Palatka Police Department

06/05/2026

We were honored to welcome members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation who stopped by to recognize Lt. Lee, Detective Johnson, and Detective Burger for their swift response and willingness to assist in a multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional investigation involving a missing 16-year-old girl out of Ohio.

Through the coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, the juvenile was safely recovered in Palatka and a suspect was taken into custody.

Cases like this highlight the importance of strong partnerships, communication, and the dedication of law enforcement officers who are committed to protecting victims and bringing offenders to justice. We are proud of the professionalism, teamwork, and commitment displayed by our personnel during this investigation.

Thank you to all agencies involved for their collaboration and commitment to a safe outcome.

06/01/2026

🚨 NOW SEEKING VENDORS & SPONSORS 🚨

The Palatka Police Department is excited to announce our 2026 National Night Out, taking place Tuesday, August 4th from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Palatka Riverfront!

National Night Out is a nationwide community-building event that strengthens the partnership between first responders and the communities we proudly serve. It’s an evening focused on unity, safety, fellowship, and positive interaction between families, local businesses, community organizations, and public safety personnel.
We are currently looking for vendors, community partners, and sponsors to help make this event a success!

✨ Sponsorship Opportunities:
🔹 $1,500
🔹 $750
🔹 $500
Sponsors will be proudly recognized on the official event banner and across Palatka Police Department platforms.

These sponsorships help us provide:
✅ FREE vendor spaces
✅ Promotional giveaways
✅ Kid zones and family activities at no cost to attendees (aside from purchases made through vendors and food trucks)

This event continues to have a lasting positive impact on our community, and we would love for you to be part of it.
If you are interested in becoming a vendor or sponsor, please contact us:

📧 [email protected]
📞 386-329-0115

05/30/2026

The Palatka Police Department is aware of social media advertisements promoting a truck meet at the Palatka Mall, located at 400 N. State Road 19, which is set to take place Sunday, May 31st.

This event has not been approved, permitted, or sanctioned by the City of Palatka. The property manager has been contacted and has confirmed that only individuals conducting business with mall tenants will be permitted on the premises. Any other persons remaining on the property may be subject to trespass enforcement.

The Palatka Police Department will have officers assigned to monitor the area and will take enforcement action as necessary. Violations including, but not limited to, trespassing, reckless driving, racing, exhibition of speed, disorderly conduct, obstruction of traffic, and other criminal or traffic offenses will be addressed accordingly.

Participants and spectators are reminded that private property rights will be enforced and that unsafe or unlawful behavior will not be tolerated. Individuals choosing to attend should be aware that violations may result in citations, arrest, vehicle impoundment, or removal from the property.

The Palatka Police Department remains committed to maintaining public safety and protecting the quality of life for our residents, businesses, and visitors.

05/29/2026

Large Law Enforcement Presence Near President Street and Moseley Avenue

PALATKA, FL – The Palatka Police Department is currently investigating an incident involving an altercation in the area of President Street and Moseley Avenue. As a result, there is a significant law enforcement presence in the area.

At this time, there is no threat to the public, and this incident has no impact on the surrounding areas, including activities at Veterans Memorial Stadium, local schools, or graduation practice events.

Out of an abundance of caution and to allow investigators to conduct their work safely and efficiently, we ask that members of the public avoid the immediate area of President Street and Moseley Avenue until further notice.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

05/22/2026

We are thrilled to share a heartwarming story of generosity and community spirit! A generous donation was made in support of a grandmother, who, despite facing the challenges of being a victim in a PPD case, is courageously raising her 8-year-old grandson.

Recognizing her need for a mattress set for her beloved grandson, our wonderful community partner, Farmers Furniture, stepped in to make a difference. On April 28, they graciously donated a beautiful mattress set and bedding items, as captured in the accompanying picture.

This act of kindness not only provides essential support to this family but also exemplifies the incredible strength and compassion that can flourish within our community.

05/21/2026

🚧 TRAFFIC ADVISORY | BLUE CRAB FESTIVAL 🚧

The Blue Crab Festival returns to downtown Palatka beginning Friday, May 22nd at 6:00 PM and continuing through Sunday, May 24th. The Palatka Police Department is looking forward to a fun and exciting weekend full of food, music, vendors, and community events.

With that said, residents and visitors should expect significant traffic impacts and road closures throughout the downtown area beginning Thursday, May 21st at 10 PM.

🔹 St. Johns Avenue will be closed from Memorial Parkway to South 6th Street
🔹 Memorial Parkway will be closed from South 3rd Street to Reid Street

Road closure signs will also be in place at:
• Laurel Street & South 7th Street
• Oak Street & South 7th Street

We ask that only residents and those attending the festival travel into these impacted areas.

If you are attempting to access Reid Street from Crill Avenue, or Crill Avenue from Reid Street, please use alternate routes such as South 9th Street or South 13th Street to help avoid congestion and delays.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we work to keep the event safe and enjoyable for all. We look forward to seeing everyone downtown this weekend!

05/18/2026

05/16/2026

CLICK IT OR TICKET

Beginning Monday, May 18th through May 31st, the Palatka Police Department will be participating in the national Click It or Ticket campaign focused on seatbelt safety and education. This campaign is aimed at reminding drivers and passengers that wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself in a crash.

Some important statistics to keep in mind:
• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seatbelts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers by approximately 45%.
• In 2023, more than half of passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes nationwide were not wearing seatbelts.
• Wearing a seatbelt is estimated to save thousands of lives every year across the United States.

Throughout the campaign, officers will be conducting traffic enforcement and educational stops throughout the City of Palatka. Enforcement may include warnings or citations for seatbelt and child restraint violations. Whether you are driving across town or just around the corner, buckle up every trip, every time.

Click It or Ticket. Your seatbelt could save your life.

05/15/2026

Traffic Advisory - 37th Annual Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament

The Palatka Police Department would like to advise motorists to expect heavy boat and vehicle traffic in the area of River Street, South 3rd Street, and Laurel Street during the early morning hours associated with the 37th Annual Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital Bass Tournament. Temporary road closures and traffic delays are expected from approximately 4:00 AM until 7:00 AM as tournament participants launch and stage vessels in the area.

We ask motorists to avoid the area during these times if possible and seek alternate routes to help reduce congestion and allow for the safe movement of tournament traffic and pedestrians.

Please use caution if traveling near the riverfront and be mindful of officers directing traffic throughout the event area. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we help support this longstanding community event benefiting the children of our region.