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.
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.