Here in my area (Pittsburgh PA metro), articles are often written about “McKeesport man” or “Bridgeville man,” (two towns around here). It happened before DeSantis regarding “Florida man” articles. I just searched in Google News archives and found articles from 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015...
There is a DIFFERENCE.
perfectly alright to mention a town or area the perp is from.
Florida is 3rd biggest state. There are millions of people here. If the news said “Tampa man” that is okay.
Florida man is too general. Show me a news item saying New York man or California man. I have not seen any.