News and Investigations

News & Investigations

News Releases and Public Information

Welcome to the Polk County Sheriff's Office News Room, where the Public Information Officers (PIO's) post all of the information that they release to the news media. PIO's act as liaisons between news media organizations and the Sheriff's Office. The PIO's routinely release timely and accurate information and Crime Stoppers bulletins, and respond to routine and "breaking news" media inquiries. News releases and Crime Stoppers information can be found on this page.

PCSO's full-time Public Information Officers are Brian Bruchey, Carrie Horstman, and Meghan Petty. The Public Information Officers can be reached by sending an e-mail collectively at PIOs@polksheriff.org.

The recent news releases sent out by the PIOs can be found here, and archived releases (older than 2017) can be found here.

Apr 13, 2023

PCSO taking donations for "Cereal for Summer" campaign

Media Contact: Carrie Horstman, Administrator

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is excited to once again participate in the "Cereal for Summer" campaign, sponsored by 10 Tampa Bay and Feeding Tampa Bay.

Many children from financially challenged families face hunger over the summer when they are not guaranteed free or reduced meals that they usually receive at school.

Those who wish to donate boxes of cereal can drop them off at the PCSO main office or any of the district offices and jails. Each office has a large collection box.

For a list of our locations, click here. Donations will be accepted between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday until May 4th.

Last year, we donated more cereal than any other organization except one. We hope to improve on that this year and be the top donor!

Special thanks to General Mills and the Dairy Council of Florida as well for their sponsorship.