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 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.
Aug 22, 2018
3rd Positive Rabies Case in 2018 Confirmed in Polk County
Media Contact: Brian Bruchey, PIO
The Polk County Sheriff's Office Animal Control Section received confirmation on Wednesday, August 22, 2018, that a raccoon has tested positive for rabies. This is the third positive rabies case in Polk County for 2018.
On Monday, August 20, 2018, a couple from Flanders Station Drive in Polk City contacted Animal Control after their dog got into a fight with the raccoon. The owner of the dog shot and killed the raccoon.
The dog, which suffered cuts from the attack, had a current rabies vaccination and was placed into a 45-day quarantine at its home.
The raccoon was sent to be tested, and Animal Control received confirmation Wednesday that it was positive for rabies.
A bat in Lakeland and a bat in Winter Haven were found to have rabies earlier this year.
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 which is acting in an unusual or suspicious manner. If you think you or your pet has had an "exposure," or if you suspect an animal of having rabies, please contact the PCSO Animal Control Section at 863-577-1762.
In the State of Florida, all dogs, cats, and ferrets 4 months of age or older must be vaccinated by a licensed veterinarian against rabies with a vaccine that is licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture.