Polk County Sheriff Brady Judd announces enforcement for the end of bad behavior at Lake Winterset near Winter Haven, Florida

Eight "friends" were arrested after a brawl at Lake Winterset that occurred on August 2, 2025. A video from the Polk County Sheriff's Office shows a woman doing CPR while standing over an unresponsive male, and without checking for a pulse first. The fight stemmed from a fight at a bar known as El Rodeo on Recker Highway in Winter Haven. 

In a press conference,  Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd discussed a history of bad behavior at Lake Winterset, including defecating and sexual activity on residents' private property. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said there is a history of sheriff's deputies being call to the area every weekend.

Judd explained "knucklebusting" and causing permanent brain injury.

"We're going to lock ya'll up. You unleashed the teeth of the dog, and we're now going to start biting you"

-- Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff

News Conference: (August 12, 2025) - YouTube - Polk County Sheriff

Lake Winterset 'Riot': Polk Sheriff Grady Judd vows to make more arrests - YouTube - FOX 35 Orlando

Lake Winterset near Winter Haven and east of Lakeland, and southwest of DisneyWorld and Orlando ... Lake Winterset - Google Maps

El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant & Lounge - Google Maps - 2862 Recker Hwy, Winter Haven, FL 33880