On Thursday, February 2, 2012, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, School Resource deputies, along with the assistance of a PCSO Explorer, (Explorers are high school student volunteers), conducted “Operation Pop-Top” in an effort to combat the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The operation was conducted in the Winter Haven area of Polk County.
The following stores were found to be in compliance with Florida State Statutes:
- Circle K / Shell, 3562 Cypress Gardens Road, Winter Haven
- 7-11, 4000 Recker HWY, Winter Haven
The following stores were found not to be in compliance with Florida State Statutes.
Arrested for the sale of alcohol beverage to a minor and transported to the Polk County Jail without incident were:
Circle K/Shell store clerk; William Porter Nice, DOB 07/16/42, 4308 Larry’s Lagoon, Winter Haven.
Stop-n-Shop store clerk; Zawwar A. Jafri, DOB 12/13/72, 759-0 Carlton Arms Boulevard, Winter Haven.
"I commend the businesses which were in compliance," said Sheriff Grady Judd. “Operation Pop Top is an effective community awareness tool. "When proprietors see that we will not tolerate the illegal sale of tobacco or alcohol to minors, it sets a precedent.”
