Attorney General Bondi’s Weekly Briefing ……………….

Last week, I joined President Donald J. Trump and my fellow members on the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis at the White House for an important bill signing ceremony. Our country is in the midst of a national opioid crisis claiming thousands of lives, and as we continue to combat this crisis, I am encouraged by the President’s leadership and support. 

During the ceremony, President Trump signed the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act that expands access to drug treatment and recovery services.

The SUPPORT Act is the single largest legislative package addressing a single drug crisis in history. This bipartisan legislation will bolster ongoing efforts, both in Florida and nationwide, to stop addiction and save lives. 

You can also help in our fight against the national opioid crisis in Florida. The 16^thNational Prescription Drug Take Back Day is this Saturday. Drug take-back days, hosted by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, allow people to safely dispose of unwanted or expired prescription drugs. 

Sadly, users often rummage through the medicine cabinets of family members or friends in search of powerful prescription pills. Drug take-back days are a great opportunity to get rid of these medications and potentially save a life in the process. 

To find a take-back location near you, please visit DEATakeBack.com. 

Thank you for your help and support in fighting the national opioid crisis claiming lives in Florida. Working together, we will save lives.

Trump signs bipartisan measure to confront opioid crisis, (AP) WAWS

Jacksonville man gets 25 years in prison on heroin charges, Florida Times-Union

Florida attorney general encourages giving wisely to help hurricane victims, WTXL

State urges anonymous reporting of school threats. It just got easier, Bradenton Herald

St. Petersburg diocese responds to abuse scandal with new accountability website, Tampa Bay Times

Help Fight the Opioid Crisis by Participating in Drug Take Back Day

Attorney General Pam Bondi is asking Floridians to help fight the national opioid crisis claiming lives in Florida by participating in the 16th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The nationwide event to help people safely dispose of unwanted prescription medications will be held this Saturday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drug take-back days enable the public to bring expired or no longer needed prescription drugs to local drop-off points for proper disposal. Disposing of unwanted or expired pharmaceuticals can help prevent drug abuse, drug addiction and overdose deaths. 

“National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a great opportunity for Floridians to dispose of prescription medications responsibly and help us combat the national opioid crisis claiming lives in Florida,” said Attorney General Bondi. “Sadly, users will often rummage through the medicine cabinets of family members or friends in search of opioid pills. Drug take-back days encourage citizens to get rid of these addictive medications, and potentially save a life in the process.” More.

Attorney General Bondi Encourages Wise Giving to Help Hurricane Michael Recovery Efforts During International Charity Fraud Awareness Week

Attorney General Bondi is reminding Floridians to give wisely in the wake of Hurricane Michael and in recognition of International Charity Fraud Awareness Week. As the recovery efforts continue, charitable donations will be vital in helping restore the impacted areas. Floridians should take steps to ensure donations go to those in need. 

“Hurricane Michael ripped through the Florida Panhandle, leaving a path of destruction that will take a long time to repair. Charitable donations will play an important role in the recovery efforts, and I am asking everyone giving to this worthy cause to please take steps to ensure donations go to those in need,” said Attorney General Bondi. More.

Multi-State Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison

Attorney General Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution secured the sentencing of a Florida man convicted of heroin trafficking. The Honorable Steven B. Whittington, Circuit Judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, sentenced defendant Joseph Walker to 25 years on trafficking in heroin 28 grams or more and 10 years concurrent on the sale or delivery of heroin. More.

Florida Cabinet Partners with FHP to “Stuff the Charger” 

This week, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and its division of the Florida Highway Patrol, announced the start of its annual Stuff the Charger food drive. Now through November 16, the department, in partnership with Governor Scott and the Florida Cabinet will be collecting non-perishable food donations for Florida’s families affected by Hurricane Michael. The effort is in conjunction with food banks across the state, and last year, 45 tons of goods provided more than 75,000 meals to those in need.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “Floridians know that a deadly storm like Hurricane Michael could devastate any of our communities. We also know that when disaster strikes, Floridians come together to help each other. I am so grateful for the selfless efforts of all of our first responders and the Florida Highway Patrol helping our Panhandle recover. Please assist our fellow Floridians by donating what you can. Your donation will go a long way in helping the Panhandle heal.” More.

This week, Attorney General Pam Bondi joined President Donald J. Trump and her fellow members of the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis at the White House for the signing of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act.

While in Washington D.C., Attorney General Bondi spoke to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce about Hurricane Michael recovery efforts, during a session called A to Z with a State AG.

Attorney General Bondi is asking anyone who would like to donate goods to Hurricane Michael survivors to please drop off donations at any of the FHP Stuff the Charger locations sites. Participating locations can be found here. The Attorney General is also taking donations at her Capitol office in Tallahassee.