News Summary
During a press conference in Orlando, Governor Ron DeSantis called for increased funding to enhance the state’s fight against fentanyl. The S.A.F.E. grant program, which has already aided in significant fentanyl seizures and arrests, is set to provide $8.5 million next fiscal year. However, DeSantis expressed concern that this amount is insufficient for effectively tackling the ongoing opioid crisis. He highlighted the program’s success in reducing overdose deaths while emphasizing the urgent need for further support to law enforcement efforts.
Orlando, FL – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced on Tuesday the need for increased funding to bolster the state’s fight against fentanyl during a press conference in Orlando. DeSantis emphasized that efforts to combat this opioid crisis are crucial as fentanyl continues to pose significant health risks across the state and the nation.
The State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication (S.A.F.E.) grant program, which was established in 2023, has played a vital role in enabling law enforcement agencies to address illegal fentanyl activity. The program has allocated millions of dollars to support investigations and operations targeting the illegal distribution of this dangerous substance.
For the upcoming fiscal year of 2025-2026, the S.A.F.E. program is set to provide $8.5 million in grant funds. However, DeSantis expressed concerns that this funding level is not sufficient to maintain the momentum generated by the program and combat the ongoing fentanyl crisis effectively. To date, the S.A.F.E. program has facilitated nearly 200 investigations, resulting in approximately 2,100 arrests and the seizure of 485 pounds of fentanyl, alongside over 63,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills. The governor noted that the total amount of fentanyl seized could potentially be lethal for one-third of the population of the United States.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has indicated that half of the pills tested for fentanyl contain at least 2 mg of the substance, a dosage that can prove fatal. Although fentanyl can be legally prescribed, counterfeit pills, often produced in Mexico, carry additional risks. DeSantis warned that using substances that could contain fentanyl is akin to “playing Russian roulette” with one’s life, highlighting the precarious nature of the current drug landscape.
In Florida, overdose deaths from synthetic opioids saw a drastic increase, peaking at 5,624 between March 2021 and March 2022. However, this number has since decreased to 3,592 by September 2024. Nationally, overdose death rates followed a similar pattern, dropping from 72,614 to 55,390 in the same timeframe. Such statistics contribute to the urgency in addressing the fentanyl crisis that DeSantis emphasized during the press conference.
Besides fentanyl, the S.A.F.E. program has been successful in seizing additional narcotics, including around 545 pounds of cocaine and over 300 pounds of methamphetamine, as well as $4.6 million in cash, 730 firearms, and 76 vehicles related to drug activities. Governor DeSantis described the accomplishments of the S.A.F.E. program as “significant,” stating that the initiative has genuinely improved community safety and saved numerous lives across Florida.
Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma joined DeSantis during the announcement, reinforcing the need for sustained efforts against fentanyl distribution. The governor is planning to advocate for increased funding for the S.A.F.E. program in his forthcoming budget proposal.
Separately, State Attorney Monique Worrell is expected to address fentanyl prosecutions in Central Florida later in the day. Worrell’s office has been vigorously pursuing drug trafficking cases, reportedly handling about 100 trafficking cases in 2025; some of these cases involved fentanyl and resulted in severe sentencings. Despite her dedication to this cause, DeSantis criticized her approach, suggesting that it was more lenient compared to other regions in Florida.
Worrell defended her office’s methods, asserting that they support a balanced approach between prosecution and addiction treatment. The dynamic between DeSantis and Worrell has been strained, particularly following her suspension in 2023 due to accusations of failing to prosecute certain cases adequately.
As Orlando and other areas of Florida continue to grapple with the fentanyl crisis, the emphasis on funding and law enforcement efforts remains critical in combating the deadly impact of this potent opioid.
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HERE Resources
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Major Fentanyl Seizure by Polk County Sheriff’s Office
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Additional Resources
- Fox 35 Orlando
- Wikipedia: Fentanyl
- My News 13
- Google Search: Florida Opioid Crisis
- WFTV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Prescription Drug
- Orlando Sentinel
- Google News: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
- Hoodline
- Google Scholar: Fentanyl overdose statistics
- WFLA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Use
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
