Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Medical examiner reports easing fentanyl caseload, asks for budget support for lab work and staff retention
Summary
Dr. John Thogmartin told commissioners the fentanyl fatalities that drove a surge in autopsies have declined, reducing autopsy workload; he highlighted the office’s quick DNA turnaround and low cost-per-case, and his FY26 request includes professional-service adjustments and a DNA analyst hire.
The district medical examiner told Pinellas County commissioners that the fentanyl-driven surge in overdose deaths has substantially eased and that the office’s laboratory and rapid-DNA work provide high value for the county’s public-safety partners.
Dr. John Thogmartin, the district medical examiner, said the office’s autopsy workload rose steeply during the fentanyl peak of 2022–2023 but has “substantially dried up,” allowing the office to operate with fewer physicians than during the peak. He credited local overdose-prevention efforts, law enforcement and other factors for the decline…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
