#Socialites, Florida never disappoints when it comes to wild headlines — and this one might just leave you speechless. A 38-year-old man was arrested on Friday morning after riding a lawn mower down the Suncoast Parkway toll road in Hernando County, allegedly while under the influence.
According to FOX 13 News, authorities began receiving frantic calls around 8:30 a.m. from drivers who spotted the man slowly cruising alongside traffic on a patch of highway that runs from Citrus County into Hernando. Florida Highway Patrol quickly dispatched officers to the scene and used traffic cameras to track the lawn mower’s bizarre journey.
Suspect Showed Visible Signs of Being Under the Influence
When officers caught up with the suspect — identified as Christopher Spain — they say he appeared visibly impaired. Reports state he had flushed skin, dry mouth, and small pupils, all possible indicators of intoxication. Officers also found a small blue straw in his back pocket, though they haven’t said what it was used for.
Despite multiple chances, Spain refused to perform any field sobriety tests and was promptly arrested for driving under the influence. He was released later that day on a $500 bail.
Florida Law Prohibits Riding Lawn Mowers on Public Roads
In Florida, driving a lawn mower on a public road — especially a major toll road — isn’t just illegal, it’s dangerous. These machines average just 10 mph, and typically lack turn signals, brakes, and horns, making them unfit for road travel. It’s unclear what Spain’s motive was, but authorities have made it clear: toll roads are not the place to take your John Deere for a spin.
No Injuries Reported, But Highway Drivers Were Left Shook
Thankfully, no one was injured during Spain’s early morning joyride, but drivers on the Suncoast Parkway were left both confused and concerned.