In this moving episode of “I Am Lakeland,” host Don Burns sits down with Chris Hunt, better known to millions of social media followers as the Florida Bushman. Recorded at COhatch, this conversation goes far beyond the laughs and jump scares of Chris’s viral videos, revealing the incredible story of resilience and heart behind the gillie suit.
Chris, a Lakeland native, opens up for the first time about his lifelong medical journey. Born with a hole in his heart and undergoing his first pacemaker surgery at just 11 months old, Chris has survived leukemia, multiple open-heart surgeries, and a stroke at the age of 13. Despite these challenges, he maintains a profound sense of gratitude and a mission to spread joy through his unique brand of street performance.
Whether you’ve seen him scaring fans at Buc’s games or scaring tourists on Clearwater Beach, Chris’s story is a powerful reminder that our struggles don’t define us—our spirit does. 58
