In an unprecedented display of backyard engineering and questionable life choices, Florida man Earl “Blastoff” McSunshine has reportedly built a fully operational rocket ship using nothing but soda cans, duct tape, and what authorities suspect might be googly eyes.

Neighbors first noticed the project when Earl began strapping fireworks to a lawn chair and yelling, “Houston, we have a party!” at 3 a.m. Saturday morning. His homemade launchpad, constructed from repurposed kiddie pools and several lawn gnomes dressed as astronauts, has become a local spectacle.

“I thought it was just another one of Earl’s barbecue experiments,” said neighbor Carol Jenkins, clutching a slightly singed garden hose. “But then he started yelling countdowns and calling squirrels ‘mission control.’ It’s like NASA meets a backyard circus.”

When questioned, Earl was unfazed. “I figured if Elon Musk can do it, why not Earl McSunshine? Plus, the lawnmower was getting old. Time to upgrade to something with a bit more... lift-off.” Officials remain skeptical but admit the rocket did manage a “modest hop” before settling into a patch of tulips, leaving behind a faint smell of burnt marshmallows.

Local authorities have advised residents to keep their distance but admitted they’re “kind of curious” about what Earl will build next, with some speculating a submarine made from kiddie pools might be in the works. Meanwhile, the neighborhood watch has been renamed the “Neighborhood Rocket Watch,” complete with binoculars and emergency marshmallow supplies.

Earl’s final words as he adjusted his tinfoil helmet: “To infinity, or at least to the mailbox and back!”