Pasco County agencies pushing for progress in fight against opioid crisis: 'We still have a long way to go'
A Pasco County alliance made up of community resources is helping combat opioid and fentanyl addiction through proactive and reactive measures.
US overdose deaths decline slightly in 2023, CDC reports
The CDC released data indicating a modest decrease in fatal overdoses in the United States last year.
'Deadliest drug threat that our country has ever faced:' Tampa's top federal prosecutor talks fentanyl crisis
As the fentanyl crisis in America endangers the lives of millions of Americans, a recent federal trial in Tampa is illuminating the extensive ways law enforcement is combating the drug influx.
Grady Judd: 4 people arrested in 'largest fentanyl seizure' in Polk County history
Four people have been arrested in what Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd calls the ‘largest fentanyl seizure’ in the county’s history.
Fentanyl exposure kills inmate at Pinellas County Jail, hospitalizes several others: ‘We’re drug addicts’
Detectives are investigating after an inmate at the Pinellas County Jail died from an apparent fentanyl overdose over the weekend and several others were hospitalized after being exposed to the drug.
Florida woman arrested after baby dies from fentanyl mixture
A Florida mother is facing aggravated manslaughter charges after police say her child died from an opioid overdose.
What is tianeptine? Lawmakers sound the alarm on 'gas station heroin'
Sold at gas stations across the country under names like “ZaZa Red” and “Neptune’s Elixir,” tianeptine use can lead to serious health complications and even death, officials say.
'Enough to kill every American': DEA details just how bad the fentanyl crisis is in America
Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said on Jan. 17. The agency is calling fentanyl the "deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced."
Jelly Roll gives powerful speech to Congress: 'Fentanyl transcends partisanship and ideology'
“I am a stupid songwriter y'all, but I have first hand witnessed this in a way most people have not," Jelly Roll told Congress. "Almost every person in this room has lost a friend, family member or colleague to the disease known as addiction."
One-on-one with Dr. Rahul Gupta: The White House's response to the fentanyl crisis
Studies show fentanyl is now a leading cause of death among young adults.
New program at Bayfront Health in St. Pete aims to bring help to those facing opioid addiction
The opioid crisis continues to have a tight grip on the country. Hundreds of thousands of people die every year from overdoses, but a new program in Pinellas County hopes to curb those numbers by getting patients help as soon as they come in.
3 arrested in Polk County’s largest fentanyl seizure: ‘This stuff is killing us’
Enough fentanyl to kill five million people was recently seized during an undercover operation that led to the arrest of three men, two of whom were in the country illegally, according to Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
Several Tampa Bay area counties see increase in overdose deaths despite decrease across Florida: Study
While there are signs of progress in Florida's fight in the Opioid epidemic, several Tampa Bay counties are lagging behind, according to a study recently released by Project Opioid in Orlando.
NOPE Task Force of Pinellas holds vigil to remember loved ones who have died from addiction
Families from around Pinellas County came together Thursday evening to remember loved ones they’ve lost to addiction.
Narcan is now available without a prescription: Here's where to find it
As of this week, you can now walk into a CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart and find the powerful opioid overdose reversal medication naloxone on shelves or online under the brand name Narcan. Previously, customers could only access the nasal spray directly from a pharmacist on site.
Rite Aid prepares to file for bankruptcy: report
Rite Aid is facing numerous lawsuits regarding its alleged role in the opioid crisis
Sarasota first responders to supply Narcan thanks to Florida grant
Firefighters, EMTs and paramedics in Sarasota County work to save lives. Sometimes the patients they treat are seen over and over again.
Deadly drug cocktail causing Florida users to overdose despite overall decline in drug-related fatalities
Concerns over a deadly drug cocktail made up of xylazine and fentanyl have now reached the White House and in Florida, state officials say that mixture is accounting for a significant increase in overdose deaths.
Nevada parents face murder charges after 8-month-old dies from fentanyl exposure: police
The parents told Boulder City police that a bag of meth and fentanyl spilled on a bed, where they later allowed the child to crawl.
New Port Richey man arrested after opioid overdose causes canal crash, police say
New Port Richey police say a possible opioid overdose is to blame for a man and his car being found in a canal on Sunday night.