An update of the Underage Drinking Task Force final recommendations and the Annual Drug Free Coalition's Report was presented to Orange County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, January 27, 2009.  You may review the Underage Drinking Task Force Final Report (PDF) and the BCC Drug Free Presentation 2009 (PDF).

To view article on Ordinances targeting underage drinking click here

October 27, 2009 - SAVE THE DATE! The Orange County Drug Free Coalition will be holding a Prevention Conference on October 27th from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm at Nova University. This is FREE training featuring keynote speaker Dr. Peter DeBenedittis, national leading expert on alcohol and media literacy prevention. Seats are limited. Please call 407-836-7335 to reserve your seat now!

Red Ribbon Proclamation

October 23-30, 2009 - Orange County Celebrates National Red Ribbon Week  - Celebrating 24 Years Strong.  Please join Mayor Crotty on Thursday, October 29, 2009 as the Orange County Drug Free Coalition present the 10th Annual Red Ribbon Celebration, "It's All About Choices".  The Red Ribbon Celebration will be held at Lake Eola Amphitheater, downtown Orlando, at 11:30 a.m. Join the celebration with over 1000 OCPS students as they march, display their talents and share their anti-drug testimonials. Enjoy a specialty performance from former professional wrestler, Marc Mero of Champion of Choices as he empowers youth to make the right choices.

Red Ribbon Week began in 1985 as a result of the murder of Federal Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique Camerena by drug traffickers in Mexico. The red ribbon has come to symbolize a commitment to a healthy, productive lifestyle and a drug-free environment. The campaign has developed into a positive community celebration nationwide. 

How you can participate:

• Tie Red Ribbons around trees or car antennas
• Sponsor a family gathering and encourage members to wear red
• Have your neighborhood association recognize Red Ribbon Week in your newsletter
• Decorate your department/division bulletin board with a Red Ribbon prevention message
• Wear Red on October 29th

Poster/Poem/Essay Deadline:

Posters entries must be submitted to the Drug Free Office no later than October 28th or you may bring your poster to Lake Eola Park on the day of the event, October 29th. Review Poster Contest Rules 2009(PDF)

Essay and Poem entries must be submitted to the Drug Free Office no later than October 22nd. Please fax to 407-836-5391. Review Essay/Poem Contest Rules2009(PDF) 

Photos from 2008 Red Ribbon Celebration

October 29, 2009 - The University of Central Florida, Orange County and Seminole County are working in partnership with Narcotics Overdose Prevention and Education (NOPE) to hold a Candle Light Vigil (PDF)in memory of those who have lost loved ones to alcohol and drug related deaths.  This event will be held on Thursday, October 29th at 7:00 p.m., at UCF Psychology Building, Room 108. For more information, please call 407-836-7335.

• 2008 Underage Drinking Final Report(PDF)
• 2008 Youth Substance Abuse Survey(PDF)
• 2008 HIV/AIDS Resource Guide (PDF)
• 2008 Interim Report(PDF)
• 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 Substance Abuse Press Release (PDF - 22 KB)
• 2006 Orange County Methamphetamine Task Force Final Report (PDF - 568 KB)
• Addictions and Disabilities Resource Guide.pdf
• 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".