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 Carrie Horstman, Brian Bruchey, and Julianna Rivera. 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 31, 2026

2nd case of rabies reported in as many weeks in Polk County

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey

A second case of rabies for 2026 has been reported in Polk County, and comes less than two weeks after the first case was reported.

On March 25, 2026, a man reported that he noticed one of his three dogs was pawing at a bat in his home that is located southwest of Lakeland.

The bat was collected by the Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control and sent to the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories in Tampa for testing.

On Tuesday, March 31st, the Animal Control was notified that the bat tested positive for rabies.

"It is important to keep your pets vaccinated against rabies, but also important to keep your distance from wild animals, especially if they appear to be in distress, angry, or aggressive. If you or your pets come into contact with an animal that may have rabies, contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control immediately.” -Grady Judd, Sheriff

All three of the man's dogs are vaccinated and under quarantine at his residence.