Cocaine Keeps Washing Up On Florida Beaches

Drugs washing up on Florida beaches has been happening for the last 50 years of so, but the frequency of cocaine bricks hitting our shoreline seems to have gone from occasional - to a normal occurrence. Most recently, a package containing 16 bricks of suspected cocaine was found on the beach by guests of the Islands of Islamorada Resort at approximately 11 a.m. Sunday. As is the norm, the package was turned over to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

This was back on August 5th, Hurricane Debby washed all these bricks ashore in the Florida Keys.

Back in late July, a Florida lobster diver looking for lobster approximately one mile offshore of Tavernier on the oceanside, found this package of suspected cocaine. The bunny logo is kinda cute.

This was 2 weeks ago, and not in the Florida Keys - but Everglades City, Florida. For those of you who don't know the history of Everglades City, by all means - check it out. having bundles of drugs wash ashore was reminiscent of the “square grouper” marijuana smuggling days in Collier County during the 1970s and 1980s but uncommon for today. I'm very curious as to what the logo was on the cocaine as they don't normally blur them out.

These are just three examples of some of the recent finds. The Collier County Sheriff's Office speculates that "the cocaine most likely washed in with the tides from the east coast due to recent storms. Large packages of drugs ranging from marijuana to hashish to cocaine have been discovered floating in the waters off Miami and the Florida Keys."

So it appears that there's a tremendous amount of drugs in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, and storms will bring them ashore. And we've got plenty of hurricane season to go, which means we can expect more. So when your kids run out on the beach to collect seashells after a passing storm, don't be too surprised what else you may find.

We are approaching the most active part of hurricane season, end of August into September. Even though the season has been underway since June 1st, it's time to once again assess your preparedness. To help out, these hurricane supplies are tax free again in Florida.

This weekend kicks off the second of two Disaster Preparedness sales tax holidays passed by state lawmakers. The idea is to give Floridians a break when stocking up on some basic supplies. The list of items included is extensive and may include things you don't typically think about when it comes to hurricane supplies.

I love that lawmakers not only consider things you might need for your personal safety during and immediately following a storm like flashlights and tarps. In addition, they consider things you might need if you are forced to evacuate with a beloved pet.

Keep in mind there are limits on spending in each category. If you are wanting to really stock up, you might need to be a little strategic. Shop a couple of times during the tax-free holiday. It runs through September 6th.

If you have questions about what is exempt or if for some reason a store did not honor a tax-free purchase, click here to get more info.

In the meantime, here are a few items to stock up on beginning Saturday, August 24th. Make your list and get your disaster kit ready. Officials are predicting the 2024 season is going to be an active and strong.

We've already seen lots of wind, rain and flooding this season. Being prepared is more than just stocking up on supplies. Click here for a comprehensive Southwest Florida Hurricane Guide. It's important to think in advance about some of things listed here.

When power goes out, batteries are essential for flashlights, radios and more. The sales tax is waved on AA-cell, AAA-cell, C-cell, D-cell, 6- volt, or 9-volt batteries, excluding automobile and boat batteries, with a sales price of $50 or less. It's a good time to grab a power pack or power bank at $60 or less.

Generators can be life savers, literally, in the days and weeks following a major storm. They help preserve food if the power goes out, help supply oxygen and other vital services. The sales tax is waved on generators costing up to $3000. Over that, you'll need to pay.

Tarps and similar waterproof sheeting is included. The price cap for these items is $100. In addition, sales tax is waved on items typically sold with tarps such as ground anchor or tie-down kits costing $100 or less.

Radios were crucial for communication and information following Hurricane Ian. Tax is waved on portable radios, two-way radios and weather-band radios. This does not mean you get to buy a new sound system tax free. Limits are $50 or less.

This covers lighting as far as flashlights, lanterns and candles. These light sources can be powered by solar, by battery or gas and must be $40 and under to qualify.

One of the things we learned from Hurricane Ian is the need for a few basic supplies such as bleach and laundry detergents. Also included in this section are items such as paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, soap, disinfectant, sanitizer, and sunscreen.

This includes coolers that are $60 and under as well as those reusable ice packs that come in at $20 or less. Experts advise keeping them on hand and full of ice when a storm is approaching.

This includes items you might need when evacuating with a pet. The list includes such thing as portable kennels or pet carries ($100 or less), pet beds ($40 or less), pet medications ($100 or less). In addition, you'll be able to purchase items such as leashes, collars, waste disposal bags, food and more, all with price caps.

This list includes items such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors all costing $70 or less. House fires a are common after the power gets reconnected.