News Summary
Florida has reported a 10% decrease in total drug overdose deaths from January to July 2024 compared to the previous year, driven by a 19% reduction in opioid-related fatalities. Community efforts, like Narcan distribution by outreach specialists, show promise in combating the addiction crisis. However, the tragic case of Jillian Tully highlights ongoing challenges. As advocates work to provide resources for support and recovery, the need for continued harm reduction initiatives remains crucial in addressing this public health issue.
St. Petersburg, Florida – Overdose deaths in Florida have seen a significant decline, with a report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement indicating a 10% decrease in total drug deaths from January to July 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The decline includes a notable 19% drop in opioid-caused deaths, with just under 3,000 fatalities reported during this timeframe.
Matea Kearns, an Outreach Peer Specialist with the Recovery Epicenter Foundation, has expressed encouragement regarding the decline in overdose deaths, but remains aware of the ongoing challenges within the community. As part of her outreach efforts, Kearns has established a Narcan distribution table at the Grand Central Bus Station in St. Petersburg. Narcan, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses, is being provided alongside other harm reduction resources.
Despite the overall positive trend, the tragic death of 30-year-old Jillian Tully has underscored the seriousness of the ongoing drug crisis in the area. Tully’s body was found in a St. Petersburg alley, initially treated as a homicide due to the circumstances of her disposal. However, autopsy results revealed that Tully died from a drug overdose rather than foul play.
Jillian Tully was last seen alive at the Gateway Motel, where investigators traced her last movements back to a maintenance man named John Yeckley. Tully had a history of drug addiction and was living as an unemployed transient. After inviting her to his room, Yeckley and Tully used drugs together, with Tully consuming fentanyl and Yeckley smoking crack cocaine. Upon waking from sleep, Yeckley discovered Tully deceased on his floor.
Instead of notifying authorities about Tully’s death, Yeckley enlisted the help of Michael Sloan, another local transient, to dispose of her body. Surveillance footage captured the two transporting Tully’s body by bicycle and abandoning it in the alley. Both men are now facing charges for tampering with evidence and improper disposal of a body.
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri has emphasized the severity of the fentanyl crisis, stating the tragedy of lives lost is a reflection of the addiction epidemic impacting the region. In the past several years, over 1,600 opioid deaths have been recorded in Pinellas County, averaging 35-40 deaths per month.
The decline in overdose deaths, while promising, reveals the ongoing need for community support and harm reduction initiatives. People like Matea Kearns, who have experienced recovery, play a crucial role in outreach efforts, sharing their narratives and resources to help others battling addiction. With the continued distribution of Narcan and other resources, community leaders hope to further decrease overdose fatalities and support individuals seeking recovery.
The data from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement offers a glimmer of hope amid the ongoing drug crisis, but the death of individuals like Tully serves as a sobering reminder of the harsh reality many still face. The community remains united in the battle against addiction, with advocates and outreach programs working tirelessly to provide the necessary support. The combined efforts of law enforcement, health professionals, and community members are vital in tackling the drug crisis and preventing further loss of life.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
St. Petersburg Reports Decrease in Opioid Overdose Deaths
Decline in Drug Overdose Deaths in Florida
Major Fentanyl Seizure by Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Funding Cuts Threaten Lifesaving Naloxone Distribution in Florida
St. Petersburg Hosts A Week of Cultural Events
Additional Resources
- Fox 13 News
- Wikipedia: Opioid crisis in the United States
- Wall Street Journal
- Google Search: Fentanyl overdose
- St. Pete Catalyst
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug abuse
- WFLA News
- Google News: Pinellas County drug crisis
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
