NEWPORT RICHIE, Fla. (WFLA) – Mother, father and other loved ones gathered Saturday to spread awareness about Tampa Bay’s fentanyl overdose.
They reversed their opioid overdoses, created signs, set up signs, handed out free naloxones that allowed them to share their stories.
Each sign with a photo and name along US-19 is someone’s child and loved one killed by fentanyl.
Samantha Harvey lost her son, Joseph, in February 2024.
“Joey was a great kid, he was preparing to have a baby. He’s 24 years old forever,” Harvey said.
She said that being supported by other parents helps her deal with it.
“It’s a great support system. It’s been a great experience in such tragic times. Without these moms, I don’t know where I am,” Harvey said. “This is my first time with this, I’m fresh, I’ve only been 15 months. They’re all really strong.”
Tammy Praxtis created the Dylan Warrior in honor of his son Dylan, who passed away in 2020.
“Dylan always felt special, so it helps me help him help save lives through him,” she said.
Plakstis always hand out Narcan, a brand of naloxone, and teaches others how to use it. She said she had no knowledge of fentanyl and naloxone before losing her son.
“Store it in your car and put it in your pocket, you never know where there is a situation where someone may have unfortunately been exposed to fentanyl,” she said.
She holds several gatherings in front of the sign she is standing up.
“It doesn’t discriminate, it happens to anyone, and you don’t necessarily have to be an addict to affect you. It hurts a lot of families here in the US,” Practice said.
These mothers come together to grieve, defend and prevent other parents’ pain.
Some people say, “Well, how and how do we get there?” And I was one of those people who told the kids something would happen. “I know my son died for a purpose. The purpose is to save other lives.”
“We couldn’t save our son, but consciousness can save many other daughters and sons. Our children’s lives were important,” Harvey said.
These mothers want people to know that people are not alone. Below are the resources available throughout Tampa Bay:
Hernando Community Union Fentanyl Recognition Union Behavior Health Centre Baycare Haven Health
They said they would continue to fight to give their children and others a voice.
