A Lakeland woman is facing serious charges after she allegedly left four children unattended in a vehicle while she enjoyed drinks inside a Winter Haven lounge on Monday evening. According to FOX 13 News, the Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested 36-year-old Tiffany Simmons following the discovery of the children—a 10-month-old girl, a 3-year-old boy, a 5-year-old girl, and an 8-year-old boy—in an idling car parked at the lounge's lot.
The situation came to light after lounge staff grew suspicious and checked the parking lot. Upon their investigation, lounge employees encountered the children inside the vehicle and contacted law enforcement just after 9:15 p.m. Simmons had reportedly been told that individuals under 21 were not permitted inside the establishment and had agreed to take one of the young children outside to wait for his father, only to return by herself some 15 minutes later to order food and drinks, and dance, employees recounted to deputies. In a statement acquired by MySuncoast, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd expressed his dismay over Simmons' actions, describing them as "infuriating and reprehensible."
During the arrest, Simmons, who appeared to be intoxicated, reportedly kicked a deputy, leading to further charges. According to ABC Action News, she has been charged with negligent child abuse, battery on a law enforcement officer, resisting with violence, and leaving children unattended in a motor vehicle, among other offenses.
"Tiffany Simmons has a history of bad decisions, and this one is the latest," Sheriff Judd stated, noting that the oldest child was in possession of a cell phone without service and did not know how to dial 911 in case of an emergency. The children have since been placed in a safety plan initiated by the Florida Department of Children and Families and turned over to the care of biological family members, the details of which, were provided by FOX 13 News.
