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.
Hillsborough County holds first opioid summit in 6 years as deadly overdoses continue to climb
Hillsborough County held its first opioid summit since 2017 on Thursday. It comes as the number of deadly overdoses has climbed.
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.
FDA approves first over-the-counter Narcan for opioid overdose treatment
The US Food and Drug Administration approved Narcan nasal spray for over-the-counter use on Wednesday.
Florida attorney general warns of 'zombie drug' after hundreds of overdose deaths
It's an FDA-approved tranquilizer for animals, but Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody says people are using it to get high.
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.
Gov. DeSantis announces plans for more than $205 million from opioid settlement
Governor Ron DeSantis was in Destin Friday to announce plans for more than $205 million from the opioid settlement agreement.
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.
National Prescription Take Back Day: Here’s where you can drop off unwanted medication
The event provides a safe and convenient way to dispose of unneeded medications at more than 4,000 drop-off sites nationwide.
Where to dispose of prescription drugs during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, October 29.
Highlands deputies bust 'prolific' drug dealer with enough fentanyl to kill a quarter of the county
Deputies in Highlands County say they have busted one of its most prolific drug dealers.
Floridians battling addiction can find personalized options with TreatmentATLAS
A new online tool just expanded to Florida aimed at providing personalized recovery options for those battling addiction. It could be the lifeline people need with finding the right treatment fit being a confusing and frustrating process.
Florida drug czar tours Tampa General's care command center aimed at stopping drug addiction
Florida drug czar was at Tampa General Hospital Wednesday in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day. While it's a day meant to remember those lost to drug addiction, it's also a call to action.