Lakeland Woman Arrested for Child Neglect

Tiffany Shanta Simmons, a 36-year-old woman from Lakeland, Florida, was arrested for leaving her four young children in an idling vehicle while she drank and danced inside the Apple Lounge in Winter Haven. The incident occurred when lounge staff became suspicious and found the children—aged 10 months, 3, 5, and 8 years—in the car after she re-entered the lounge without them. Simmons, who appeared intoxicated, was belligerent and physically defiant during her arrest, even kicking a deputy. She has been charged with multiple counts, including negligent child abuse and battery on a law enforcement officer. The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified, and the children were safely reunited with family members. Sheriff Grady Judd condemned Simmons' actions as 'infuriating and reprehensible'.