5 Most Outrageous 'Florida Man May 20' Incidents That Shocked The World

As of December 16, 2025, the "Florida Man" calendar continues to deliver a consistent stream of the bizarre, and no date seems to harvest more unbelievable headlines than May 20. This particular day has become a magnet for stories that defy logic, blending political intrigue, surreal wildlife encounters, and classic Floridian chaos into a perfect storm of absurdity. It's a yearly phenomenon that proves reality is often stranger than fiction, and the Sunshine State is its primary stage.

The sheer volume and uniqueness of incidents reported on May 20 across different years are why this date stands out in the annals of the Florida Man meme. From high-speed chases involving napping children to international political scandals and deadly wildlife confrontations, the events of May 20 encapsulate the entire, bewildering spectrum of the notorious news trend. We've compiled the most shocking and unforgettable stories that prove May 20 is truly a cursed day on the Florida Man timeline.

The Hall of Fame: Notorious May 20 Florida Man Profiles

The common thread in the most memorable Florida Man stories is the unique and often tragic profile of the individuals involved. May 20 has generated some of the most complex and internationally relevant subjects, moving beyond petty crime into the realm of political extremism and deadly encounters. Here are the most notorious profiles linked to this specific date.

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The EU-Sanctioned Pro-Russia Activist (May 20, 2024)

One of the most politically charged "Florida Man" stories is tied to the actions of John Mark Dougan. Dougan, a former sheriff's deputy from Palm Beach County, had previously fled the United States and sought political asylum in Russia in 2016.

• Subject: John Mark Dougan.
• Incident Date Relevance: May 20, 2024.
• The Crime/Action: Dougan was officially sanctioned by the European Union (EU) on or around this date for his alleged pro-Russia disinformation campaigns and social media activities.
• Entities Involved: European Union (EU), Russia, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, Political Asylum, Disinformation.
• Significance: This case elevates the Florida Man meme to an international geopolitical level, demonstrating that the state's eccentricities can have global consequences, particularly concerning the conflict in Ukraine and information warfare.

The Alligator-Bitten, Shears-Wielding Man (May 20 Release)

This incident is a quintessential Florida Man tale, combining wildlife, drugs, and a deadly confrontation with law enforcement. The man at the center of this tragedy was Timothy Schulz, a 42-year-old Polk County resident with a history of methamphetamine-related arrests.

• Subject: Timothy Schulz.
• Incident Date Relevance: Schulz was released from jail on May 20th, preceding the bizarre incident.
• The Crime/Action: Believed to be high on methamphetamine, Schulz swam in a lake known to be alligator-infested. After surviving an alligator bite, he fled the water and charged at Polk County deputies with a pair of garden shears.
• Outcome: Deputies fatally shot Schulz after he ignored commands and continued to charge.
• Significance: This story, highlighted by Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, is a grim illustration of the extreme dangers faced by both the subjects and officers in these chaotic encounters, involving multiple classic Florida entities: drugs, alligators, and bizarre weapons.

From Alligators to Insurrection: The Bizarre Spectrum of May 20 Crimes

The "Florida Man May 20" files reveal a wide array of criminal and bizarre activity, from domestic chaos to federal offenses. The diversity of the incidents on this date solidifies its status as a peak moment for the meme's annual cycle.

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The January 6 Proud Boy Arrest (May 20, 2021)

The political extremism that defines a segment of the Florida Man phenomenon was starkly highlighted on May 20, 2021. On this date, a Florida man and self-identified member of the far-right group Proud Boys was arrested for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol Breach.

• Incident: Arrest for assaulting law enforcement officers during the January 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot.
• Location: Florida, with charges filed in Washington D.C.
• The Charge: Assaulting a group of police officers, among other felony counts.
• Topical Authority Entities: Proud Boys, January 6 Capitol Attack, Domestic Extremism, Federal Charges, Assault on Law Enforcement.
• Context: The state of Florida has been a focal point for the federal investigations into the Capitol breach, with numerous residents, including high-profile figures like Enrique Tarrio, facing serious charges. The May 20 arrest was one of many that tied the state to the national political turmoil.

The 118 MPH DUI with a Sleeping Child

While the exact year may vary as these types of stories are frequently reported, a classic "Florida Man" incident tied to May 20 involved a reckless DUI arrest in Brevard County. This story hits all the tragic notes of poor judgment and extreme danger.

• Incident: A father was arrested and accused of driving under the influence (DUI) while speeding at 118 mph on a Florida highway.
• The Bizarre Detail: The man had a sleeping child in the car at the time of the high-speed offense.
• Location: Brevard County, Florida.
• Charges: DUI, reckless driving, and child endangerment.
• Significance: This incident is a sobering reminder that many Florida Man headlines, while absurd, involve serious criminal negligence and endangerment of innocent lives. The combination of excessive speed, impairment, and a vulnerable passenger is a recurring and dangerous entity in Florida crime reports.

Why May 20? Unpacking the Florida Man Phenomenon

The question remains: why does May 20, and Florida in general, produce such a consistent stream of outrageous news? The answer lies in a confluence of unique legal, cultural, and environmental factors that create the perfect breeding ground for headline-making absurdity.

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The Sunshine Law Effect

The single most significant entity contributing to the Florida Man meme is the state's Sunshine Law. This is one of the nation's broadest public-records laws, granting media and citizens easy and immediate access to police reports, arrest affidavits, and booking information.

• Transparency: Unlike many other states that restrict access to police data, Florida's law allows local news outlets to quickly discover and report on bizarre, unique, or unusual arrests as soon as they happen.
• Media Incentive: The accessibility of these records creates a constant incentive for local reporters to search for the most click-worthy and sensational stories, ensuring that every bizarre incident is likely to be published.

A Unique Cultural and Environmental Mix

Beyond the legal framework, Florida’s environment and demographics contribute to the chaos, providing the backdrop for the most bizarre narratives.

• Climate and Wildlife: Florida's subtropical climate is home to wild animals like alligators, iguanas (sometimes found in toilets), and pythons, which often become central characters in Florida Man stories. The heat and humidity are also frequently cited factors in erratic behavior.
• High Population and Tourism: As a state with a massive and diverse population, including a high influx of tourists and transients, the sheer volume of daily interactions increases the probability of unique incidents.
• Drug Use and Mental Health: Many of the most violent and bizarre cases, such as the Timothy Schulz incident, are linked to drug abuse, including methamphetamine and flakka, which contribute to unpredictable and dangerous behavior.

In conclusion, the May 20 "Florida Man" incidents—from the internationally sanctioned political activist to the man who survived an alligator bite only to be shot by deputies—are not just random events. They are the perfect manifestation of a unique cultural phenomenon driven by unparalleled public transparency and an environment that is both beautiful and utterly chaotic. The stories of May 20 serve as a yearly reminder that in the Sunshine State, the bizarre is simply a part of daily life.