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Fast Food Fury: Florida McDonald’s Employee Shoots at Enraged Customer

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In the early morning hours of a recent Friday, an unfortunate incident involving a McDonald’s employee and a customer occurred in Lakeland, Florida. According to the local police, a customer became angry over an error in their meal order, which escalated into a heated argument that eventually led to the employee allegedly firing a gun at the customer.

This all unfolded around 1 a.m. at a McDonald’s on East Memorial Drive in Lakeland. The Lakeland Police Department detailed the incident in a release on Monday. The situation seemed to spiral out of control when the customers attempted to leave, leading the worker to throw a drink at them.

The customers retaliated by forcing open the drive-thru window and began to fling cups onto the restaurant’s floor. The McDonald’s employee, a 22-year-old female, reappeared with a firearm and was then met with a drink thrown through the window by one of the customers.

“She then proceeded to confront the customers outside,” the police report stated. As the customers attempted to flee in their vehicle, the armed employee fired at the car, striking it at least once. This act was caught on the restaurant’s surveillance camera.

The altercation’s surveillance footage was later obtained and made public by WOFL-TV on its YouTube channel.

The involved McDonald’s worker, identified as 22-year-old Chassidy Gardner, was subsequently arrested. She was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Polk County Jail records indicate that Gardner was released on a $15,000 bond.

Retired Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon shared his thoughts with WOFL, expressing concern over the increasing frequency of such incidents.

“It’s unfortunate because once you fire that round, that round has no mercy. Wherever that round is going, whatever it strikes, it’s going to damage it or kill it,” Rolon stated. “It was totally uncalled-for and unjustified for her to pull the gun on a customer through the drive-through, regardless of what the situation was, unless there was a risk of great bodily harm that was going to be brought on to her, or there is a situation where someone was engaging in some activity that could result in bodily harm.”

He further expressed his surprise that the employee was armed while on duty at a family-friendly establishment. “I’m shocked that she had a weapon of that sort in a place such as a McDonald’s as an employee,” Rolon concluded.

Lakeland, the city where this unfortunate incident occurred, is home to roughly 120,000 residents and is situated approximately 35 miles from Tampa.


What are your thoughts regarding the use of firearms for self-defense in service-oriented jobs like fast food outlets, in light of the recent incident at a Florida McDonald's?

Watch a local news report about the incident below:

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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11 Comments

11 Comments

  1. Delphos Speaks

    July 7, 2024 at 11:18 am

    Employees should be trained in methods to de-escalate situations. To many times, it is the customer’s poor attitude about an order that creates tension. And the employees should do what they can to correct the order with a friendly smile. As they say, you can win the battle and lose the war. In the other hand, sometimes a customer is inebriated that late at night and cannot be dealt with. But the gun should not have been involved over a drink thrown through a window.

  2. Steve Carson

    July 7, 2024 at 11:19 am

    Clearly there is a need for anger management class.

  3. Dennis

    July 7, 2024 at 11:19 am

    She should be charge with murder. The victim had no weapon so she can’t pled self defense! She had no legal right to have of shoot anything. If she get anything less you can tell the democrats some people are above the law. If she had been white she would be still setting in jail or have a much higher bail
    Murder is murder and no one is above murder!!!

  4. Pena

    July 7, 2024 at 3:01 pm

    She was never in danger. Emotions and tempers out of control but doesn’t justify the use of a weapon. The customers were driving away when shot.

  5. Beartoe

    July 7, 2024 at 4:38 pm

    Old Proverb……. You can take the monkey outta the jungle but you never take the jungle outta the monkey

  6. Marla Summers

    July 7, 2024 at 7:50 pm

    Well I guess she is Mcfired now! Uncalled for.

  7. Robert Schrader

    July 7, 2024 at 9:42 pm

    John Q public is the dumbest animal out there.What was the sobriety of the occupants of the vehicle in the drive thru,also where any of occupants charged with anything like assault, battery,or malicious mischief??????

  8. Kirk Ellsworth

    July 7, 2024 at 9:45 pm

    Retired Orlando Police Chief Orlando Rolon never heard of the robbery/mass murder at a Brown’s chicken in Palatine, Illinois on January 8, 1993? My roommate had worked there, but I had gotten her a job at a Denny’s a few days before that happened. If they had been armed there’s a good chance they’d still be alive.

  9. Leola Clarry

    July 7, 2024 at 11:35 pm

    She didn’t know if the person had a gun or not so she did what anyone would do, she could have been hurt.

  10. Leola Clarry

    July 7, 2024 at 11:45 pm

    I have seen where people were hurt by someone using a gun some were killed and still nothing is being done about it. that person is still walking the streets, and this person was taken to court for what she did. Not Right.

  11. David Campbell

    July 9, 2024 at 10:22 pm

    Don’t know why the retired police cheif is surprised that an employee that works late into the night is armed; seems prudent to me. It is unfortunate that people get so out of control over a fast food order. Anyway, the shooting was not justified, the threat to the worker never escalated to the level of justifying lethal force. Now if the customer had actually forced his way through the window and started to enter the workspace, the employee, being a woman, might then have been justified.
    P.S. I did not vote in the pole as the questions don’t seem to match the situation.

