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.

Dec 9, 2024

Polk County Animal Control’s annual Pet Fest is Saturday, December 14, 2024

Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO

PET FEST 2024 will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control at 7115 De Castro Road in Winter Haven (just off the Polk Parkway Winter Lake Road exit).

This annual event offers free pet adoptions (including spay/neuter, rabies vaccination, microchip ID, and county license) with more than 100 dogs & cats available and ready to go to new loving homes.

Leashes and cat carriers will be offered free of charge, and every pet adopted that day will go home with a free Christmas ornament.

There will be about 30 vendors providing food, services, and pet items.

Santa Claus will also be available for photos with pets.

For more information or questions, please call Animal Control at 863-577-1762