(Attached photo: The Board of County Commissioners; Chairman Scott Carnahan, First Vice-Chairman Ron Kitchen, Second Vice-Chairman Jeff Kinnard, Brian Coleman and Jimmie T. Smith, are pictured with the 2017 Red Ribbon Winners.)

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners acknowledged and congratulated the Citrus County Anti-Drug Coalition 2017 Red Ribbon Winners at their regular meeting on Tuesday, November 14, 2017. The winners of the annual essay contest are as follows:

1st Place: Kaiya Brown

(5th Grade) Ms. Wright’s Class,

Floral City Elementary

2nd Place: Taylor Spires

(5th Grade) Mr. Breder’s Class,

Pleasant Grove Elementary

3rd Place: Paris Barnes

(4th Grade) Mrs. Johnston’s Class,

Citrus Springs Elementary

The Board of Commissioners and the Anti-Drug Coalition of Citrus County value the health and safety of all our citizens. Substance abuse and bullying is particularly damaging to one of our most valuable resources, our children, and a contributing factor in the three leading causes of death for teenagers – accidents, homicides and suicides.

The goal of Red Ribbon Week, National Bullying Prevention Month, Unity Day, the Board of Commissioners, Street Team Citrus and the Anti-Drug Coalition of Citrus County is to involve families, schools, businesses, churches, law enforcement agencies and service organizations in all aspects of the campaign and establish an atmosphere that supports awareness, education, and ongoing initiatives to prevent illegal drug use and bullying.