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 8, 2024

Polk County has second confirmed case of rabies in 2024

Media Contact: Carrie Horstman

The second case of rabies in Polk County this year has been confirmed, in the area of Maniac Lane in Frostproof.

On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, Polk County Sheriff's Animal Control Officers responded to a call for service from a homeowner who reported her dog was fighting with a raccoon. The dog killed the raccoon prior to the ACO's arrival. The raccoon's body was sent to the state laboratory for testing, and the results were sent back to Animal Control on April 5th confirming the raccoon tested positive for rabies.

“Make sure your pets are vaccinated, and call us immediately if you see your pet tangled up or messing with with any wildlife. Luckily, this pet was vaccinated.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff