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.

Dec 4, 2023

Polk County Animal Control annual "Pet Fest" this weekend

Media Contact: Carrie Horstman, Administrator

On Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Polk County Animal Control will host its annual Pet Fest at their facility located at 7115 De Castro Road in Winter Haven (just off the Polk Parkway Winter Lake Road exit).

Pet adoptions are FREE and include spay/neuter, rabies vaccination, microchipping, and the county license.

Tons of vendors will be on-hand, including food and drink trucks and pet-friendly products. Kids' activities include: face painting, balloon artists, bounce houses, train rides, and exotic animal petting.

Santa Claus will also be there for "Pets with Santa" photos.

For more information call 863-577-1762 or visit our website.