{"id":65211,"date":"2026-04-25T22:34:13","date_gmt":"2026-04-26T02:34:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/?p=65211"},"modified":"2026-04-25T22:34:18","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T02:34:18","slug":"sheriff-grady-judd-calling-taxpayers-crazy-or-radical","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/2026\/04\/25\/sheriff-grady-judd-calling-taxpayers-crazy-or-radical\/","title":{"rendered":"Sheriff Grady Judd calling taxpayers \u201ccrazy\u201d or \u201cradical\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sheriff Grady Judd has one of the largest public platforms in Polk County. With a single post or during his regular coffee talk segments, he could mobilize thousands of residents to donate, foster, volunteer, and support animals at Polk County Animal Control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Sheriff Grady Judd calling taxpayers \u201ccrazy\u201d or \u201cradical\u201d\" width=\"563\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fXfvVIUGBqM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He has the ability to create real, immediate impact by bringing visibility to animals in need of homes, medical care, and socialization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, advocates raising documented concerns and proposing proven solutions have been dismissed as \u201ccrazy\u201d or \u201cradical.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To be clear, this has never been about the animal control officers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Officers are doing difficult, underpaid work, under conditions they did not create and do not control. They deserve support, resources, and leadership that sets them up for success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This has always been about policy, leadership, and outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Polk County continues to operate without:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 a county-supported spay and neuter voucher program<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 a Community Cat\/TNVR program<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 a fully accessible volunteer program<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 a robust foster network<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 structured adoption matching and placement support<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 programs that help pet owners keep their animals, including behavioral support, food assistance, and low-cost resources<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are not fringe ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They are standard, evidence-based practices used across Florida and the country to reduce intake, improve public safety, and save lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When these systems are absent, the outcome is predictable and preventable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Blaming residents alone while refusing to implement the very programs designed to address these issues does not solve the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is also notable that, despite being invited, Sheriff Judd has not attended commissioner meetings to engage directly with advocates and residents on these issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With a platform that reaches hundreds of thousands, it is reasonable to expect consistent promotion of solutions such as adoption, fostering, and volunteerism rather than dismissing those raising concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sheriff Judd, your platform reaches hundreds of thousands, often millions, of people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That platform could be used to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 promote adoptable animals<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 recruit fosters and volunteers<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 educate the public<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022 support real, measurable solutions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is where meaningful impact happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are not a \u201ccrazy\u201d or \u201cradical\u201d few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We are residents asking for proven policies, transparency, and leadership that aligns with modern sheltering standards already in place across the state and the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The question is not whether solutions exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-red-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1 wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The question is whether Polk County leadership is willing to implement them.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/florida\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#florida<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/dog\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#dog<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/shelter\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#shelter<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/cat\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#cat<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/voiceforthevoiceless\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#VoiceForTheVoiceless<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/polk\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#polk<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/community\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#community<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/lakeland\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#lakeland<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/winterhaven\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#winterhaven<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/gradyjudd\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#gradyjudd<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/polkcounty\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#PolkCounty<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/tnr\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#tnr<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/animaladvocacy\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#AnimalAdvocacy<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/tnvr\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#TNVR<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/spayandneuter\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#spayandneuter<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/polkcounty\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#polkcounty<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/reform\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#reform<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/advocate\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#advocate<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/spayandneuteryourpets\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#spayandneuteryourpets<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/watch\/hashtag\/advocateforchange\/?__cft__[0]=AZYMj8QN507oqaibQEMG-aHTwpHGp3riYBxGL-0yPsnBkBy-rnTsNeB-reBHpa8ioHvLVn5fuK50YX5e6s1xvY28rRPpRXJdujBdSHGo1rZGHvfOuWJDwDzOgLxfa3DaI583KKg4ixts8_OyRGsUGUSyU8oeX0tWrFHyg62rXlRs-0SSm4sf1hbFePtj_i5QQcR1JnYioIWGCNbayJfxUym4&amp;__tn__=*NK-R\">#AdvocateForChange<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sheriff Grady Judd has one of the largest public platforms in Polk County. With a single post or during his regular coffee talk segments, he could mobilize thousands of residents&hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12668,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"wpai_generated_summary":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"dois","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":true,"token":"eyJpbWciOiJodHRwczpcL1wvaTAud3AuY29tXC9sYWtlbGFuZGdhemV0dGUuaW5mb1wvbmV3c1wvd3AtY29udGVudFwvdXBsb2Fkc1wvMjAyMVwvMDZcL1BvbGtfU2hlcmlmZi1HcmFkeS1KdWRkXzIwMjFXZWIuanBnP2ZpdD0xMDI0JTJDNjgyJnNzbD0xIiwidHh0IjoiU2hlcmlmZiBHcmFkeSBKdWRkIGNhbGxpbmcgdGF4cGF5ZXJzIFx1MjAxY2NyYXp5XHUyMDFkIG9yIFx1MjAxY3JhZGljYWxcdTIwMWQiLCJ0ZW1wbGF0ZSI6ImRvaXMiLCJmb250IjoiIiwiYmxvZ19pZCI6MTYzMDQwNjYxfQ.c8c6ZeKg7FVIxqYPUmdE2GRBdggUkXZEeusrFahPsUgMQ"},"version":2,"media_source":"sig","attached_media":[{"id":0,"url":"https:\/\/jetpack.com\/redirect\/?source=sigenerate&query=t%3DeyJpbWciOiJodHRwczpcL1wvbGFrZWxhbmRnYXpldHRlLmluZm9cL25ld3NcL3dwLWNvbnRlbnRcL3VwbG9hZHNcLzIwMjFcLzA2XC9Qb2xrX1NoZXJpZmYtR3JhZHktSnVkZF8yMDIxV2ViLTEwMjR4NjgyLmpwZyIsInR4dCI6IlNoZXJpZmYgR3JhZHkgSnVkZCBjYWxsaW5nIHRheHBheWVycyBcdTIwMWNjcmF6eVx1MjAxZCBvciBcdTIwMWNyYWRpY2FsXHUyMDFkIiwidGVtcGxhdGUiOiJkb2lzIiwiZm9udCI6IiIsImJsb2dfaWQiOjE2MzA0MDY2MX0.rE5fvhZVFizzWcoHJnOiXV-CEVGp9-jVt1JFvLrK8TcMQ","type":"image\/jpeg"}]},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false},"categories":[12,14],"tags":[14477],"class_list":["post-65211","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-local","category-news","tag-sheriff-grady-judd-calling-taxpayers-crazy-or-radical"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65211","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=65211"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65211\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":65212,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65211\/revisions\/65212"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12668"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=65211"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=65211"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lakelandgazette.info\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=65211"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}