Florida Deputy Uses Broom to Escort Alligator Away from Restaurant

Last Thursday, employees at Peach’s Restaurant on SR 70 in Bradenton, Florida, were in for a surprise when they found a nearly 5-foot alligator waiting by the door before the establishment opened for breakfast. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office was alerted and swiftly dispatched deputies to handle the situation.

Upon arrival at the scene, the deputies were confronted with the unexpected sight of the alligator positioned in front of the restaurant. Video footage released by the sheriff’s office captured the deputies escorting the alligator away from the storefront, showcasing one of them using a broom to guide the reptile. The gator was observed being carefully nudged down a ramp before eventually being led to a wooded area.

Deputy's Kind Action

The sheriff’s office humorously commented on the incident on Facebook, stating, "They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day and this [gator] was ready for it when employees found him patiently waiting for them to open the Peach's on SR 70 this morning at 6 a.m." Deputy Hartley was acknowledged for his considerate act of escorting the alligator to a more suitable environment away from the restaurant.

Important Reminder

Wildlife experts emphasized the necessity of maintaining a safe distance from alligators, as they are inherently wild animals and can pose a threat if agitated. In the event of an alligator-related concern in Florida, individuals are urged to contact the FWC's Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR.