GULFPORT, FL – Pinellas County deputies are investigating a tense confrontation after a viral video surfaced showing an unidentified man drawing a loaded handgun on three college students operating a local summer business.
Confrontation in the Neighborhood
The incident occurred near Gulfport as 20-year-old Giovonnie Lenhart and his friends, Alekos Speaker and Santi Salinas, were canvassing a local neighborhood. The three students recently launched a mobile car detailing business called 2 Clean Whips to earn money between college semesters.
According to the victims, an unidentified man approached them aggressively with his firearm cocked, demanding to know why they were walking door-to-door and skipping random houses.
Viral Video Details Escalation
In the video recorded by Lenhart, the man can be heard swearing at the teenagers and demanding to see their identification, despite having no law enforcement authority.
The students explained they were only approaching homes with vehicles parked in the driveway to find potential clients. When asked to put the weapon away, the man refused, stating to a mediating neighbor that the firearm was “always ready to shoot.”
Legal Boundaries Under Investigation
While Florida operates under a “Stand Your Ground” law—which permits the use of a firearm on private property under specific conditions—brandishing a weapon aggressively on a public street can carry serious criminal charges.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has not yet announced any charges against the man as the investigation continues. However, authorities reportedly reprimanded the teenagers following the incident for operating without a local soliciting permit.
Moving Forward
Despite the harrowing encounter, the owners of 2 Clean Whips stated they are motivated to keep pushing their business forward. Following the traction of the viral video, the students have launched an online fundraiser to help support their startup expenses for the summer.
