Winter Haven Man Arrested for DUI, Speeding 100 mph

A Winter Haven man faces two felony charges after a Polk County Sheriff's deputy clocked him driving 100 mph in a 60 mph zone on U.S. Highway 27 near Lake Wales on June 11.

Joseph Olivera, 49, was driving a 2025 BMW sedan and weaving through all three northbound lanes, forcing other drivers to brake and swerve. During the traffic stop near Peace Creek Park Road, the deputy found Olivera's driver's license revoked since 2022 with 13 active suspensions tied to DUI convictions, refusal to submit to breath tests, unpaid citations, failure to appear in court, and failure to pay child support.

Olivera showed signs of impairment and had several open alcohol containers in his vehicle. He refused to provide a breath sample.

He was charged with DUI third or subsequent offense, a third-degree felony; driving while license suspended or revoked as a habitual offender, a third-degree felony; refusal to submit a breath sample, a first-degree misdemeanor; and dangerous excessive speeding, a second-degree misdemeanor.

Sheriff Grady Judd said: "I'm not sure how many more times this suspect needs to be put behind bars to learn the errors of his ways. It's miraculous he hasn't killed someone else or himself with his history of DUI charges and illegal driving. If you see him behind the wheel of a vehicle, please dial 911."

Olivera remains in custody at the Polk County Jail.