POLK COUNTY, Fla. – On the night of August 16, deputies responded to a reported disturbance at the Scenic Lagoon, a bar and restaurant located at 33 Scenic Highway South in Frostproof. The call came in at approximately 8:48 p.m., prompting a swift law‑enforcement response.

Altercation Inside the Establishment

When officers arrived, they observed 31‑year‑old John Jay White Jr. of Lithia shouting on the sidewalk and attempting to push his way back into the venue. Other patrons were holding him back. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, investigators later determined that White had struck another patron in the face while inside the establishment before the confrontation moved outdoors.

The victim left the scene before deputies arrived, and the disturbance caused the business to close early for the night.

Confrontation with Deputies

Deputies attempted to de‑escalate the situation. At that point, White pushed a deputy backward, prompting officers to place him under arrest. He was transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Processing Center for booking.

Additional Findings and Charges

During processing, officers discovered that White had attempted to conceal packets of a controlled substance inside the police vehicle after he was removed from the patrol car. The sheriff’s office listed the following charges against White:

• Battery on a law‑enforcement officer (felony)
• Resisting an officer with violence (felony)
• Tampering with evidence (felony)
• Resisting without violence (misdemeanor)
• Disorderly intoxication (misdemeanor)
• Possession of buprenorphine (controlled substance)

The arrest underscores the department’s commitment to maintaining public safety and enforcing the law when disturbances threaten patrons, employees, and officers alike.

Community Impact

While the incident was isolated, local business owners and residents expressed concern over the safety of nightlife venues in Frostproof. The early closure of the Scenic Lagoon for the evening highlighted the ripple effect such altercations can have on the local economy and community confidence.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the controlled‑substance possession and will pursue appropriate legal action. The sheriff’s office encourages anyone with additional information about the incident to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.