THE TIGER KING REMAINS BEHIND BARS
Judges Deny Joe Exotic’s Appeal
Even more than a year after the release of “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness,” Joseph Maldonado-Passage, more popularly known as Joe Exotic, continues to make headlines. Following the fame that came with having his story at the center of a wildly popular Netflix series, Maldonado- Passage saw fit to appeal his 22-year prison sentence for plotting to murder big cat rescue activist Carole Baskin on a few different grounds. However, in July, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected his appeal. The primary reason for Maldonado- Passage’s appeal, as reported by his legal team, was that Baskin was allowed
to attend the entirety of Maldonado-Passage’s trial, despite her role as a witness in the case. As a general rule, witnesses are not permitted to attend proceedings in their entirety, as other witness testimonies might affect the objectivity of their own testimony. However, Baskin was also in attendance at the trial as a victim, since she was the target of Maldonado- Passage’s murder-for-hire scheme. Victims are allowed to attend court proceedings so long as the judge decides their testimony (if they are also a witness) will not be affected by their attendance. Maldonado-Passage’s legal team asserted that Baskin was not a victim of any sort, since the murder-for-hire plot did not result in her murder. However, U.S. Circuit Court judges ruled that she still suffered emotional and financial harm because of the incident. In addition to this, since Maldonado-Passage conspired to have Baskin murdered two different times, the judge at his trial in 2019 had incorrectly considered them as two separate plots, rather than two attempts at the same murder. The U.S. Circuit Court judges ordered the trial judge to resentence him. So, even for all that trouble, Maldonado-Passage remains behind bars. However, so long as the Tiger King’s popularity continues, it won’t be surprising if Joe Exotic and his legal team keep searching for ways to get him out of prison.
FRIGHTS, FALL, AND FUN 3 Local Events You Have to Try This Fall
Fall has returned to Pinellas County, and there is no shortage of events. From family- friendly activities to the perfect way to get scared, be sure to add these Halloween and autumn events to your calendar. 10th Annual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze Where: 3002 Charlie Taylor, Plant City When: Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 9–24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: $10–$11, free for children ages 2 and under Website: FutchEntertainment.com Load up the car and travel to Plant City for a fun afternoon of fall activities. Challenge your family to a cornhole game, see if you can hit the scarecrow from the gigantic slingshot, or walk through the butterfly garden! When you’re ready to “get lost,” be sure to visit the corn maze for an exciting adventure through the Florida countryside. Don’t forget to pick up your pumpkin from the patch, too! Pets are not allowed, but parking is free. Learn more and purchase your tickets online. Frightfully Fun Trick-or-Treat Parade Where: 140 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota When: Oct. 30 from 3–5 p.m. Admission: Free Website: MallAtUTC.com/events
The Mall at UTC will invite your children’s favorite characters to march through its annual Halloween parade, passing out surprise “frightfully fun” gifts. Be sure to
arrive early — the first 500 children in attendance will be given goodie bags! The parade is the perfect way to begin your night of trick-or-treating. Learn more about the event online.
Scream-A-Geddon Horror Park Where: 27839 Saint Joe Road, Dade City When: Friday and Saturday from
7:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Admission: $27–$48 Website: ScreamAGeddon.com
This is the perfect spot for horror fans! With six terrifying spots to explore, a beer garden to relax in, and a paintball zone to challenge your friends, there’s no better place to get scared and share in your favorite horror events. Explore places like the abandoned Ravenhill Asylum, which was reportedly sealed up with patients left inside,
or discover Avalon, a mythical, creepy village whose history
includes witchcraft and the occult. Buy tickets, plan your trip, and learn
Break out the costumes and prepare for a trick-or- treating adventure your family is sure to remember!
more online — if you dare!
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