TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—As spring breakers continue flocking to the state, Attorney General Ashley Moody is warning students about the dangers of fentanyl. At a news conference in Daytona Beach, Attorney General Moody urged spring breakers to never use illicit drugs, since more fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills now contain a lethal dose than ever before.
Flanked by Volusia County first responders, Attorney General Moody also announced that the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the police departments of Daytona Beach, Deland, Ormond Beach, Ponce-Inlet and South Daytona, as well as the Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue team, are now participating in Attorney General Moody’s Helping Heroes program. The program provides free access to life-saving naloxone for first responders.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Every year, millions of visitors come to enjoy our beautiful beaches for spring break. While this is an exciting time of year for students looking for a break from the college grind, law enforcement and first responders are on heightened alert due to the national drug overdose crisis, largely driven by illicit fentanyl. Standing with law enforcement leaders today in Daytona Beach, we are warning spring breakers to never use illicit drugs, as just one pill can kill. I’m also excited to announce that Volusia County first responders now have access to free, life-saving naloxone through our Helping Heroes program—another tool in their belt to protect Floridians and visitors alike.”
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said, “Our community is not the only one facing this crisis, and we are not alone in fighting it. The support we have from the Attorney General is helping us address it from every angle, so we can identify and lock up drug dealers at the same time that we save lives and steer people toward resources that can free them from addiction.”
More than 112,000 people died from drug overdose nationwide in 2023—with most of the deaths caused by fentanyl. In comparison, that is just less than the combined population of Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach. Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18-45. The deadly substance is being found in all types of illicit drugs. According to a recent Drug Enforcement Administration report, 7 out of 10 fentanyl-laced fake prescription pills contain a lethal dose. In 2022, a group of students on spring break in Florida—including West Point cadets—overdosed after reportedly using cocaine laced with fentanyl.
Attorney General Moody is issuing the following tips to help spring breakers stay safe:
- Never use illicit drugs, as just one pill can kill;
- Recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, including difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness;
- Be prepared to call 911 for immediate assistance; and
- Cooperate with law enforcement.
Attorney General Moody created the One Pill Can Kill webpage to warn Floridians about the threat of fentanyl-laced counterfeit prescription pills. To learn more, click here.
To learn more about the dangers of fentanyl, Floridians can visit Dose of Reality Florida. This website is a one-stop resource that teaches about the dangers of opioid misuse, how to receive support for addiction and where to drop off unused prescription drugs.
