Polk County Sheriff’s Phone# 863-298-6200
If in an emergency Dial 911
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.
May 10, 2017
First Rabies case confirmed in Polk County
Media Contact: Michele Cash, PIO
On Saturday, May 6, 2017, a resident of Carla Circle in Lakeland, found his dogs nipping at a bat in the yard. The bat had also been in the mouths of the dogs.
The owner contacted the PCSO Animal Control Section and the bat was impounded and sent to the state lab for rabies testing. The bat was confirmed positive for rabies yesterday, Tuesday, May 9th.
The owner was notified of the test results.
Both dogs are current on their vaccines and have been placed on home quarantine for 10 days.
“This is an important reminder to make sure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccines.”- Grady Judd, Sheriff
Residents are reminded that bats and raccoons are among the mammals considered to be high risk species or “rabies vector species” (RVS). Please do not approach any animal that 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.