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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.
Sep 15, 2025
PCSO investigates drowning at Lake Clinch in Frostproof
Media Contact: Brian Bruchey
The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating the drowning of a Frostproof man that occurred on Sunday afternoon, September 14, 2025.
Deputies responded to the Lake Clinch boat ramp on 7th Street West in Frostproof, at approximately 2:28 pm, along with members of the Frostproof Fire Department and Polk County Fire Rescue, after witnesses reported the drowning.
Within five minutes of deploying side-scan radar and an underwater drone, the PCSO Marine Unit located the victim's body at the bottom of the lake, approximately 150 yards off shore.
The victim was identified as 52-year old Pierre Richard Plourde.
"Pierre Plourde was with his family and friends on Lake Clinch having a great time when he tragically drowned. First responders arrived quickly and utilized numerous resources. We worked diligently, and we found him... unfortunately, we couldn't save his life." - Grady Judd, Sheriff
According to witnesses, Mr. Plourde beached his boat near the boat ramp and walked to a pavilion.
A short time later, Mr. Plourde noticed his boat was drifting away, so he went into the water to retrieve his boat.
The witnesses said they heard Mr. Plourde in distress, and he began screaming for help, until he disappeared into the water.
A death investigation is ongoing by the PCSO.