Apparently this Florida Man didn't know the main rule to follow when you go to meet your probation officer. Don't do illegal stuff when you go to that meeting. And it wasn't just meth, either, this Florida Man brought enough to start a party.
How His Probation Officer Meeting Went Down
On Monday, Brandon Lee Harris of DeFuniak Springs, Florida was to meet with his probation officer in town. As he was getting to his meeting, it became apparent that Harris was attempting to conceal methamphetamine in a small plastic baggy. But like I said earlier, it wasn't just the meth. He also had two syringes, and a nasal spray bottle containing an unknown substance. Here comes the plot twist.
The Florida Man admitted to knowing he had narcotics and paraphernalia on him before arriving.
A Bad Day For This Florida Man
So he went to his probation officer meeting knowing that he had drugs on him. He couldn't maybe find a place to stash them until later, or a friend that could hold it? I mean, they generally search you before you enter a government building like that. I guess sometimes you just need a little pick me up before going to check in for probation, it can be exhausting.
Brandon Lee Harris was transported to the Walton County Jail and charged with felony violation of probation, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was given no bond and is still incarcerated at the time of this release. Harris was just released on July 18th for a pair of felonies committed back in April and May. He was also arrested twice in 2023 and once in 2022 for drug charges, grand theft auto, and failure to appear. it looks like he may be staying in jail a little longer this time.
Underrated Florida Beaches That Are Filled with Beauty
Florida is known for its beautiful beaches and resorts. After all, Florida is the Sunshine State. But, if you're looking for some more underrated, and less busy, Florida beaches, then you also have some options. The major beaches are often filled with tourists, so finding some of the more underrated Florida beaches may be just what you need for a quiet getaway.
Most Underrated Florida Beaches to Visit
Before we get to the most underrated Florida beaches to visit, let's talk about the amazing water areas that Florida has to offer. Florida is one of the boating and fishing capitals of the world. As VisitFlorida.com points out, the state has more than 7,700 lakes, 11,000 miles of rivers, 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline and has been home to more than 900 world fishing records. That tops any other state or even country. How wild is to to think that Florida has created more fishing records than even any other country? It shows just how rich the state is when it comes to our water.
Florida also has more than 700 freshwater springs, and 27 are classified as first-magnitude springs, which is more than any other state. A few other special things about Florida is that John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on Key Largo was America's very first underwater state park. Also, the fishing village of Cedar Key is known for having the best clam chowder in America. So, if you have a craving for clam chowder, that's the place to go.
A separate article from VisitFlorida.com notes that Florida beaches are known for being very clear, but "it varies from week to week, and even from day to day depending on the amount of sunlight, the temperature, the amount of rainfall, the wind speed and direction, water currents and surf." They add that Florida has some very clear and beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and on the Atlantic Ocean. For clear water ost days, try "northwest Florida beaches in and around Panama City Beach, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Pensacola; southwest Florida beaches on Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and Siesta Key."
I love that fact that you can enjoy Florida beaches any time of the year. I mean, contrary to what people outside of the state think, it can get cold here in the winter. But, it's rarely too cold to sit on the beach with a sweatshirt on and watch the sunset. Read on for underrated Florida beaches to get on your radar.
Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach still has a good amount of damage from the hurricane, but Margaritaville is open, so you'll find plenty to do there. Situated on Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach is one of the state's most underrated beaches. At Fort Myers Beach, you'll find beautiful, white-sand beaches and gorgeous sunsets.
Sarasota
Make sure to visit Siesta Key here, as well as Sarasota Gay Beach and Crescent Beach. Just south of Tampa Bay, Sarasota is a lovely beach town that is especially popular during the holidays. You'll find lots of local shopping opportunities here.
St. George Island State Park
St. George Island State Park is located on a barrier island fronting the legendary Apalachicola Bay. It's a great place to gaze at the stars. Note that starting March 1, 2025, the campground at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park will be closed for an expansion project.
Santa Rosa Beach
If you head to Santa Rosa Beach and want to find some really special, and secret, beaches, try Blue Mountain Beach and Grayton Beach State Park. This beach town is less crowded than most, which makes it a low-key getaway.
Pensacola Beach
Pensacola Beach is located on a 40-mile barrier island, Pensacola Beach, and has beautiful, translucent waters. It's a really small town, so it's much less crowded than other beaches. It's a hidden gem.
Discover Your Own New Favorite
If you don't want to go too far, do some digging and visit one of the closest beaches to you, that you haven't visited yet. This is one of my favorite things to do. Maybe you'll find a new favorite beach super close to home.