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.

Pasco County to use settlement money to launch fund to combat opioid crisis

Numbers from Pasco County Sheriff’s Office show there has been a total of 438 overdoses from opioids this year, 98 of them were fatal. Community organizations plan to use grants to address treatment, prevention and recovery for those who are affected by the opioid crisis.

Rainbow fentanyl: Ohio AG warns of ‘death disguised as candy’

Authorities in Ohio are issuing another warning about the so-called “rainbow fentanyl" after hundreds of these pills were seized near Columbus.

Opioid crisis summit taking place in Hillsborough County

Opioids have had a devastating impact on communities across the state and country, including Hillsborough County.

Florida attorney general warns about possible flesh-eating ‘zombie’ drug

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody will be in Sarasota Wednesday morning warning Floridians and tourists about a potentially lethal drug combination. 

Mexican president says lack of hugs caused US fentanyl crisis

On Friday, Mexico's president Andrés Manuel López Obrador told a morning news briefing that the problem was caused by “a lack of hugs, of embraces.”

Officials hand out free Narcan, hope to educate Spring Breakers on dangers of fentanyl

As law enforcement gears up for spring break, combating opioid overdoses will be a top priority. Several non-profits have teamed up with the Florida Department of Health to distribute free Narcan on Pinellas County beaches and educate people about the dangers.

Accused drug dealers may face murder charges following fentanyl overdose death

Two men from Polk County were arrested following the drug overdose death of a Volusia County man. Detectives said the duo sold the victim fentanyl.

Mothers across Tampa Bay tackle fentanyl crisis: 'Somebody is making a ton of money off of killing our kids'

The opioid crisis in the U.S. has taken an even deadlier turn in the last few years as the synthetic version of the drug, fentanyl, becomes more available. Families who lose loved ones to fentanyl overdoes are struggling to face their new reality, but a group of mothers in the Tampa Bay area is working to give their loss purpose. 

Pinellas County chosen for new program to help tackle opioid crisis, prevent overdose deaths

Every 14 hours, someone died from an accidental drug overdose in Pinellas County last year, according to the Dr. Ulyee Choe, the director of the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County.

Hernando County deputies make latest fentanyl bust as law enforcement agencies work to keep it off the streets

On Monday, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office said deputies arrested a man they believe sold fentanyl in the Highland Community. Detectives said the fentanyl they’re finding comes mainly in powder form and also as pills.

CDC softens opioid prescribing guidelines for doctors

The nation’s top public health agency on Thursday softened its guidelines for U.S. doctors prescribing oxycodone and other opioid painkillers.