News and Investigations

Polk Sheriff's Charities, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit charitable organization, is sponsoring a free turkey giveaway Saturday, November 21, 2026, at three Polk County locations (see below). 
 
"For the 9th year in a row we are blessed to be able to provide turkeys to our citizens, thanks to the generous donations made year-round to Polk Sheriff's Charities. We're so grateful to the volunteers and donors who make this possible. It is so heartwarming to work with with communities throughout Polk County to be able to make a positive difference in others' lives." - Grady Judd, Sheriff  
 
The turkeys will be distributed one per family, one per vehicle on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. No identification or pre-qualification will be required to receive a turkey. 
 
Deputies will be at each location to hand out the frozen birds, which are in the 12 to 16 pound range. Up to 1,800 turkeys will be given away.
 
The locations and times where the turkeys will be distributed are:
 
East Polk: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Church on the Hill, 1111 Scenic Hwy, Dundee;
**Cars will be directed to enter the parking lot south of the church from Old Scenic Hwy, then will be directed around the back of the church to the distribution point. Cars will then be directed to exit north onto Old Scenic Hwy towards Dundee.**
 
Central Polk: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
Lake Region High School campus, 1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake;
**Cars will be directed to enter onto Cameron Road from US 17, which turns into Gilbert Street, then onto Thunder Road, through the school parking lot to the distribution point, and back out onto Gilbert Street.**
 
West Polk: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Victory Church, 1401 Griffin Rd, Lakeland;
**Cars will be directed to enter the parking lot from westbound Griffin Road and then will be directed through the parking lot of the church to the distribution point. Cars will be directed to exit onto Mall Hill Drive.**