In the wake of the international coronavirus pandemic, self-isolation has caused many to find alternate ways to enjoy themselves and keep sane while so many recreational outlets are closed down. One man, Richard McGuire, took this too far, however, holing up on a private island owned by Disney.
For those that don't know, Discovery Island is a small private island owned by Disney in Bay Lake, Florida, in the center of the titular Bay Lake. It was here that McGuire decided to spend his quarantine, or at least part of it, as he was quickly arrested for trespassing on the island.
Discovery Island used to be known as Treasure Island before being renamed, but has been closed down to visitors since 1999. Now, 21 years later, it seems to have finally found some use, but not in a way that any had anticipated or planned on.
Deputies searched for McGuire on foot, from boats, and even from the sky in helicopters, but McGuire claims not to have heard any of these vehicles because he was sleeping. Orange County Marine deputies even claimed to have used a PA system to call out to McGuire and alert him that his presence on the island was not allowed, but this too fell on deaf ears as he remained on the island anyway. This, in more ways than one truly represents the Florida Man meme at its finest.
Perhaps the most humorous part of this story is McGuire's complete and utter denial of fault and seeming misunderstanding of his errors. Upon being arrested two or three days after his arrival to the island, McGuire admitted that he was planning on camping out there for a week, and described to the deputies that it looked like a tropical paradise. When confronted about the numerous "no trespassing" signs and locked gates found on the island, McGuire claims that he didn't see any and therefore didn't know that it was private property.
While there are many that would no doubt love to spend their quarantine on a secluded tropical island or even at an actual Disney theme park, such dreams are out of reach for most. McGuire, on the other hand, made his dreams come true, if only for a few days. Unfortunately for the adventurous man, he has been arrested, although there is no word as to when he will be taken to court for the stunt.
Disney theme parks are currently closed due to the coronavirus.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter