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.

Mar 28, 2023

Polk County has first confirmed case of rabies in 2023

Media Contact: Carrie Horstman, Administrator

The first case of rabies in 2023 has been confirmed in Polk County.

On March 22, 2023, a family dog in the Meadowbrook Blvd. area of Winter Haven was found with a live bat in its mouth. The family contacted PCSO Animal Control, and an officer took possession of the bat. Its carcass was sent to Tampa for testing.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Section received the test results from the state laboratory in Tampa on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, which showed the bat was positive for the deadly virus.

The dog was not injured by the bat, and has been vaccinated.

"Fortunately, this dog was current on its rabies vaccination, but it will have to be quarantined to make sure it is not infected. Remember, if a wild mammal is acting aggressive or appears sick, stay away from it and contact Animal Control immediately." - Grady Judd, Sheriff