'Mr. Florida' Arrested After String of Bizarre Burglaries

ZEPHYRHILLS, FL — The Zephyrhills police have arrested a 28-year-old Zephyrhills man, dubbed "Mr. Florida," in connection with a string of bizarre burglaries Sunday.

According to police, in the early morning hours of May 30, Lawrence Franklin King Florida broke into the back of The Great Catch restaurant at 5039 1st St., opened the freezer, removed some White Claw alcoholic beverages and beer, and then threw the alcohol valued at $600 into a retention pond behind the business.

Police said Florida then walked to Massey Barbershop at 5330 6th St., Zephyrhills, broke a side window, entered the business and stole a set of clippers, a charging stand and Otium wireless earbuds.

Florida proceeded to Lisa's Barber Shop at 5517 Gall Blvd., Zephyhills, and broke the glass front door. Once inside, he stole clippers and two pairs of scissors valued at $1,000.

The burglary spree continued at Carpet and Floor Source, 5527 Gall Blvd., where police said he broke a side window and entered the business but didn't steal anything.

He next headed to Living Foods Bakery & Caf, 38201 10th Ave., where police said he broke a side door glass window. Once inside the bakery, police said he stole cash, jackets, cash bags and keys. He also left a pair of antique scissors from Lisa's Barber Shop in the carport of the business.

The string of burglaries continued at the Zephyrhills Veterinary Clinic at 5655 Gall Blvd. where police said he broke a window on the side of the business and triggered the alarm. He took nothing from the business but left the keys and a bag of coins stolen from the bakery in a dumpster belonging to Farm Fresh.

He headed to Cat Rescue at 38245 15th Ave. where police said he broke into a shed in back of the business and stole cat wormer, animal pain medication and syringes.

At 5:33 a.m., officers responded to a report that someone had ripped off a Ring camera doorbell from a home at 3835112th Ave., Zephyrhills.

The homeowner positively identified Florida, recognizing him because Florida is his neighbor.

In the meantime, Florida broke into a truck at 5914 9th St. and stole some tools and a briefcase.

When police apprehended Florida, he admitted to the burglaries and led police to the stolen items he'd dumped. He's been charged with five counts of burglary.