News and Investigations

Nineteen convenience stores were visited by deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, June 29, 2021; it was part of the ongoing Operation Pop Top initiative to ensure that alcohol is not being sold to anyone under 21-years of age, in accordance with state law.

"This is an ongoing effort to make sure that stores and their employees aren't violating state law by selling alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age. Great job by the deputies, and a great job to all of the clerks and stores who were compliant with the law." - Grady Judd, Sheriff

The deputies were assisted by a 17-year-old PCSO Explorer who visited the various stores in the Winter Haven and Eagle Lake areas. 

Explorers are high school students who are interested in a career in law enforcement. 

Of the nineteen stores visited, only one violated the law. 

45-year-old Ela Ram of Winter Haven was arrested for selling an alcoholic beverage to the Explorer. Ram is employed by the 7-Days store at 1123 6th Street NW in Winter Haven. The charge is a misdemeanor. 

The other eighteen stores that were visited were:

Winter Haven-
7-Eleven at 4000 Recker Highway
Wawa at 334 Havendale Blvd.
Sonny’s Marathon at 2600 Havendale Blvd.
Aladdin Market at 2885 Havendale Blvd.
Chevron at 2049 Havendale Blvd.
Havendale Food Mart at 1690 Havendale Blvd.
Welcome to Mobile at 1509 Havendale Blvd.
RaceTrac at 810 Havdendale Blvd.
Montgomery Citgo at 1250 6th St. NW
The Best by Rasel at 1202 6th St
Mobil at 1200 3rd St SW
Wawa at 1490 3rd St SW
Circle K at 999 1st South
7-Eleven at 1099 1st Avenue South
Mara Food Shop at 795 Cypress Gardens Blvd
Circle K at 5600 Cypress Gardens Blvd

Eagle Lake-
RaceTrac at 11023 US 17 North
Chevron at 558 N 5th St