries that, thankfully, weren’t too serious.
Cops start looking for the machete attack suspect and find a guy hanging around A1A and Main Street. They bring him in for a chat. This guy says he didn’t fight anyone at the beach and claims he cut his hand on some glass at Dirty Harry’s bar. Without enough evidence, the deputies let him go after taking some photos.
I guess if you're going to ride a tricycle on the beach with a basket full of trouble, keep your flashlights to yourself and leave the machetes at home.
15 Florida Beaches Where Alcohol Is Legal To Drink
I fondly remember the days of drinking on Fort Myers Beach. It wasn't really legal, but we did it anyway. Going to 7-11 and getting a giant Big Gulp cup and then making a mixed drink to sip on the beach. It was so common that every Spring Breaker outside the Lani Kai was carrying a Big Gulp cup. I'm pretty sure the cops knew. Florida beaches and alcohol have always gone together.
And if you're going to drink on Fort Myers Beach, you better hide it. The Town Of Fort Myers Beach has this posted "Any person convicted of violation of Section 5 of this Ordinance may be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00 or by imprisonment in the County jail for a period not to exceed 60 days, or both." 60 days in jail for a Mich Ultra? Seems harsh.
The grown up version is to make a drink in a giant Yeti cup. The ice lasts so much longer. That's how I do my summertime vodka cranberry down on Bonita Beach. Even though it's not actually legal to do so. There used to be a sign that says "no alcohol", but the Hurricane Ian destroyed it.
One thing to remember with alcohol on Florida beaches. It's really never ok to bring glass. Even if no one says don't bring glass - don't bring glass. If you break a bottle you'll never get all the pieces and then someone will step on it.
And it's hot here. Don't forget to alternate between booze and bottled water or you'll be hurting. That dehydration headache is a killer.
Perdido Key
Perdido Key is on the Panhandle, at the Florida - Alabama border. The local sheriff breaks down the rules:
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is in the same county as Perdido Key, so the same rules apply. Pensacola Beach does have an alcohol free "family zone" west of the pier.
Shell Island
It's ok to drink on private lots and county roads in the middle of the island, but it's illegal in the State Park area.
Panama City Beach
The PCB has a Spring Break law where no alcohol is allowed on the beach during the month of March. Also, no metal shovels are allowed on the beach, and digging holes deeper than two feet is prohibited. I'm interested in hearing whatever story caused that law. So it's legal for 11 months out of the year. PCB has had a major problem with rip currents this year. If the double red flag warning is out, drink on the beach - but stay out of the water.
Madeira Beach
On over to the Tampa - St. Pete Area. We don't call it Mad Beach for nothing. As is usually the case, no glass. I spent spring break there when I was in college. Not sure how I made it out alive.
St. Pete Beach
Rules on this beach. You can drink on the sand at beachfront hotels, but only if you're a guest of the hotel.
Treasure Island
Apparently it's ok to drink here as long as it's not day-drinking. No alcohol is allowed on the beach between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. So pack it and let it set on ice until 4pm.
Siesta Beach
We're in Sarasota County. Cans and cups, no glass. Bad behavior is not ok, so be cool.
Turtle Beach
Another Sarasota County Beach, so the same rules as Siesta.
Lido Beach
Sarasota County, so it's cool here, too.
Naples Municipal Beach
I see a lot of conflicting information on this one. Some sites say it's ok to drink on the beach. Others say it's not. I know you can't drink at the pier. You can drink on Marco Island beaches. I know people do drink on Naples Beach, but I don't know if it's really legal.
Flagler Beach
Let's move on over to the East Coast. The Sheriff's Department says this "Open containers are prohibited except on the sand of the beaches. " So finish it before you step off the sand.
Cocoa Beach
Drinking is fine, but no glass, and no pets. Sometimes there's even live music out on the sand.
Playalinda Beach
Not only can you drink here, but if you park in lot 13 that takes you to a clothing optional section of the beach. Yes, a nude beach where drinking is allowed. How have I not been here, yet?
