For Immediate Release:

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (March 5, 2013) – The Florida Sheriffs Task Force has launched its latest operation aimed at protecting the safety of Florida’s youth. Operation Dry Spring takes place from March 4 – April 7, 2013 in conjunction with the spring break schedules of most public and private schools in Florida. This time of year, students from across the state take a timeout from their studies to enjoy their first break of the semester. Spring break is also the time when some of these students, the majority of them under 21, choose to drink alcohol and experiment with illegal drugs.

The use of drugs and alcohol by youth lead to poor decision making, and in turn to emergency medical situations such as overdoses and alcohol-related injuries. In 2010, nearly 190,000 individuals under the age of 21 visited an emergency room for injuries or conditions connected to the use of alcohol. The use of synthetic drugs such as bath salts and spice is on the rise with more than 7,000 reported incidents in 2011, compared to just over 3,000 in 2010.

“Underage use of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs has always been a point of concern for families as well as Florida’s Sheriffs,” said Polk County Sheriff and Task Force Chair Grady Judd. “If Florida’s youth cannot make the right decisions, they will be spending spring break at their Sheriff’s office.”
 
Florida’s youth are one of our most precious resources and our Sheriffs have committed to ensuring their safety. The Florida Sheriffs Task Force and Operation Dry Spring will focus on the safety and protection of our underage youth from drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Full results from this operation will be announced on April 11, 2013. 

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