FIRST LADY TOURS ACADEMY FOR AT-RISK STUDENTS AT CAMP BLANDING

Florida first lady Columba Bush said Tuesday the arrest of her daughter on
charges she tried to fraudulently obtain prescription drugs has caused her
to focus on her long-standing anti-drug efforts.

"I want to tell whoever wants to hear me, that this is a very serious issue
and we should be more aware of the horrifying things that can be," Bush
said in a brief question and answer session after touring a National Guard
academy for at-risk youths at Camp Blending

Bush was accompanied by Jim McDonough, state director of drug control, in a
tour of the Florida Youth Challenge Academy on this sprawling National
Guard base about 10 miles east of Starke.

Last week, Tallahassee police arrested Noelle Bush, 24, when she allegedly
tried to buy Xanax with a fraudulent prescription at a pharmacy
drive-through window. Police said she had called the pharmacy earlier
posing as a doctor.

Drug prescription fraud is a third-degree felony that carries a maximum
penalty of five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. However, most cases are
settled without any jail time being involved.

Assistant State Attorney Owen McCaul said Tuesday prosecutors are
considering allowing Noelle Bush to attend a 12- to 18-month drug program.
If she is successful in completing it, the charge against her would be dropped.

"Drug court is possible," McCaul said.

Pete Antonacci, Noelle Bush's attorney, did not return a call Tuesday
seeking comment. In the week since her arrest, neither Noelle Bush nor
Antonacci have commented on her arrest.

In an hour-long tour of the Camp Blanding facility, Columba Bush visited
with many of the 160 youngsters housed in this boot-camp style facility and
discussed their vocational training, including electrical, computer
technology and plumbing. The facility, which receives $2.8 million in state
and federal funding, is designed for high school dropouts not on probation
or parole and not charged with felony crimes.

One of the program's major goals is to encourage youngsters to get their
high school equivalency diplomas, said Lt. Col. Rodney Ryan, the academy's
director.

Although her visit was billed an anti-drug effort, Bush made no statements
about drugs.

"It is enlightening to see young people who have decided to take positive
steps toward making a better future for themselves," Bush said.