Florida Woman Incites Riot After Party Cancellation

A massive riot erupted in Tampa, Florida, after a party at Astro Skate rink was canceled. Stephanie Pedroso, 36, allegedly incited the riot by live-streaming on Instagram, promising to pay people to riot after the skating rink canceled her daughter’s 18th birthday party due to violation of the agreement. Between 400 and 500 people participated in the riot, which resulted in 26 arrests and significant property damage, including a girl being thrown through a barber shop window, causing $1,200 in damages.

Hillsborough Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned Pedroso’s actions, emphasizing the misuse of social media to provoke violence. “Using social media to weaponize our youth is absolutely deplorable,” Chronister said. Pedroso allegedly made violent and vulgar statements, urging people to “tear the f— out of them” and offering money for their participation.

Astro Skate rink’s owner, Chris Maganias, explained that Pedroso violated the party agreement by refusing to hire off-duty deputies and selling tickets for an event marketed differently than a birthday party. “The kind of stuff with booty contests and all that nonsense, that’s not for us,” Maganias said. “We were within our rights to cancel her party.”

The riot took police officers about six hours to disperse. In addition to the charge of inciting a riot, Pedroso faces charges of unlawful use of a two-way communications device and driving with a suspended or revoked license. Her husband was also charged with driving with a suspended or revoked license. Pedroso could face up to five years in prison if convicted, due to new legislation passed in Florida in 2021.

Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez stated, “This case is not about peaceful protesters. This case is about rioters, and in Hillsborough County, we will prosecute rioters.”

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