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Anyone who’s spent a fair amount of time on the internet is aware of the mythical creature that is the “Florida Man,” and now, one city in the Sunshine State will be home to a competition inspired by that viral phenomenon.
Florida Man is a bit of a misnomer, as it doesn’t refer to a single person but rather the many, many residents of the state who’ve made headlines over the years courtesy of bizarre stories that have given the place they hail from a reputation for incubating a particularly strange breed of what is best described as a subspecies of redneck.
I’ve previously taken a closer look at the Florida Man phenomenon, which largely stems from laws that make it easier to access government documents in Florida compared to the vast majority of other states. As a result, it’s easier for media outlets to report on arrests revolving around the improper operation of a lawnmower or golf cart, illegal captivity of dangerous reptiles, and other hijinks frequently made possible with the help of meth.
According to The Orlando Sentinel, one man in Florida has decided to honor that iconic figure by hosting the first-ever “Florida Man Games” in St. Augustine next year.
Pete Melfi said he wanted to give people “an opportunity to live that Florida Man life for a day” and decided to do exactly that by hosting a competition that will be held on February 24, 2024. Participants will get the chance to partake in a number of activities inspired by the Florida man, myth, and legend, including:
- A “Weaponized Pool Noodle Mud Duel” where contestants will wear goggles designed to simulate drunkenness
- “Beer Belly Florida Sumo” where your stomach is the only weapon you’re allowed to deploy
- An “Evading Arrest Obstacle Course” where you’ll be chased by real, actual cops
- A self-explanatory Mullet Contest
The Florida Man Games will also feature two former members of the American Gladiator cast as judges (specifically “Nitro” and “Ice”), and if you want to throw your hat into the ring, you can sign up here.