Polk County Sheriff’s Phone# 863-298-6200
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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.
Jul 23, 2024
Positive Rabies Case Confirmed, third this year
Media Contact: Meghan Petty, PIO
The third case of rabies in Polk County this year has been confirmed, in Winter Haven.
On Friday, July 19, 2024, Polk County Sheriff's Animal Control Officers responded to a call for service on Avenue T NW in Winter Haven after a report of a cat owner being scratched and bitten while breaking up a fight between his two cats. The cat that bit and scratched him was found by the man deceased the next day.
The deceased cat was sent to the State Laboratory in Tampa, where it tested positive for rabies. The other cat was not vaccinated against rabies, and it was surrendered by its owner to Polk County Animal Control. The Florida Department of Health in Polk County will handle the treatment of the owner for his rabies exposure.
“Please make sure your pets are up to date on all their vaccines; being vaccinated can save your pet's life.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Please do not approach any animal which is acting in an unusual or suspicious manner. If you think you or your pet has had an "exposure," please contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863.577.1762.