Polk County Sheriff's Office

10/30/2026

Sheriff Grady Judd gives details about a multi-day joint-agency undercover investigation,
"Polk Around and Find Out II," that focused on human trafficking and child s*x
predators.

He is joined by AG James Uthmeier, Florida Department of Financial Services CFO Blaise Ingoglia, State Attorney's Office, 10th Judicial Circuit Exec Dir Chris Nelson, ICE/Homeland Security Acting
Deputy Field Office Director David Gritte, and other agency heads.

The 7-day-long undercover investigation netted 281 total arrests: 239
arrests were related to soliciting prostitutes, offering to commit
prostitution, and aiding/abetting or transporting prostitutes; 31 arrests were
related to child s*xual predators; and 11 other arrests were made.
During this investigation, 11 human trafficking victims were identified.

There were 17 theme park employees arrested: 13 from Disney and 4 from
Universal Studios.

Read the release: https://tinyurl.com/4yryymcc

10/30/2026

Sheriff Grady Judd is briefing the media about Operation Polk Around and Find Out II, during which 281 suspects were arrested. This investigation focused on child s*xual predators and human trafficking. 

10/30/2026

It's Halloween eve! And Dr Paul Bearer is lurking for you.............the same way we were lurking for Geysa when she stole that cell phone.

Enjoy this festive Morning Briefing video!

10/29/2026

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a Fi****ms Safety Course/Concealed Weapons Class on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 8:00 am - Noon. If registration for the class fills up, a second afternoon class will be added for 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW FOR Saturday, NOVEMBER 14TH - CALL 863-298-6242.

Cost of the class is $70; with a portion of the proceeds to go to Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc., and the cost is non-refundable. An additional $12.50 will be charged to those who don’t bring their own am******on.

This class fulfills the requirements by the FL Department of Agriculture need to obtain a concealed weapons permit. Even though permitless-carry in Florida went into effect in 2023, there are still benefits to having a permit (reciprocity in states which don’t allow for concealed carry without a permit, and permit holders are exempt from the 3-day waiting period when purchasing new fi****ms).

Any questions about the CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION, please call Deputy Brandon Johnson or Sergeant Caratsole at the PCSO Training Section at 863-534-7200, during normal office hours.

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YOU MUST CALL 863-298-6242, during normal business hours (Mon-Fri, 8-5) to reserve your seat. When you call, you will be given further instruction about where to go for the training.
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*we will have handguns available for the hands-on portion of the course, but we prefer you bring your own if possible.

10/29/2026

Here illegally from Mexico and doing illegal things. No bueno.

Thanks Lakeland Harley-Davidson for the mug!

10/28/2026

To our friends and followers: We are sharing this link to an informational podcast about Amendment 3 produced by the Florida Sheriffs Association titled "The Real-World Impacts of Amendment 3 (Property Taxes) – Part 1." This is the first podcast of three. The more information you have, the better. 💫 As always, how you vote is up to you. Thank you!

Florida’s property tax debate has real-world consequences for the critical services communities rely on every day.

In Part 1 of our special FSAcast series on Amendment 3, Steve Vancore of VancoreJones Communications and Edie Ousley of Yellow Finch Strategies discuss how the proposed amendment could impact public safety, mosquito control, local infrastructure, maintenance services and more.

Hear what state and local leaders are saying—and why Floridians should understand the potential effects and dangers of Amendment 3 before heading to the polls in November.

🎙️🔗 LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE BY CLICKING THE LINK IN THE COMMENTS OR SUBSCRIBE TO FSACAST VIA YOUR APPLE PODCAST OR SPOTIFY.

10/28/2026

Last week, we welcomed K9 Vader, a 15-month-old German Shepherd, into the PCSO family!

After K9 Ace was forced to retire following being shot in the line of duty, Natalie is ready to begin this next chapter with her new partner!

A HUGE thank you to Herb Bennett and HBK-9 for generously donating this K9 after hearing Natalie and Ace’s story! Their generosity and commitment to supporting law enforcement K9 teams make a real difference. We encourage you to check out HBK-9 and learn more about their work in providing K9s to those who serve and protect our communities! 🐾💙

10/28/2026

The next Polk County Sheriff's Office Women’s Basic Self Defense* and Personal Safety* class is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 10am - Noon.

Join our Crime Prevention Unit for a couple of hours to learn some basic moves and information that could help keep you safe in a bad situation.

The class is FREE of charge and designed for ladies 13 years and older. Those under 18 will need a parent present to sign a waiver at the start of class.

Each class is approximately one hour long unless more than 30 women attend. For every additional 10-15 females, 15 minutes are added to the time frame.

The class consists of lecture (approximately 15 minutes) and hands-on techniques (approximately 45 minutes). Attendees will demonstrate all of the techniques on a body opponent bag (B.O.B.) which we will supply.

NEXT CLASS:
Saturday, November 7, 2026
PCSO Sheriff's Operations Center
1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

If you wish to attend, please RSVP to
[email protected], and please include your name and phone number.

10/28/2026

It doesn't get much more Polk County than this...

Today’s mug comes courtesy of Advanced Spinal Care ! Thanks to Dr. Brad for the support. If you’re in need of chiropractic care, be sure to give him a visit!

10/27/2026

kidsPACK provides weekend meals to more than 5,800 children each week across more than 90 schools in Polk County. Once again, we’re proud to support their mission by participating in their annual food donation drive!

📦 Donation drop boxes are available at all of our district offices and the Sheriff’s Operation Center from October 26 through November 16. Let’s come together as a community to help fill little tummies and ensure local children have the food they need!

Can’t make it to one of our drop-off locations? You can still make a difference! KidsPACK is accepting monetary donations online this year. Every contribution helps support their mission of providing meals to children in need.

Donate here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/hhnsffk/