Safe zones designated for childcare exchanges and e-commerce transactions

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is now providing 12 locations throughout the county where citizens can meet to exchange children during custody exchanges, as well as conduct e-commerce transactions.

The Florida Legislature has passed a new law that requires sheriff’s offices to provide at least one “safety zone” in their communities. The zones were created to increase the safety of parents and children during custody exchanges, a response to the unfortunate 2022 kidnapping and murder of Cassie Carla during a custody exchange.

These safe areas will have 24-hour video surveillance and recordings will be kept for at least 45 days. They will also be in well-lit areas marked with signs or for easy identification.

Here are the locations of the 12 “safety zones” designated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office:

Central County Jail – 2390 Bob Phillips Road, Bartow, FL 33830
South County Jail – 1103 US Hwy 98 West, Frostproof, FL 33823
Southwest District Office – 4120 US Hwy 98 South, Lakeland, FL 33813
Northwest District Office – 1045 Wedgewood Estates Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33809
Northeast District Office – 1100 Dunson Road, Davenport, FL 33896
District Central Office – 3635 Avenue G NW, Winter Haven, FL 33811
Southeast District Office – 4011 Sgt. Mary Campbell Way, Lake Wales, FL 33853
Dundee Sheriff’s Station – 135 Main Street, Dundee, FL 33838
Fort Meade Sheriff’s Station – 15 1st Street NW, Fort Meade, FL 33841
Frostproof Sheriff’s Station – 111 1st Street West, Frostproof, FL 33843
Mulberry Sheriff’s Station – 104 South Church Avenue, Mulberry, FL 33860
Polk City Sheriff’s Station – 123 Broadway Blvd, Polk City, FL 33868