SCwood, I feel like if anyone gives your friend too much hate, then they should tell the hater the truth and explain the situation. That's just not right... I think saying it escaped and went missing is the worst possible thing you can do... (edit, I just read the last little bit of that, that's awful! )
To be honest, if I lived in Florida and had a large snake, I would have them microchipped in case if that happened. Have your friend look into that.