The Polk County Sheriff's Office conducted a round of Operation Pop-Top stops at five Winter Haven stores, to ensure they were abiding state laws in regards to alcohol and tobacco sales; one sales clerk was arrested.

During the ongoing operation, PCSO deputies are assisted by a local high school student who is a member of the agency's Cadet 1000 program for students who are interested in a career in law enforcement. The student enters various stores and attempts to purchase an alcoholic beverage, tobacco, or kratom.

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, a 15-year old student, under the watch of deputies, attempted to purchase alcohol at three stores, and was refused at all three.

The student attempted to purchase to tobacco, and was successful at the Blazen Blvd. store, located at 801 Cypress Gardens Boulevard in Winter Haven. The sales clerk who made the sale, 24-year old Beatrice Destin, was arrested and charged with Selling Tobacco to a Person under 21 Years, a misdemeanor.

"It is imperative that store clerks are checking IDs and refusing to sell alcohol, tobacco, or kratom, to anyone who is not of age. We are absolutely serious about enforcing this in Polk County, and we perform these checks routinely as a means to ensure that all stores are compliant with state law." - Grady Judd, Sheriff