"Florida Man" posts and this group
Last edited Sat Apr 1, 2017, 04:03 PM - Edit history (1)
Hello all,
Most of you know that I am the host of this group. I have never forbidden any kind of post in this group in the months that I have run this group. I've been extremely lenient, perhaps too much so.
One kind of post that I find personally objectionable (and maybe other Florida residents do also) is the "Florida man" post. As most or all of you know, "Florida man" stories started after the 2000 election and are meant, using a "colorful" Florida resident, to poke fun at our residents and citizens as well as to convey a news story, however worthy of news coverage it may or may not be. To my knowledge, I have never known a "Florida man" story to be relevant to our politics, our governance or our overall welfare. If you know of any, please tell me.
I get it, "Florida man" stories can be funny. They certainly belong in the Weird News sub-forum. They will be posted in General Discussion from time to time. However, I personally don't think they belong here.
I'd like to take a poll of this group as to the acceptability of "Florida Man" stories in this sub-forum. The poll will extend for 2 weeks. Until the two week time period expires, I am temporarily forbidding their posting in this group. If the feedback makes it abundantly clear that Florida residents and citizens want these stories to be in this sub-forum (or don't care), then I will allow them back in. If it becomes clear to me that trolls are trying to sway the results, I will delete all those troll posts. If you are a very new member, it would be helpful if a well-known Florida resident or citizen can vouch for you.
Since this is the Florida group, I feel it is appropriate that Florida residents and citizens take priority here. Thank you for your patience and understanding for the next two weeks.
Steve, almost 59 year resident and citizen of Florida and Host of Florida group
ON EDIT: Upon further reflection and feedback, for now all Florida man posts are welcome. We'll keep discussing it. Thanks for your patience with me. 
= new reply since forum marked as read
Moved here with my parents when I was a youngster. So far I have not seen any posts that I would consider offensive or intolerable. At worst it's just someone filling a need to look down on someone else and I can let it go at human nature. But I'm sure it doesn't happen that way too often. Most are posted as a humorous anecdote. You do a good job Steve. Keep up the good work.
Lived in Boca Raton round 'bout 1997, then in St Pete in 2009, now back here for good since a year ago tomorrow. Live in Clearwater, love it here, and think that the "Florida Man" stories detract from some really serious issues that are facing our state. There's a lot of blue here. The state isn't just drunken or methamphetamine-fueled idiots doing a stupid thing.
For what it's worth, I've lived in a number of states, and EVERY state has their version of "florida man." There is not a single supurfulous "florida man" story that could not happen (and most likely has happened) in another state. I think it continues to force the stereotypes of Floridians as ignorant, toothless, rednecks who are always trying to do something stupid like fuck an Alligator.
As a native southerner (born & raised in Charleston, SC), I am very keenly aware of regional/geographic stereotypes and how harmful they can be.
I know last year when my husband and I suffered a traumatic home-invasion that ended in the death of the intruder and the near death of my husband and I, it was our NATIVE BORN FLORIDA NEIGHBORS who came and offered condolences, shook our hands, apologized for our trauma, and let us know that they were there should we ever need them.
Thanks for this poll! And sorry for the long post
Fort Lauderdale checking in.
I do have a problem with one man's opinion of what is news or not.
I cringe sometimes at the Florida Man stories, but they are news here in our state and I think they should be allowed and uncensored in our forum.
Thanks for letting me opine.
Love ya, man. 
Keep up the good work.
