‘Rocket Man’ terrorizes drivers on Florida highway, bomb squad called in

ny post ^ | March 28, 2026 | Jeanne Erickson

[BenLurkin]

Florida Highway Patrol launched into high alert this week after a barrage of 911 calls from motorists who swore they’d just spotted a truck hauling a full payload of missiles down the highway.

“They were definitely concerned,” FHP Sgt. Steve Gaskins told The Post of the March 22 incident.

The situation escalated quickly when a trooper, already locked and loaded with a description of a blue pickup traveling along Interstate 4, spotted the vehicle.

Nipper, a longtime rocket enthusiast, explained to cops he’s part of local groups that regularly gather to have fun, put on exhibitions or teach kids about basic aeronautics.

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TOPICS: Hobbies; Local News
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[GingisK]

My brothers and I made our rockets from scratch. We didn't use kits very often. We made our own motors as well. Those were either black powder, caramel candy (Melted KNO₃ + sugar), or zinc and sulpher.

If you want to see a website of a serious amateur rocket maker, see Richard Nakka

[NewHampshireDuo]

Back in the ‘70s when filling station attendants actually came out to fill your tank, one fellow walked all around the cannon with his hose, tried to make it look like he didn’t see anything, and never said a word. LOL.

[GingisK]

Home of the Brave, Land of the Free. Yeah. Some degeneration these days.

[smokingfrog]

High powered rockets are in a different class. Lots of rules and regs for larger rocket motors, rockets that weigh more than a certain amount or are capable of reaching higher altitudes. You probably want some kind of ID on there in case you lose track of it and can be returned to you if someone happens to find it.