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 Alicia Manautou. 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.

Nov 16, 2018

The Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Section hosts their annual Pet Fest

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO

The holidays are all about giving, so it would only make sense for the Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Section to host their annual Pet Fest, so people can give a loving animal a new home.

Pet Fest will be held on Saturday, December 1, 2018 between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.
at the Animal Control Shelter at 7115 De Castro Road, Winter Haven (just off of the Polk Parkway, next to the County Landfill).

During Pet Fest, adoptions will only be $30, and will include microchip, rabies vaccination, annual vaccinations, and County license.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures (with or without your pet). There will also be pony rides, an inflatable obstacle course, face-painting, balloon art, a Crafter's Market, and several vendors.