Florida Mother Charged for Inciting Riot at Daughter’s Skating Rink Birthday Party
A Florida mother faces serious charges after using social media to incite a riot at a skating rink following the cancellation of her daughter’s 18th birthday party.
Quick Read Points:
- Stephanie Pedroso charged with inciting a riot after her daughter’s birthday party was canceled.
- The riot at Astro Skate in Tampa Bay area involved over 400 people and led to 26 arrests.
- Pedroso allegedly used her daughter’s Instagram to encourage the gathering and made violent threats.
- Significant property damage occurred, including $1,200 in damages to a barber shop.
- Pedroso faces serious charges, including inciting a riot, with potential for up to five years in prison.
Florida, Bollywood Fever: A Florida mother, Stephanie Pedroso, has been charged with inciting a riot involving over 400 people at Astro Skate in the Tampa Bay area after the venue canceled her daughter’s 18th birthday party. The incident, which occurred in May, resulted in the arrest of 26 people and significant property damage.
Pedroso, 36, reportedly used her daughter’s Instagram account to encourage a large crowd to gather at the skating rink in response to the cancellation. The party was initially called off by Astro Skate management after they discovered it was a much larger event than Pedroso had originally disclosed. Additionally, Pedroso failed to adhere to the rink’s stipulation to hire an off-duty officer for security, resold tickets, and posted unauthorized advertisements.
“We were within our rights to cancel her party, and that’s what we did. She came in, flipped out, cussed and screamed, and posted nonsense about [coming] to the skating rink the next night.”
Owner Chris Maganias stated
Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned Pedroso’s actions during a Thursday press conference, stating,
“Using social media to weaponize our youth is absolutely deplorable. As a parent, I cannot fathom what went through this woman’s mind when she put lives at risk to provoke this mayhem.”
Sheriff Chad
Video footage from the event shows Pedroso making violent threats and offering money to those participating in the riot. She allegedly stated, “For y’all, if y’all still go up there, tear the f*** out of them. I’ve got some money for y’all, and I’ll pay y’all a**.”
The chaos, which saw approximately 500 people swarm the skating rink and surrounding businesses, led to deputies issuing warnings and arresting 23 juveniles and three adults. The riot caused damage to five businesses, including a barber shop where a 16-year-old girl was thrown through a glass window, resulting in $1,200 in damages.
Chronister emphasized the severity of the situation and Hillsborough County’s zero-tolerance policy for such acts. “This is a stark reminder of how quickly situations can spiral out of control and shows the importance of responsible behavior and the consequences of inciting violence,” he said.
Pedroso has been charged with unlawful use of a cellphone, inciting a riot, and driving with a suspended or revoked license. Under Florida’s recent law tightening penalties for inciting a riot, she could face up to five years in prison if convicted.
State Attorney Suzy Lopez remarked, “Make no mistake, this case is not about free speech. This case is not about peaceful protesters. This case is about rioters, and in Hillsborough County, we will prosecute rioters.”
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