News Releases are to be used for informational purposes only. Information provided should not be relied upon for any type of legal action.

Put Down the Pen!

For Immediate Release : Public Information Office of Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Release Number: 19-312

Date

Wednesday July 31, 2019 12:36 PM

Location

Details:

What: Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and Hillsborough County Schools Team Up to Warn Students about the Dangers of Vaping

When: Thursday, August 1, 2019, 11:30 a.m.

Where: Falkenburg Road Jail Assembly Room, 520 N Falkenburg Rd, Tampa, FL 33619

Tampa, Fla. - (July 31, 2019) - In 2018, roughly 25% of Florida high school students reported using electronic vaping - a 58% increase compared to 2017. Just last year, the FDA officially declared youth vaping an epidemic.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister and Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Eakins are teaming up to warn students about the dangers of vaping. E-cigarettes are not allowed on school campuses and can result in discipline. Many teens might not realize that if a vape pen contains THC oil or wax, it's not only illegal, it's a felony, and they will be arrested.

On Thursday, August 1, at 11:30 a.m., Sheriff Chronister and Superintendent Eakins will unveil a new PSA that will be shown in all middle and high schools throughout the district. The PSA will share the reality - vape pens with illegal substances can change a student's future.

The Sheriff and Superintendent will also provide parents and other adults with information - what a vape pen looks like, how easy they are to hide and how to talk to their children about the effects of vaping on their bodies and their plans for the future.