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 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.

Mar 26, 2026

Operation Pop Top: one sales clerk arrested for illegal sales

Media Contact: Juliana Rivera, PIO

Regina Speedy On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office conducted compliance checks at nine convenience stores throughout Winter Haven and Auburndale as part of the ongoing Operation Pop Top campaign. This initiative targets the illegal sale of alcohol and other restricted products to underage individuals.

The deputies were assisted by an 18-year-old member of the PCSO's Cadet 1000, a program for high school students who are interested in a career in law enforcement.

“These checks help us protect our youth and hold businesses accountable. Our Cadets do an outstanding job assisting us, and they are always safe, supervised, and supported during every operation.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff

Out of the nine stores visited, the 18-year-old Cadet was successful in purchasing an alcoholic beverage once-- at the Winter Haven 7-Eleven store at 4000 Recker Hwy.

The sales clerk there, 58-year-old Regina Speedy, was arrested and charged with Sale of Alcohol to a Person under 21, a misdemeanor.