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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.
Feb 8, 2022
PCSO continues traffic safety initiative along I-4 in January; deputies conduct 425 traffic stops and write 312 citations
Media Contact: Alicia Manautou, PIO
Throughout 2022, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Unit is conducting a year-long
traffic safety initiative on Interstate 4 in response to aggressive driving and excessive speeding within Polk County.
During January, 2022, deputies:
*Stopped 425 vehicles for various violations
*Issued 312 citations
*Arrested 9 people
Of the citations issued:
*102 drivers were traveling between 90-99 miles per hour
*18 drivers were traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour, with the highest speed recorded being 109 miles per hour
The speed limit on I-4 where it runs through Polk County fluctuates between 65 MPH or 70 MPH. Per Florida Statute 318.18(3)(b), the cost of a traffic citation for speeding in excess of 50 MPH on an Interstate is $1,104 and a required court appearance.
The average speed for citations written was 90 mph in the 70 mph zone and 86 in the 65 mph zone. The traffic safety initiative is on-going.
“According to the Teletrac Navman study, Interstate 4 is the most dangerous highway in the United States. It is our mission to keep you safe while in Polk County along this stretch of roadway by enforcing the speed limit and arresting those who drive recklessly. Please, slow down and pay attention. Your life and safety are important to us.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff