Police Department to host Public Forum on Underage Drinking

The Port St. Lucie Police Department invites citizens to attend an Executive Roundtable discussion on Wednesday, April 23, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Port St. Lucie City Hall about what parents and the community can do to prevent underage drinking and to protect local youth. 

Eric Miller from M.A.D.D. will be the guest speaker, and “Deep Impact”, a youth drug prevention drama troupe, will perform.  There also will be the story of an 18-year old whose life was impacted by her drinking.

St. Lucie County Underage Drinking Facts – They’re Sobering!

Alcohol is the most widely used substance of abuse among America’s youth, and kills more kids than all illicit drugs combined.  According to the 2006 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, four of every 10 kids ages 10 to 14 have already had a drink of alcohol, and 10 percent of middle school kids are under the influence of alcohol or drugs at school.  About 12 percent of middle school kids are binge drinking, which means having more than four drinks in one setting.  This compares to only 8.4 percent of kids statewide.

“Drinking among youth today is so much different than it used to be,” said Christine Epps, Executive Director of the Executive Roundtable of St. Lucie County, Inc.  “Kids are drinking at an earlier age, and drinking more frequently.  It’s against the law, and it’s also very dangerous.  It can affect the memory and lower inhibitions, resulting in unprotected sex or violence.”

Light refreshments will be served at the event.  For more information, contact Kim Thomas, Executive Roundtable of St. Lucie County, Inc. at (772) 871-5880.