Florida Man “Going To Jail as a Pickle Thief”

In his own words, this Florida Man is "Going To Jail as a Pickle Thief". This incident went down in Grady Judd's Polk County, Florida - but let's back up and see how we got here.

According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, at around 10:26pm, the PCSO received a call from the Superway Food Mart at 2490 Recker Highway in Winter Haven, Florida. The caller reported that a man who committed a theft from the store earlier in the day was back at the store and causing a disturbance. The suspect fled when he realized the store employee called 911.

When deputies arrived at the Superway, the employee told them that the suspect frequently steals from the store. On the rare occasion when the suspect actually does pay for merchandise, he pays the incorrect amount and just throws the money on the counter. So he's not just a thief, but he's rude. Or bad at math. Both?

On this most recent occasion, the suspect stole pickles, but the store owner had enough. This Florida Man is going to jail.

A deputy located the suspect and apprehended him without incident.

Upon arrest, Felipe Jesus Gutierres said, "Oh, I'm going to jail as a pickle thief." The Pickle Thief has a history of thefts dating back to 2010 in both Polk and Highlands County. Due to his prior theft convictions, The Pickle Thief is facing a Felony Petit Theft charge.

So I'm wondering what's with the jar of pickles. If he's frequently stealing from the store, what else was he taking? Perhaps his goal was to boost all the makings for a bbq - condiments first, then the meats. We'll probably never know. What I do know is the the Superway in Winter Haven, Florida is a gas station style convenience store. The clerk by the door can see every aisle the whole time. And now, in his own words, he's "going to jail as a pickle thief".

When you are taking a road trip into and out of Southwest Florida, it can take a minute. Not just because of traffic but because we are so far south. It's inevitable that you'll need to stop for some kind of refueling. Next time you need a good pit stop for sustenance, check out the biggest BBQ sandwich found in Bartow.

It's at a restaurant called Boney Mac's BBQ and it is my latest discovery for Favorite Florida Pit Stops. Favorite Florida Pit Stops is a culinary and travel series. It primarily features mom and pop restaurants along well traveled roads to and from Southwest Florida.

This is one of those places that you can smell before you see on Highway 17 and Martin Luther King Jr, Blvd. in Bartow. You likely whiz right by if 17 is the route you take to Orlando and other Central Florida locations.

Boney Mac's is old school. The smoker is in the parking lot facing the highway. The interior is wide open and orders are taken at a small counter. Beware, it also has tempting, homemade desserts linted up. The selections change daily.

The rest of the menu is full of southern and soulful favorites like collard greens, lima beans, fried okra, mac-n-cheese and more. Smoked meats include chicken, ribs and pork which all come in a variety of ways.

I ordered what I thought was a simple rib sandwich. I could not pick it up. The rib meat didn't even come close to fitting between the two pieces of white bread it came with and I wasn't mad about it at all. The amount of meat was enough to feed three people.

The BBQ sauce on the side was sweet and tangy mustard base. Best part was the value. The sandwich was only $11. If you are trying to feed a bunch of people and not break the bank, this is your stop. Everything I had was delicious too.

There is another great stop for BBQ lovers on Highway 17. It's about 20 minutes south of Boney Mac's. Click here to find more about Smokin' Joes.

It's easy to drive by Boney Mac's BBQ. The building sits on an odd corner of Highway 17 and Martin Luther King Blvd in Bartow. If you pass it, it's pretty easy to do a U-Turn. I know from experience.

The parking lot of Boney Mac's BBQ is reserved for smoking. Smoking slabs of pork that is. Don't worry, there is more parking along the side.

This is how Boney Mac's BBQ serves up a sandwich. Piles of perfectly cooked meat between two slices of white bread. Classic.

I caught Boney Mac's smoker in action. It's just outside the small restaurant on a concrete slab. It smells as good as it tastes. Find the restaurant in Bartow next road trip

Boney Mac's Broccoli Salad is a staple. It is sweet and tangy and makes you feel like you've had something healthful...kind of.

The desserts at Boney Mac's BBQ are all homemade. I couldn't wait to try this red velvet cake, but I left it on the counter. Always double check your order before you leave.

The walls at Boney Mac's BBQ have fun posters as well as photos paying homage to local Civil Rights leaders.