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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

Hidden Storage Spaces for Ultimate Preparedness

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Starting your journey into preparedness can be daunting, especially when it comes to finding storage space for all your essential supplies. Many people find themselves saying, “I don’t have anywhere to put all these preps!” Without a basement or dedicated storage room, it can feel like an impossible task. However, there are several creative strategies to maximize your available space.

Firstly, remember that food items require a cool, dark environment with minimal temperature fluctuations, so avoid storing these in garages or unheated areas. Non-food items don’t have these restrictions and can be safely stored in places like the garage or attic.

One often overlooked space is right under your bed. By swapping your bed frame for a taller one with a lift top, you can gain a significant amount of hidden storage. The exact amount of space will depend on the size and height of your bed. You can purchase storage bed frames or, if you’re handy, construct your own. These frames come in various configurations, some more discreet than others.

If you’re storing dehydrated food, such as the kind from MyPatriotSupply, you might be able to fit a year’s supply for one or two people under your master bed. For children’s beds, consider a captain’s bed with cupboards accessible from the opposite side of the drawers. This setup allows for organized storage of various items, from long-term food to clothing and toys, keeping the room tidy and functional.

Another underutilized space is beneath the stairs. You can create access points from the lower level or even from the treads if you’re skilled in DIY projects. This can provide a surprising amount of additional storage.

For homeowners, consider creating shelving between the studs in your walls. This method offers a discreet way to store canned food and other items. There are metal units available specifically designed for this purpose, allowing for easy rotation and access. This approach helps prevent food from expiring unnoticed at the back of your pantry.

Innovative furniture solutions can also contribute to your storage needs. For instance, you can transform 5-gallon buckets into “coffee tables” by placing a wooden top over them and covering it with cloth. Alternatively, move your sofa out by about six inches and stack #10 cans behind it, topped with a board.

Maximize your space by using organizers and shelves, and clear out items you no longer need. You’ll be amazed at how much space is freed up with a little organization.

Bookshelves, for example, can double as storage for canned food and sealed pouches. Most books are 6 to 8 ½ inches wide, leaving room to discreetly store canned goods behind them. Taller hardbacks can conceal a double row of cans, while pouches stand up neatly on their own.

Finally, maintain an inventory of your preps. Knowing exactly what you have and where it’s stored is crucial for effective preparedness. This will also help you identify any gaps in your supplies, ensuring you’re always ready for whatever comes your way.


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Preparedness

Unlock Homesteading Secrets Without Spending a Dime

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Many aspiring homesteaders hesitate to embark on their journey, fearing the financial burden it might bring. While it’s true that starting a homestead can be costly, there are ways to begin without spending a dime. The key lies in changing your mindset and embracing resourcefulness.

You might not have the funds to purchase acres of land, but that doesn’t mean you can’t utilize the space you already have. It’s unnecessary to invest in expensive chicken coops or other equipment when you can create them yourself. Many newcomers to homesteading spend unnecessarily, forgetting that the essence of this lifestyle is self-sufficiency and minimizing expenses.

A guiding principle for starting a homestead with no money is to adopt the mindset of those who lived through the Great Depression: “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.”

An essential step towards self-sufficiency is prioritizing debt reduction. Being tied to monthly payments to others restricts your freedom. By focusing on paying down debts, you can redirect those funds towards essential homesteading needs.

Homesteading is a journey, not a race. New homesteaders often rush to buy unnecessary supplies. Instead of investing in a greenhouse before planting a small garden, take the time to plan your projects and budget accordingly.

One practical approach to starting a homestead without money is to buy used items. Make it a goal to avoid purchasing new items unless absolutely necessary. This not only saves money but also aligns with the homesteader’s goal of minimizing waste.

Utilize every bit of space you have, especially if it’s limited. Preserve food, repurpose materials, and explore creative uses for items you already own. Bartering is another valuable tool. Trading goods or services, like produce for eggs or skills for other necessities, can be a cost-effective way to acquire what you need.

To thrive as a homesteader, become a DIY enthusiast. Learn to fix things, sew, knit, and preserve food. These skills don’t cost anything to acquire but are invaluable in the long run.

Rather than envisioning a massive farm, start small. Begin with a backyard or kitchen garden, and expand as you gain experience and resources. You don’t need to grow all your food immediately. Supporting local farmers’ markets can supplement your family’s diet with fresh produce.

