News and Investigations

The Polk County Sheriff's Office conducted another "Operation Pop-Top" on Monday, November 9, 2020, in which deputies ensure that stores within the county are not selling alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age. Out of ten stores visited, nine were compliant with state law.

The operations utilizes members of the PCSO Explorers, a program for high school students who are interested in a career in law enforcement. The Explorers, under the guidance of deputies, attempt to purchase alcohol at various stores.

During a visit to the Wawa store at 334 Havendale Boulevard in Auburndale, a 17-year-old Explorer was able to purchase an alcoholic beverage (16oz Miller Lite Beer). The clerk, 22-year-old Katie Feder, of Lakeland, was arrested for selling alcohol to a minor.

The following nine stores were found to be in compliance with Florida alcohol beverage laws:

Northside Sunoco     3230 US Hwy 98 North, Lakeland
Nick and Moes          2750 US Hwy 98 North, Lakeland
Circle K                     1410 N Florida Avenue, Lakeland
Wachulla Food          1144 E Memorial Blvd, Lakeland
7-Eleven                    2707 US Hwy 92 East, Auburndale
Circle K                     4950 US Hwy 92 East, Auburndale
Circle K                     1000 US Hwy 92 West, Auburndale
RaceTrac                   2227 US Hwy 92 West, Auburndale
7-Eleven                    420 Magnolia Avenue, Auburndale

“We conduct these operations to continually ensure that stores and their employees are abiding by state law by checking ID’s at all times, and not selling alcohol to minors. We congratulate the nine stores who were compliant during our most recent operation on Monday.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff