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Meth Kills, Children Learn

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By GEORGE H. NEWMAN

gnewman@tampatrib.com

Published: December 17, 2008

PLANT CITY - Methamphetamines are highly addictive and can kill you. That was the message to about 70 members of the Plant City Boys & Girls Clubs last month on National Methamphetamine Awareness Day.

Officials who visited the West Side club to address the children about the dangers of methamphetamines included members of the Plant City Police and Fire Rescue departments, detectives and deputies from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and other public officials.

"We want to do more than tell them to just say 'no' to drugs," said Sharon Moody, director of the Plant City West Side Boys & Girls Club. "We told them why. Many drugs, especially methamphetamines, are so addictive they will ruin your life no matter how strong you think you are."

Participants in the two-hour event included Steve Wilson, Henry Falcon and Sara Beth Frierson, all members of the club's board; Carlos Jimenez, director of the East Side Boys & Girls Club; community volunteer John Long Jr.; and Derrick Hargrove, a reality TV personality.

Mayor Rick Lott, state Rep. Rich Glorioso, former Kiwanis Club President Anna Reitz and City Community Development Director Jim McDaniel also attended.

Members of the Plant City Street Crimes Unit and the Hillsborough County Drug Awareness Team gave presentation on the effects of drugs, especially methamphetamines.

Sherriff's Lt. Sankar Montoute, a former player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Bandits, also spoke to the children about the dangers of addictive drugs.

"Don't take the chance of trying drugs just because some friend says they are cool," Montoute said. "That person is not a friend. Drugs can ruin your life. Drugs can take away everything you love in life."

Glorioso and Lott asked the children to focus on plans for the future as they move toward adulthood.

Teacher, soldier, fireman, doctor, nurse, ball player and politician were among the careers children mentioned.

"All of your dreams and plans to grow up and become someone who can help your community would be gone if you give in to drugs," Glorioso said. "To help keep Plant City a good place to raise a family, you have to say no to drugs.

"To make good grades in school, to go on to college, to get a good job you have to stay away from drugs," Glorioso said. "To be a good parent, to be a role model and to grow into the best person you can be, you have to stay away from drugs and away from people who do drugs. Nothing good comes from doing drugs."

Lott stood with club member Dyamond Jackson, 6, who said he dreams of one day being elected mayor.

"Some day, when you become the mayor of Plant City, I want you to remember this day," Lott said. "You should all stay away from drugs. Do well in school and all of you can be a positive part of your community."

Reporter George H. Newman can be reached at (813) 865-4451.

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