Phoenix House schedules August forum on adolescent substance use; Character GPS opens summer camp signup

Public commenters announced community events and programs focused on substance use prevention and youth mentoring.

Stephanie Krager, a former Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office officer and now a law‑enforcement liaison for Phoenix House Florida, said Phoenix House will hold a children and adolescent substance‑use forum tentatively set for Aug. 27. She said Phoenix House is partnering with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, Success for Kids and Families, and Hillsborough County Children’s Services; the forum will target professionals (school staff, law enforcement, DCF and others) and present local programs serving children with substance‑use issues. Krager said a physician father will tell a personal story about his son’s experience with Delta‑8/Delta‑9 and the peer‑led program that assisted his son.

Jeff (Character GPS) announced open‑enrollment free summer camps offered by Character GPS for at‑risk children. He said the June camp was full but there was space for the July 7–10 and Aug. 4–7 sessions; the program provides free lunch. He asked referral partners to contact the program by email at jeffrey@charactergps.org or by phone at (813) 966‑9977 for registrations and referrals.

Ending: both presenters left brochures and contact details with advisory board staff and requested distribution to schools and partner agencies.