I have a 97 murray with a 16.5 brighton stratton. It started up yesterday then died, I noticed the fuel was out so I just put in more and tried to crank it again. Well it's turning over but not starting. I've taken the spark plugs out and cleaned them and turn the engine over with them out. Now it keeps turning over but not starting and it blows gas out the exhaust, in which I am probably flooding it, so I let it sit then try it again later. Any one got any idea's how to fix this issue?

Sounds like dirt in carb check your oil and see if its over full and smells like gas , if float is open in carb this will allow fuel into the engine block or into exhaust valve.
Luck