Livestock is integral to homesteading, but it’s easy to overspend. For example, many invest in elaborate pre-made coops instead of building their own. More spending doesn’t always equate to better quality, as one friend discovered when she ended up with more roosters than she bargained for.

Engage with your local homesteading community. These experienced individuals can offer advice, lend tools, and even share resources like cuttings. They are usually eager to help newcomers get started.

Composting is a nearly free practice that saves money and enriches your garden. It exemplifies the homesteader’s commitment to using up what they have.

If acquiring land seems out of reach, consider alternative options like community gardens or sharing space with neighbors. Some may have more land than they can manage and might appreciate sharing it in exchange for some of the produce.

There’s no need to rush out and buy seeds or plants. Ask neighbors or fellow homesteaders for cuttings or seeds they can spare. Often, people discard useful building materials like wood pallets and chicken wire. Keep an eye out for these free resources around construction sites or landfills.

Finally, make regular visits to your local library. It’s a treasure trove of free resources, including books and DVDs, that can teach you essential homesteading and DIY skills.

While starting a homestead with no money is challenging, it’s not impossible. By selling what you produce, you can gradually generate income to support your homestead. Remember, financial constraints shouldn’t deter you from pursuing your homesteading dreams.


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Preparedness

Discover 10 Insects That Transform Your Garden into Paradise

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Gardening often feels like a constant battle against pests, but before you reach for chemical solutions, consider a more natural approach: introducing beneficial insects to your garden. These helpful critters not only protect your plants but also enhance your garden’s ecosystem. Let’s explore ten insects that can transform your garden into a thriving paradise.

First on the list are bees, the unsung heroes of pollination. Essential to both personal gardens and global food crops, bees are indispensable. To attract these vital pollinators, plant a variety of flowering plants that offer nectar, such as butterfly weed, poppies, and lilies.

“Have some un-mulched soil for ground bees,” and maintain a shallow water source nearby. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider keeping a honeybee hive close to your garden.

Not all beetles are garden foes. Ground beetles, for instance, are nocturnal hunters that target pests like slugs, caterpillars, and cutworms. According to Den Garden, “One ground beetle, alone, is able to eat more than fifty caterpillars during its relatively short lifespan.” To invite these beneficial beetles, create raised garden beds with perennials and grasses, and provide hiding spots with rocks or logs.

Lacewings are another invaluable ally, with larvae that devour aphids, caterpillars, and other pests at an impressive rate of over 200 per week. To attract lacewings, ensure your garden has adequate ground cover and plant flowers such as daisies and sunflowers, along with herbs like dill and oregano.

Dragonflies, with their ability to fly at speeds of nearly thirty-five miles per hour, are adept at controlling flying insects, moths, and midges. Den Garden notes their prowess: “Capable of flying at speeds of nearly thirty-five miles per hour, dragonflies are great for controlling flying insects, as well as moths and midges.” A water feature like a pond or fountain is key to attracting these agile predators.

Ladybugs, often considered lucky, are also voracious consumers of aphids, eating about fifty a day. To lure these colorful helpers, plant dill, dandelion, and marigolds, which provide the pollen they seek.

Praying mantises, with their large size, are formidable predators of small pests. Unless you have a butterfly garden, these insects are welcome guests. To draw them in, plant herbs such as dill and caraway and keep a shallow water source available.

Hoverflies, resembling yellowjackets but without the sting, are excellent pollinators and predators of aphids and caterpillars. To attract hoverflies, plant a variety of flowers and herbs, including bergamot, dill, and zinnias.

Braconid wasps offer a unique form of pest control by parasitizing hornworms, making them ideal for tomato gardens. To attract these wasps, plant nectar-rich flowers and herbs like alyssum and fennel. If you spot a hornworm covered in eggs, let it be; it’s part of the natural pest control process.

Soldier beetles are another beneficial beetle, known for pollinating and preying on soft-bellied pests. To encourage their presence, add plants with compound blossoms such as Queen Anne’s lace and yarrow.

Lastly, aphid midges are small, fly-like insects that prey on aphids by injecting them with poison. To attract them, plant a variety of nectar-producing plants and add wind protection with large rocks. You can also purchase aphid midges online or at nurseries.

By welcoming these beneficial insects into your garden, you can naturally manage pests and create a thriving, balanced ecosystem. Embrace this harmonious approach and watch your garden flourish.


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