On November 13, 2025, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office checked seven convenience stores in Auburndale and Lakeland. The checks were part of Operation Pop Top, which aims to stop the illegal sale of alcohol and restricted products to minors. The operation used Cadet 1000, a program for high school students interested in law enforcement.
During the checks, a 17-year-old Cadet bought alcohol at the Sunoco store at 420 Magnolia Ave in Auburndale. The sales clerk, Jonathan Llamas, 47, was arrested and charged with selling alcohol to a person under 21, a misdemeanor. Sheriff Grady Judd said these operations help protect youth and ensure businesses follow the law…