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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 while noting methamphetamine remains a continuing issue.
Thogmartin and county analysts presented a FY26 medical examiner budget request of roughly $9.6 million (100% general-fund supported) with a requested increase of about 5.3% (approximately $480,000). County staff said personnel changes are small; the office added a DNA analyst in FY25 as part of a decision package that will be fully reflected in FY26. Operating costs rise largely because the medical examiner’s professional‑services contract has grown to about $522,000 to reflect increasing personnel and laboratory costs.
Thogmartin emphasized laboratory performance: he said the ME lab has short DNA turnaround — about 27 days — and strong cost‑per‑case metrics compared with many other publicly funded forensic labs. He noted the lab’s work makes DNA an investigative tool rather than only a months‑later confirmation for prosecutions. He also said the office secured grant funding for many capital needs and that most routine capital equipment purchases come from grants, reducing county operating burdens.
Commissioners asked about case‑mix changes and whether new contaminants appeared in street samples. Thogmartin and staff said they and lab leadership (Rita, laboratory director) had seen reports of non‑pharmaceutical contaminants — including finely ground plastic in street samples — but that the pattern is under investigation. Commissioners also discussed workforce issues: Thogmartin said it is difficult to recruit replacement medical examiners with his level of accreditation and experience and described efforts to simplify the office’s budget presentation to make recruiting easier.
No formal action or vote was taken; staff said the requested budget changes will go through the county’s regular review and adoption schedule.
