In early November, my name ended up splashed across headlines and social media as TMZ Florida man Friday content in the newest viral story as

It makes for a viral headline, but it’s not the truth.

I’m sharing my story because the version circulating online has deeply damaged my reputation, my family, and my ability to get a fair trial. I’m a full-time full-custody single father, a provider, and a colorful loved member of this community, not the caricature portrayed on TMZ.

At the diner/bar BUCKEYES that night, I bought drinks for the patrons of the diner/bar using my crypto debit card & led the crowd in singing happy birthday to alleged victim with his mother and their group of friends. What started as a conversation and invitation to celebrate with the birthday boy his mom and her girlfriends quickly turned into a frightening situation where I believed I was being targeted and robbed for my phone card and wallet. I was alone, outnumbered, with an injury on the back of my head with a laceration, now barefoot trying to get to some sort of safety as Igenuinely feared for my life.

I legally carry a firearm for the last 20+ years on and off, terrfied and now fleeing to a well lit area, I called my mother believing these alleged victims where trying to kill me. She immediately called 911 using my fathers phone so she could remain on the phone with her son who was pleading for LEO to arrive on scene. My mother was on scene gave a written statement yet those facts never made it into the news. After i was cuffed the first words out of my mouth are words to the effect of "Thank God your here they were trying to kill me, yes my mother called 91q they were trying to kill me".

Not one media outlet reported that two of the people involved were arrested for assaulting resisting and or interfering with officers that night. Not one media outlet mentioned my overwhelming cooperation, injury to the back of my head or why the cops where called in the 1st place.

Not one media outlet mentioned the fear I or my mother felt or the steps we took to get LEO on scene as fast as possible. 

Only the “Florida man egg story” made it to the headlines.

My name is Peter, but in the community I’m “Farmer P.”

I’m a single father with full custody of my 13-year-old son.

I support and care for my elderly parents, who help run our small HVAC business and urban homestead.

I volunteer my time helping build community gardens and food forests in Fort Pierce for the houseless community.

I donate food to local kitchens and churches like Sara's kitchen of the treasure coast. 

I show up for fundraisers, for neighbors, for anyone who needs a hand the Farmer is there.

My life has always been about service, family, and faith, not violence.

Posting bond nearly destroyed us financially. I’m out of work right as HVAC season slows down this time of year and the cost of legal defense monthly fees is staggering - on top of supporting my parents and son on one income is definitely a concern as my good name has been slandered nationally and now internationally.

We are fighting an uphill battle against a national & international narrative built on partial facts and sensational headlines.

Your donation (big or small) will help with:

Legal defense

Parental farming/homestead & caregiver expenses for my elderly parents 

Rebuilding the stability our family lost overnight

This situation has been emotionally humbling and financially challenging. But the kindness people have shown (the meals for my son, putting money on my books, taking my collect calls, checking in on my folks, mowing my lawn,cleaning my house, doing laundry mat runs for Nana the messages,support  donations and the prayers) have been the fuel that keeps us going.

I'm blessed to have yall, and thank God daily to have people who love me.

If You Can Help, Thank You.

If you believe in fairness, in the right to a full and honest trial, or simply want to support a single Christian father and his family trying to get through this storm, your help means more than you could ever know.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Bless you for believing that people are more than headlines.

 

For updates or to reach out directly:

📩 LFLS1026@gmail.com

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/peter.riera.10