Underage Drinking Task Force

On February 7, 2008 Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty and University of Central Florida President John Hitt announced the creation of a Task Force that will address countywide concerns about underage drinking. Underage Drinking Press Conference (PDF)

On college campuses, a 2005 study showed 599,000 students ages 18-24 are unintentionally injured under the influence of alcohol and 1,700 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die each year from unintentional alcohol-related injuries, including car accidents.

Across the nation, alcohol is the most widely abused drug by teens and young adults. Underage drinking and binge drinking is the most pervasive drug problem facing our youth in Orange County. Last year, at least two underage alcohol-related deaths were confirmed in our community.  These University of Central Florida students were only 18 years of age and just begun their college education. View Underage Drinking Presentation (PDF)

The final Underage Drinking Task Force Meeting is Wednesday, October 8th in the BCC Chambers located at 201 S. Rosalind Avenue, Orlando.

"National Red Ribbon Week: On Thursday, October 30, 2008, 11:30 a.m. at the Lake Eola Amphitheater, Downtown Orlando, the Orange County Drug Free Coalition will present the 9th Annual Red Ribbon Celebration, "It's All About Choices".  Come celebrate with over 1,000 youth as they march, display their talents and hear testimonials from fellow students.  Our special guest,  YUNG TRIZ, a 16 year old rapper sensation will perform.  Orange County students will also have an opportunity to participate in the essay and poster contest for cool prizes.

• Poster Contest Rules
• Essay Contest Rules 
• What You Can Do

You may fax your Essay/Poem to 407-836-5391.  Deadline for submission is Friday, October 24th.

• 2007 Drug Free Workplace Survey 2007 (PDF) and Drug free Workplace Survey Letter 2007 (PDF)
• 2006 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (PDF - 776 KB)
• 2006 Orange County Household Drug Survey Findings (PDF - 55 KB)
• 2006 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey Demographics (PDF - 405 KB)
• 2006 Florida Substance Abuse Press Release (PDF - 22 KB)
• 2006 Orange County Methamphetamine Task Force Final Report (PDF - 568 KB)
• What Parents Need to Know Brochure (PDF - 764 KB)
• County News: Chairman Briefed on Anti-Drug Initiative (PDF - 63 KB)
• Drug use by kids in trouble: 2002-03 (Excel - 15 KB), 2001-02 (Excel - 11 KB)
• Coalition For A Drug Free Community Program Evaluation (MS Word - 1 MB)
• A weed by any other name smells the same
• District 7 Provider List (MS Word - 124 KB)
• Resource Guide For A Drug Free Workplace (PDF - 364 KB)
• Is your patient (or child) abusing inhalants (External Link)
• 33-Year Study Emphasizes Lethal Consequences Of Heroin Addiction
• Orange County's Substance Abuse Problem
• Newspapers in Education
  • Elementary School (PDF - 11 MB)
  • Middle School (PDF - 2.3 MB)
  • High School (PDF - 5.6 MB)

Printable Sign

• Florida State Statue(PDF - 460 KB) states, "It is unlawful for anyone (including parents) to sell, give or serve alcoholic beverages to a person under 21 years of age".