CHARLOTTE YOUTH MAKE PROGRESS

State Survey Shows Alcohol, Drug Use Declining

Charlotte County appears to have shed the image of raising drunk and high kids.

The latest results of the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey show
fewer students admitted using alcohol or drugs compared to previous
years, when Charlotte County teens ranked among the worst in the state.

"We're very encouraged by the numbers this year," said Charlotte
County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Bill Cameron. "The efforts (of
schools and law enforcement) are moving us in the right direction."

County leaders, including Superintendent David Gayler and Sheriff
John Davenport, will release the 2006 survey's findings at 10 a.m.
today at the School Administration Building in Murdock.

The 2006 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey involved more than
57,000 sixth-through 12th-grade students across the state including
1,026 Charlotte students, 688 DeSoto students and 561 Sarasota students.

Among the statewide findings:

* 56.1 percent of students have tried alcohol.

* 32 percent of students admitted drinking alcohol in the last 30 days.

* 23 percent of students admitted to binge drinking -- which is
consuming five or more drinks -- during the last two weeks.

Charlotte, DeSoto and Sarasota counties reported higher than average
recent alcohol consumption rates, though Sarasota County's numbers
may not be accurate due to the low participation level.

Sarasota County reported high rates of alcohol and marijuana use
among its students. Nearly one in five students smoked pot during the
last 30 days, according to the survey. A little more than 11 percent
of statewide students reported using marijuana recently, compared to
12.6 percent in Charlotte, 9.2 percent in DeSoto and 18.7 percent in Sarasota.

More Sarasota County students also reportedly drink.

Nearly 45 percent of Sarasota County students admitted to using
alcohol during the past 30 days, compared to 39.6 percent in
Charlotte, 36.7 percent in DeSoto and 36 percent statewide.

Charlotte County, formerly a state leader in too many drug and
alcohol categories, has seen decreases in several categories since
the 2000 survey.

Marijuana and alcohol use rates have dropped from 14 percent to 12.6
percent and 39.2 percent to 36.8 percent respectively. When it came
to the question of using alcohol or any illicit drug, those numbers
dropped from 43.5 percent to 39.6 percent.

"It means great things for our kids," Cameron said.

More detailed results from the survey will be released during a
presentation today, though officials have called the 2006 survey's
findings encouraging.