Florida Skating Rink Birthday Party Dispute Leads to 500-Person Riot

A Florida mother has been charged with inciting a 500-person riot at a skating rink after encouraging her daughter’s friends to “tear this place up” when her daughter’s birthday party was canceled.

RELATED STORIES: Jan. 6 Rioter Who Led Crowd In Attacking Police Sentenced To Over 7 Years In Prison

Stephanie Pedroso,36, was arrested on Thursday for allegedly causing the riot at Astro Skate in Brandon in May. According to the New York Post , the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reported that the rink canceled Pedroso’s booking for an after-hours birthday party due to a breach of contract. On May 14, she made the reservation for the May 17 event but failed to secure off-duty deputies for the party as required by the agreement. As a result, the rink canceled the event and issued a refund.

In response, Pedroso posted a rant on her daughter’s social media account, urging the girl’s friends to show up at the rink anyway. “For y’all, if y’all still go up there, tear the f—k out of them. I’ve got some money for y’all, and I’ll pay y’all a**. I hope everybody still show up and tear this place up tomorrow,” Pedroso said in the video. Around 9:20 p.m., on May 18, deputies responded to calls of a “crowd of 500 people” that had stormed the rink, resulting in multiple fights.

RELATED STORIES: Capitol Rioter Who Carried Zip Ties In Viral Photo Sentenced To 5 Years While His Mom Gets 2-And-A-Half Years

One victim was assaulted near a barbershop and thrown through the store’s plate-glass window before being transported to a local hospital. It took deputies nearly six hours to contain the riot, which led to five local businesses being damaged. Authorities arrested 23 minors and three adults at the scene. Pedrosos was charged with inciting a riot, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and driving with a suspended, canceled, or revoked license. She was released from detention Thursday after posting a bond of $2,500.

Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement that social media use influenced the riot and impacted safety within the community.

“This serves as a stark reminder of how quickly situations can spiral out of control and show the importance of responsible behavior and the consequences of inciting violence.”

The post Florida Skating Rink Birthday Party Dispute Leads to 500-Person Riot appeared first on Hollywood Unlocked .