News and Events
The Tobacco Free Partnership Makes Plans for the Future
June 6, 2024
The Highlands County Tobacco Free Partnership (HCTFP) latest quarterly meeting of the Tobacco Free Partnership (TFP) took place on June 5, 2024, at the County Engineering Conference Room in Sebring, Florida. Chaired by Dusty McGee from the Highlands County Sheriff's Office, the meeting began at 9:05 AM with a warm welcome and invocation. Dusty initiated a roundtable discussion where TFP members introduced themselves, highlighted their organizations, and shared their plans for summer 2024.
In attendance were representatives from various organizations, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the table.
Pictured left to right: Luis Pacheco Guerra (HCA Highlands), James Wolfhope (FL DOH on behalf of Pam Crain), Sgt. Dusty McGee (Highlands County Sheriff’s Office), Nicole Radonski (Highlands County School Board Member), Chief Karl Hoglund (Sebring Police Department), Kamla Long (Avon Park Chamber of Commerce), Sharlene Pyatt (Tri County Human Resources), Ryan Baker (SWAT Sebring High), Noelia Reyas (SWAT Lake Placid High), Jessica Carlson (QuitDoc Foundation), Ivy Gonzalez (Tri County Human Resources), Harrison Havery (City of Sebring Council), Scott Kirouac (Highlands County BOCC)
Photographer, Amanda John (Quitdoc Foundation)
During the meeting, various topics were discussed, highlighting the proactive approach of the Partnership towards tobacco prevention and cessation:
- Tobacco Free Partnership (TFP): Grantee staff recognized Sgt. Dusty McGee and Pam Crain with the Department of Health for their outstanding service and dedication to Tobacco Prevention, presenting them with the 2023-2024 TFP awards. Their contributions have been instrumental in the success of the partnership, and we commend their unwavering commitment.
- Point of Sale (POS): A nearby convenience store known for selling tobacco products to underage kids was discussed. Karl Hoglund from Sebring PD updated the TFP on the store's infractions and compliance checks. The store is under close surveillance by an ATF-type organization, and joint operations with HCSO are being conducted to monitor and address the issue. The partnership inquired about community outreach efforts to tackle such stores, and Hoglund noted the understaffing at the Lakeland field office but promised to provide contact information to Carlson for further action.
- K-12/Youth Prevention - Tobacco Free Schools: John requested direct feedback from students who have taken the tobacco education course. She emphasized the need for the Highlands County School Board (HCSB) to update policy language to align with state guidelines, which include 15 components. Nicole Radonski expressed interest in collaborating with John to discuss policy specifics. The enforcement of vaping infractions remains a significant issue, and Hoglund spoke about the unequal community service assignments for middle school students caught vaping. The discussion focused on standardizing community service tasks to ensure fairness. The process for handling vaping infractions was outlined, highlighting the roles of administrators, deans, school deputies, and the civil citation process through clerk of courts.
- Public Tobacco Free Policies (TF PUB):The recent Soda Fest and BBBS Fun Run events were a tremendous success. The partnership looks forward to sponsoring these events in the future. New representatives for Avon Park and Lake Placid were introduced, with plans to enhance community programs and initiatives.
- Tobacco Free Organizations (TF Orgs): The partnership also discussed transitioning from cessation access to promoting tobacco-free organizations, particularly focusing on restaurants and bars. Potential candidates for tobacco-free organization status focused existing restaurants known for heavy outdoor smoking.
- Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT): Two outstanding graduating SWAT students, Noelia Reyas from Lake Placid High School and Ryan Baker from Sebring High School, were recognized for their dedication and contributions. Noelia has been a member of the Highlands County SWAT Chapter since the 7th grade, and Ryan joined as a transplant student a year and a half ago. The partnership engaged the students in a roundtable discussion about vaping habits and policies, seeking their insights and suggestions. Questions included where students go to vape, the prevalence of vaping in classrooms, and ideas for improving vaping policies. The students were awarded gifts on behalf of the partnership for their hard work and being the face of a Tobacco-Free Student.
As we move forward, we extend our gratitude to all members for their continued dedication and efforts in promoting a tobacco-free community. The combined efforts of our partnership have made significant strides in tobacco prevention and education. Together, we are creating a healthier future for our community. We look forward to continuing our work and achieving even greater milestones in the new fiscal year.
The next partnership meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 4, 2024, same time and location.
