Agency News

From major cases to information about our initiatives, you can find press releases and other news about the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office below.

Deputy Recruits Complete Corrections Academy Training (24-144)

On Tuesday, November 12th, 2024, 25 Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputy recruits were recognized for completing their Corrections Academy training during a graduation ceremony at the St. Petersburg College Allstate Center.

Joint Press Conference to Discuss Unlicensed Contractor Operation (24-143)

On November 7, 2024, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri and Chief Eric Gandy held a press conference to discuss the ongoing efforts of arresting unlicensed contractors on the beaches in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

Seminole Man Arrested for Lewd and Lascivious Acts with Minor (24-142)

Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested 42-year-old Joel Avitia for Lewd and Lascivious Touching of a Minor.

Deputies Arrest Clearwater Man for False Bomb Threat (24-141)

On Sunday, November 3, 2024, deputies assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau arrested 48-year-old Jerome Lee Chambers for making a bomb threat while in the parking lot of Dunedin City Hall.

Detectives Investigate Inmate Death; Death Does Not Appear Suspicious In Nature (24-140)

Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit are investigating the death of 47-year-old John Garey.

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri Hosts Swearing-In Ceremony Today for Six Deputies (24-139)

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri administered the oath of office during a swearing-in ceremony today and welcomed six new deputies to the agency. These deputies are assigned to the Patrol Operations Bureau and the Judicial Operations Bureau.

Tarpon Springs Man Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography (24-138)

Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit (CAC) have arrested a Tarpon Springs man for possession of child pornography.

Detectives Investigate Inmate Death; Death Does Not Appear Suspicious in Nature (24-137)

Detectives assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit are investigating the death of 43-year-old inmate Stephanie Miller.

Operation Medicine Cabinet Event Scheduled (24-136)

Operation Medicine Cabinet will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Press Conference to Discuss Looting and Unlicensed Contractor Arrests (24-135)

On October 24, 2024, Sheriff Bob Gualtieri held a press conference to discuss the criminal activity that has been occurring on the barrier islands in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

MAIT Investigates Serious Crash in Unincorporated St. Petersburg (24-134)

On Thursday, October 24, 2024, deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded to the area of 58th Avenue North and 28th Street North in Unincorporated St. Petersburg to investigate a serious injury crash.

“Ride & Run With The Stars” Registration (24-133)

Reminder: Registration for the Ride and Run With the Stars event is open with early bird pricing available through November 1st, 2024.

***UPDATE - Transportation Ending***Deputies Providing Transportation to Residents Due to Continued High-water Flooding in East Lake (24-132)

Due to continued high-water flooding after Hurricane Milton, deputies will be providing transportation in high-water vehicles to affected residents in the Tarpon Woods neighborhood near East Lake Road in Palm Harbor.

**UPDATE - Missing Man Located**Deputies Issue Purple Alert for Missing Clearwater Man

Deputies have issued a Purple Alert for 58-year-old Robert Shank.

Mandatory Evacuation Order Issued in Pinellas County Ahead of Hurricane Milton (24-130)

Effective immediately, Pinellas County has issued a mandatory evacuation order for residents in Zones A, B, and C and all mobile homes county-wide. Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.