Scott Baio divides the internet with departure from California: 'Good luck Florida'

Edward Segarra, USA TODAY
·3 min read
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A longtime resident of California, “Happy Days” star Scott Baio announced on Twitter last week that he was moving out of California, due to what he described as the state’s homelessness issue.
A longtime resident of California, “Happy Days” star Scott Baio announced on Twitter last week that he was moving out of California, due to what he described as the state’s homelessness issue.
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Scott Baio is ditching Tinseltown for the Sunshine State.

A longtime California resident, the “Happy Days” and “Charles in Charge” star announced on Twitter last week that he was moving out of California, due to what he described as the state’s homelessness issue. Baio confirmed his family's move to Florida to Fox News' Jesse Watters on Tuesday.

“After 45 years, I’m making my way to finally ‘exit stage right’ from California,” Baio wrote on May 3, citing statistics from a 2022 report by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. “The most recent survey…found approximately 69,000 people experiencing homelessness in L.A. County and 41,000 in the city in 2022.”

Baio’s move has divided social media, as fans chime in with words of support and critics skewer the actor’s departure from California.

“Scott Baio is leaving California and heading to Florida. Congratulations, California!” Twitter user @The1OnlyRichie wrote. “Good luck, Florida!”

“This Scott Baio news is tragic,” user @bazilllionaire tweeted. “For Florida.”

“I understand. Homelessness is heartbreaking. It's not something you or your family should have to look at. You're a 'star,' ” Twitter user @MayNotBeJoking wrote sarcastically. “You have wealth and fame. That should buy you an exit from such misery.”

“Don't even think of being an advocate for the homeless,” the user added. “They just want to be left alone. Without a home. Without healthcare. Without hope.”

However, Twitter user @CardioFixer applauded Baio for the bold life change.

“That couldn’t have been an easy decision to move your family, but one I know you guys thought long and hard on,” the user tweeted. “You’ll all be happier in the long run, and definitely less stressed.”

“It’s important that you take care of your family and keep everyone safe and California is no longer a safe place,” user @Montchelle66_2 wrote on Twitter.

“Good luck Scott,” user @TammieMcDonal17 tweeted. “Your family deserves better.”

Baio doesn’t seem to be fazed by the online commentary, retweeting an April photo of himself at what appears to be a Florida beach.

“Living our best life in Florida,” Baio captioned the photo.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Happy Days' star Scott Baio divides internet with California exit