Winter Haven Man Charged With Felony DUI at 100 mph

Joseph Olivera, 49, of Winter Haven faces felony charges after a Polk County Sheriff's deputy clocked him driving 100 mph in a 60 mph zone while weaving across all three lanes of U.S. Highway 27 near Lake Wales on June 11.

Deputies charged Olivera with third-degree felony DUI, third-degree felony driving with a habitually revoked license, first-degree misdemeanor refusal to submit a breath sample, and second-degree misdemeanor dangerous excessive speeding.

A deputy observed the 2025 BMW heading northbound on Highway 27 around midday. The vehicle forced other motorists to brake and swerve to avoid collisions. During the traffic stop, the deputy noted signs of impairment and found open alcohol containers in the vehicle. Olivera refused to provide a breath sample.

His license has been revoked since 2022. Olivera has 13 active suspensions stemming from DUI convictions, refusal to submit to breath tests, failure to pay citations, failure to appear in court, and failure to pay child support.

Sheriff Grady Judd urged the public to report any sightings of Olivera driving. "If you see him behind the wheel of a vehicle, please dial 911," Judd said.

Olivera is held at the Polk County Jail. He faces potential prison time on the felony charges.