These columns list arrests and not convictions, unless otherwise stated. Anyone listed here who is later found not guilty or has had the charges against them dropped is welcome to inform this newspaper. The information will be confirmed and printed.
On February 15, 2023, The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office conduced an operation to purchase alcohol by person under 21.
Join our family of readers for as little as $10 per month and support local, unbiased journalism.
Already have an account? Log in to continue. Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
Please log in to continue |
OKEECHOBEE — On Feb. 15, The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office conduced an operation to attempt purchase alcohol by person under 21. Of the 14 attempts, eight violated Florida State Statute 562.11 prohibiting the sale of alcohol to a person under 21.
The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office is committed to keeping alcohol out of the hands of underage consumers and making sure that the establishments in our County adhere to the laws governing the sale of alcohol. All attempted buys were controlled and supervised by Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office Detectives. Those who did sell alcohol to a person under the age of 21 received a Notice to Appear.
Additionally, on Monday, Feb. 27, The Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office conducted an operation to buy tobacco by person under 21.
Beginning Oct. 1, 2021, Florida implemented a new statewide law, raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco and nicotine products from 18 to 21 years of age. OCSO is committed to ensuring that this new law is understood and adhered to in Okeechobee County. Twenty-one stores were visited, and of those, five sold tobacco to a person under the age of 21. The attempted buys were controlled and supervised by Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office Detectives.
The individuals who sold tobacco to a person under 21 were issued a Notice to Appear.
Sales of alcohol to a person under the age of 21 included:
• Country Corner Liquor Store – A purchase of Fireball,
• Shell 441 Southeast - A Purchase of Smirnoff Ice 6 pack,
• Town Star 128th Ave – A purchase of two 24 oz. Twisted Teas,
• Country Store 441 N - A purchase of Smirnoff Ice 6 pack,
• Circle K 441 N – A purchase of two White Claws,
• Seven Eleven 98 North – A Purchase of four 24oz Locos,
• Town Star 70 West – A purchase of two Twisted Teas, and
• Raceway 70 East - A Purchase of 16 oz Truly.
Stores that refused sale of alcohol to those under age 21 were: Citgo 441 SE and 34th Ave.; Shady Rest; Mosquito Creek Metro Gas; Circle K 98 N ; Marathon 441 South; and, BP 441 South.
Sale of tobacco to a person under age of 21 included:
• One Stop Food Store - A purchase of Kayak Straight Long Cut,
• Town Star Berman Road – A Purchase of Red Seal,
• Dollar General Hwy 441 SE - A Purchase of Marlboro 100 Menthol,
• Shell 441 SE – A Purchase of Marlboro 100 Reds, and
• Marathon 710 – A Purchase of Marlboro 100’s.
Stores that refused sale of tobacco products to those under age included: Shady Rest; Citgo 34th Ave 441 SE; Family Dollar 441 SE; BP Station 441 S; Murphy Gas; Ft. Drum General Store; 441 North Country Store; Circle K 441 North; Seven Eleven 98N; Circle K 98 N; Town Star Eagle Bay; Town Star Hwy 70 and 98; Raceway 70 East; Mosquito Creek Marathon; Town Star 15 A; and Country Corner `15 A.
