STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — The 2025 Stuart Christmas Parade was anything but ordinary on Friday, as festivities were interrupted by a security scare and a float that sparked conversation among spectators.
Authorities confirmed that an armed man wearing a bulletproof vest was detained after allegedly following U.S. Congressman Brian Mast during the event. Law enforcement acted swiftly, and no injuries were reported. The man’s identity and motive have not yet been released, but officials say the investigation is ongoing.
While the incident drew headlines, another moment captured the attention of parade-goers for a very different reason. A float, sponsored by the Philip DeBerard Family Foundation, stood out with a bold jab at Brightline, the high-speed rail service that faced criticism over safety concerns…