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Preparedness

5 Essential Skills Everyone Needs for Survival

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In a world where self-reliance is becoming increasingly important, mastering the art of bushcraft can be a game-changer. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or preparing for an emergency, these essential wilderness skills can help you survive and thrive with nothing more than what nature provides. Bushcraft is not just about survival; it’s about making the most of what you have, even in urban settings. Here are five crucial bushcraft skills that everyone should know.

1. Mastering Fire

Fire is at the heart of survival. Knowing how to start and sustain a fire in any weather condition is a vital skill. Understanding which tinder works best and having the right fire-starting tools on hand can make all the difference. Whether you’re using a lighter, flint and steel, or friction-based methods, practice is key to ensuring you can ignite a fire when you need it most.

2. Building Shelter

While packing a tent is convenient, knowing how to build a shelter from scratch is invaluable. Selecting a good site and constructing a shelter with just a tarp or an emergency survival blanket—or even without any of these—is a skill that can protect you from the elements. Learn to use natural materials and your surroundings to create a safe haven in the wilderness.

3. Tying Knots

The ability to tie knots effectively can significantly enhance your bushcraft experience. Proper knot techniques allow you to make the most of your cordage, avoiding waste and ensuring stability. From securing shelters to setting traps, knowing the right knots can prevent failure and conserve your resources.

4. Using Cutting Tools

Cutting tools like knives, saws, and axes are indispensable in bushcraft. It’s crucial to know which tools hold up best, how to use them efficiently, and how to maintain them. These tools can help you gather materials, prepare food, and build structures, making them essential for any survival situation.

5. Purifying Water

Water is life, but it can also be deadly if contaminated. Learning how to filter and purify water ensures it’s safe to drink. While boiling is a common method, there are alternatives such as filtration systems and purification tablets. Understanding the best containers for boiling water and other purification methods is essential for staying hydrated and healthy in the wild.

Mastering these bushcraft skills can significantly enhance your ability to survive and thrive in the wilderness. By practicing these techniques, you can reduce your dependence on store-bought supplies and gain confidence in your ability to use natural resources. Whether you’re alone or with a group, these skills are fundamental for anyone looking to embrace self-reliance and preparedness.


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25 Essential Hacks for Easier, More Efficient Homesteading

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Living a self-sufficient life on a homestead is a dream for many, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Thankfully, there are numerous hacks that can help make homesteading easier, more efficient, and more cost-effective. Below is a list of practical tips and tricks designed to save you time, money, and effort while maintaining your homestead.

1. Waste Not, Want Not

Adopt a mindset of reusing and recycling everything possible. Beyond composting food scraps, keep any wood and plastic materials. These can be repurposed into essential homestead items like pallet gardens, chicken coops, and animal feeders.

2. Smart Animal Housing

Carefully consider how you house animals. Some pairings work better than others. Cows generally get along with all livestock, but pigs can be tricky to pair due to their omnivorous nature.

3. Vertical Gardening

If space is limited, try vertical gardening. Build a simple vertical frame or use higher stakes to grow dirt-free produce, maximizing your available space.

4. DIY Composting

Instead of purchasing compost, make your own. Whether you choose a traditional compost pile or vermicomposting with worms, this practice enriches your soil and reduces waste.

5. Extend the Growing Season

To extend your growing season, use homemade cloches, row covers, or a greenhouse. You can also warm the soil with black tarps for early spring planting.

6. Label Removal from Jars

Reuse jars for canning by removing sticky labels with water and a safe oil like grapeseed to get rid of the adhesive.

7. Quick Bread Proofing

Create a homemade “proof box” by placing a bowl of steaming water in the oven with your dough. This creates a warm, humid environment for faster rising.

8. Multipurpose Mason Jars

Use mason jars as measuring cups. For example, fill a half-gallon mason jar three-fourths full to measure six cups of water.

9. Easy Egg Peeling

Steam, don’t boil, your eggs for easier peeling. Place eggs in a metal colander over boiling water, cover, and steam for about 20 minutes.

10. Dollar Store Savings

Save money by purchasing essentials like sewing needles, plastic buckets, and clothespins at your local Dollar Store.

11. Protect Fruit Trees

Keep squirrels and birds away from fruit trees by hanging old CDs or DVDs from branches. The reflected light deters these pests.

12. Insect Control in Water

Add vegetable oil to standing water in bird feeders or barrels. The oil creates a film that prevents insects from breeding.

13. DIY Garden Markers

Make garden markers by placing seed packets inside upside-down mason jars. This protects the packets and marks your plants.

14. Utilize Poultry Manure

Use chicken or duck manure as fertilizer by creating a temporary pen in your garden area, allowing them to enrich the soil naturally.

15. Homemade Mulch

Save money by making your own mulch from shredded newspaper, animal manure, or cardboard to prevent weeds in your garden.

16. Snail and Slug Trap

Control snails and slugs by placing a small dish of beer near affected areas. They will be attracted to the beer and unable to escape.

17. Preserve Fresh Herbs

Keep herbs fresh by chopping them and freezing in ice cube trays with olive oil. This method preserves flavor and freshness.

