Flakka - Dangerous Bath Salt Warning

As many public schools close for summer break this week,  Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is warning parents about the danger of Flakka, a synthetic drug that can be purchased online and is growing in popularity in Florida. Flakka has been linked to several dangerous incidents in recent months.

Flakka is a bath salt and can be snorted, swallowed, injected, smoked or vaped using an electronic cigarette.

Flakka, known in other states as Gravel, is not a new drug. Its main ingredient, Alpha-PVP, was outlawed in 2012 after Attorney General Bondi worked with law enforcement and state lawmakers to ban a number of chemical compounds. Reports of Flakka use in Florida have spiked in recent months and with students on summer break parents should know what to look for.

According to reports, one man impaled himself on a fence outside of a police station after taking the drug. Another teen, reportedly high on Flakka, stripped off her clothes and jumped through a closed window. In 2014, Flakka was linked to the death of a Florida concert goer.

“Flakka causes delusions, hallucinations and can increase body temperature to a dangerous level. Parents should talk to their children about this deadly synthetic drug and be aware of what their children are searching for and buying online,” said Attorney General Bondi.

What Flakka looks like:
Flakka is sometimes referred to as gravel because it often looks like small white rocks. It can also be purchased in powder form, and is usually sold in small clear packages.

Symptoms of Flakka use:
Flakka causes delusions, hallucinations and increases the users’ body temperature to a dangerous level. Like all bath salts, Flakka, can cause chest pains, irregular heartbeats, increased blood pressure, agitation, muscle breakdown and seizures. Flakka use can also cause suicidal thoughts and violence.

Who to call if you suspect your child is using Flakka:
Call your local law enforcement agency and crisis intervention center. If your child is having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

James Salyer Dead, Two More Injured In Crash

ARCADIA, FL.-- A crash involving two vehicles, both driven by older adults left one dead and two badly injured at 2:10 p.m. Wednesday in Desoto County.

A 2013 Ford Focus, driven by James M. Salyer, 76 or Arcadia was stopped at the stop sign facing west at the intersection of SW Beard Street and US 17 northbound.

A 1995 Ford F150 driven by Julanne Juston Fleming, 90 was traveling northbound on US 17 in the inside lane approaching SW Beard Street.

Salyer proceeded to travel westbound across the northbound lanes of US 17 in front of the path of Fleming and subsequently, the front of her vehicle struck the left side of Salyer's.

The Focus came to final rest facing north in the center grass median. The truck came to final rest facing east on the east shoulder of US 17.

All 3 occupants were transported to Lee Memorial Hospital by Aeromed helicopters.

Salyer was pronounced deceased at Lee Memorial Hospital at 3:22 pm. Passenger Anna Belle Salyer, 75 was in critical condition, and Fleming in serious condition.

LIcense Free Fishing This Month

Today, Florida Governor Rick Scott announced four license-free fishing days in June for Florida residents and visitors. The license-free fishing weekends are:

Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, saltwater recreational fishing license requirement will be waived.
Saturday and Sunday, June 13-14, freshwater recreational fishing license requirement will be waived.

Governor Scott said, “This summer, we’re excited to make it easier for families to enjoy the world class fishing our state has to offer. Florida is the fishing capital of the world and one of the many reasons we welcomed a record 98.9 million visitors to the Sunshine State last year. I look forward to fishing with my grandsons this summer, and I hope everyone takes advantage of license-free fishing this month.”

“We hope new anglers, including residents and visitors, are inspired to join in the excitement with those who already enjoy fishing,” said FWC Executive Director Nick Wiley. “This is an excellent way for the entire family to get out and enjoy all of the great fishing opportunities we have to offer in Florida: the Fishing Capital of the World!”

The four days in June are a part of the eight total license-free fishing days the FWC offers each year. All bag limits, seasons and size restrictions apply on these dates.

James Billie Keeps Seminole Tribal Council Chairman Seat

BIG CYPRESS, FL. -- Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman James E. Billie was sworn in for another 4-year term as Chairman of the Tribal Council of the Seminole Tribe by Johnna Blackhair, Acting Regional Director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Dept. of the Interior. 

Billie won re-election as a result of recent voting by members of the Seminole Tribe.

Help In Getting To Healthy Weights

TALLAHASSEE—The Florida Department of Health is getting creative in an effort to help Floridians reach their healthy weight goals. By making small changes to your daily routine you increase your odds of achieving success, and the department wants to be part of that plan. Healthiest Weight Florida is launching Small Steps to Living Healthy, a weekly email campaign with healthy tips and resources, to help you achieve a healthier you.

"In working to achieve a healthy weight, it's not always clear where to begin," said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. "Healthiest Weight is giving Floridians the tools they need to take those first small steps toward a healthier life."

Small Steps to Living Healthy provides participants with tips, tricks and ideas about healthy eating and active living. Participants can register or opt out at any time. Each week the department highlights a different topic area. By registering for this free program you'll get help with tips in the following areas:
Set Goals. At the beginning of each month a challenge and health tip will be emailed. Examples of challenges include replacing sugar-sweetened beverages with water or taking the stairs instead of the elevator;
Move More. During the second week of the month physical activity will be highlighted. Participants will be introduced to different styles of exercise and the benefits of each, including options for people with disabilities;
Be in the Know. Week three "fun fact" emails will provide facts on other aspects of healthy living related to healthy weight such as stress, depression and time use; and
Eat Smart. The focus of this week's email will be nutrition. Fruits and vegetables of the month, as well as recipes, will be offered through the Living Healthy in Florida Campaign.

Currently, only 36 percent of Floridians are at healthy weight. On our current trend, by 2030, almost 60 percent will be obese. Small Steps to Living Healthy is one of several projects from Healthiest Weight Florida working to bend the weight curve in Florida five percent by 2017.

Sign up for Small Steps to Living Healthy.

To learn more about Healthiest Weight Florida visit www.healthiestweightflorida.com.