Wednesday July 15, 2009, 5:30 pm
Man Bitten By Snake In Wal-Mart Garden Center

Petunias, roses, hibiscus - snake.

A St. Augustine man was rushed to the hospital after he was bitten by a pygmy rattlesnake while shopping in the garden section of a Wal-Mart.

Jeriel Joiner, 27, said the snake locked onto his right index finger and wouldn't let got until he knocked it off. A Wal-Mart employee then killed it with a broom.

Joiner, who is in serious condition, is the fourth person to be bitten at a Wal-Mart store in Florida in the last three years.

Jay Richitelli, 42, was bitten in the right hand while in the garden center of the Pembroke Pines Wal-Mart, located in the 100 block of Southwest 18th Avenue, on July 6th 2008. Richitelli believes the snake that bit him was also a pygmy rattler. Richitelli was taken to Memorial Hospital Miramar where he was given anti-venin as a precaution. He later filed a suit against the company.

Wal-Mart spokesman Dan Fogleman said in a written statement that the safety of customers and employees is a top priority.

The garden center of the St. Augustine store will remain closed until the company can ensure that it is safe.

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 5:40 pm
Wow, that's something I wouldn't expect, hope heals up quick!

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 6:20 pm
Not too surprising..but I am sure the shopper was shocked..
Thanks Raffi..
Noted..

Thursday July 16, 2009, 1:41 am
Snakes scare me but I don't go killing them everytime I see one. I'm just not to sure if I'll be picking up wal mart's plants anymore. I live in Fla. & the snakes this year have really been coming out. :( It's no need to KILL the snakes. They don't know better.

Thursday July 16, 2009, 2:39 am
Seems snakes are trying to tell Walmart something!

Friday July 17, 2009, 12:47 am
Oh NO! Not again.This seems to happen a lot to Wal-Mart here in Florida. I did a post last on one last year. I agree with Sue,but with a difference,maybe the snakes are trying to tell us something about Wal-mart!

Friday July 17, 2009, 11:32 am

Sending a Green Star is a simple way to say "Thank you"

You cannot currently send a star to sue because you have done so within the last week.

;-)

Friday July 17, 2009, 11:32 am
Thanks for your comments-and Suzybell and Sue-I think you may have something there.