18. Rust Prevention for Tools

Protect tools from rust by storing them in a bucket filled with sand and mineral oil, reducing the need for constant cleaning.

19. Companion Planting

Enhance your garden’s growth and pest resistance by practicing companion planting. For instance, plant tomatoes with marigolds for mutual benefits.

20. Cinnamon as a Pest Repellent

Use cinnamon to repel pests, prevent mold on cuttings, and protect livestock from illnesses by adding it to their water.

21. DIY Animal Feeders

Create your own animal feeders using plastic containers and PVC elbow joints. Drill holes to attach the joints, and you’re set.

22. Source Free Sawdust

Network with woodworkers or foresters to obtain free sawdust, which can be bartered for with produce or eggs.

23. Homemade Cloches

Fashion cloches from empty soda bottles by cutting them and placing them over plants at night, removing them in the morning.

24. Squash Bug Egg Removal

Remove squash bug eggs by pressing packing tape onto the leaves and peeling it off, effectively removing the eggs.

25. Freezing Extra Eggs

Don’t waste extra eggs. Crack them into a muffin pan, freeze, and store in containers for later use.

These homestead hacks offer practical solutions for everyday challenges, helping you to live a more self-sufficient and efficient lifestyle. By incorporating these tips, you can save time, money, and resources while enjoying the rewards of homesteading.


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15 Ingenious Ways to Repurpose Everyday Items for Homesteaders

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In today’s world, being resourceful is not just a skill—it’s a necessity. Especially for those who embrace the homesteading lifestyle, finding ways to reuse and recycle everyday items can make a significant difference. Why throw away what can be transformed into something useful? Here’s a guide to help you discover innovative ways to give new life to what might otherwise end up in the trash.

1. Leftover Food

Food waste is a common issue, but it doesn’t have to be. Instead of tossing leftovers, consider repurposing them. Leftover mashed potatoes can become delicious potato pancakes, and other ingredients can be stored in the freezer for future meals. Scraps can enrich your compost pile, enhancing its quality, or serve as a nutritious treat for your animals.

2. Eggshells

Don’t underestimate the power of eggshells. They can be added to chicken feed, mixed into coffee grounds before brewing for a smoother taste, or used as a natural pest deterrent in gardens. Eggshells can also enrich the soil of your houseplants.

3. Coffee Grounds

After brewing your morning coffee, don’t toss those grounds. They are perfect for composting or can be used in a worm farm. Coffee grounds are also excellent for cleaning and odor reduction around the homestead.

4. Peels

Fruit and vegetable peels have more uses than you might think. Banana peels are great for chicken feed, while citrus peels can infuse teas with flavor or add a fresh scent to cleaning products. Lemon peels can even prevent brown sugar from clumping.

5. Animal Bones

Animal bones should never be discarded. Use them to make rich stocks and broths that can serve as a base for soups and stews, maximizing their nutritional value.

6. Cardboard Rolls

Empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls can be transformed into biodegradable seed starters or plant protectors. Stuff them with dryer lint for a handy fire starter or use them to store plastic grocery bags neatly.

7. Cereal Boxes

Once the cereal is gone, cereal boxes can be cut into funnels or used for various DIY projects like magazine holders. They’re a versatile resource for creative minds.

8. Packing Boxes

Before recycling packing boxes, consider their potential uses around the home. They can store seasonal items or be used in the garden to suppress weeds. Shredded cardboard is also a great addition to compost piles.

9. Paper Products

From packing paper to old magazines, paper products have numerous applications. Weave packing paper into baskets, use old magazines for DIY crafts, or mulch your garden with newspaper. Shredded paper can serve as chicken bedding or a fire starter.

10. Plastic Bottles and Containers

Plastic is notoriously difficult to recycle, but with some creativity, it can be reused effectively. Turn plastic bottles into plant waterers or cut them into scoops. Use food containers to store homemade broths or organize small items around the homestead.

11. Glass Jars

Glass jars are incredibly versatile. Use them for canning, as drinking glasses, or to store dry goods like beans and rice. They can even serve as containers for leftovers in the fridge.

12. Tin Cans

After using the food inside, tin cans can be repurposed into storage for small items, painted as planters, or transformed into candle holders. Their sturdy nature makes them ideal for various DIY projects.

13. Old Clothes

Before discarding old clothes, consider their potential. Socks can become cleaning rags, while jeans can be upcycled into totes or baskets. Fabrics from old clothes can be used for quilting or crafting new garments.

14. Feed Bags

Empty feed bags are perfect as trash bags or small tarps for blocking wind in animal enclosures. Some even turn them into sellable items like tote bags, showcasing their versatility.

15. Pallets

Wood pallets are a homesteader’s best friend. They can be used to build chicken coops, side tables, or pantry organizers. Their sturdy construction and availability make them ideal for numerous projects.

In conclusion, the key to successful homesteading lies in viewing potential waste as a resource. By reimagining the uses of everyday items, you not only reduce waste but also enhance the sustainability of your lifestyle. Embrace the challenge of finding new purposes for old items, and you’ll find that your homestead becomes more efficient and environmentally friendly.


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