Politics

Taxpayers are overpaying for opioid overdose reversal drugs, by about $4.5M annually

Published

3 months ago

October 28, 2025

The state of Florida is paying about $4.5 million more per year on drugs used to provide emergent care in cases of opioid overdose.

At issue is the state’s continued purchasing of the brand name Narcan over a lower-cost generic alternative, naloxone, both emergency opioid antagonist products.

Over the past year, the state has continued purchasing Narcan, a nasal spray used to reverse opioid overdose, at a cost of about $27 per unit, at a rate of up to 1 million units each year, according to images obtained and viewed by Florida Politics. Meanwhile, the equivalent generic naloxone sells for about $4.50 less, at about $22.50 per unit.

Both versions utilize the same active ingredient and the same nasal delivery mechanism. Like many generic drugs, the only difference is cost.

Now, the most recent Request for Proposals (RFP) issued to purchase opioid overdose treatment drugs is setting the state up to continue paying more for a product.

At issue is proviso language in appropriations implementation legislation (SB 2500) requiring the state Department of Health to issue an RFP for naloxone through a fair and competitive process that considers both effectiveness and cost, and that includes generic products.

However, the RFP written by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) isn’t following the law. The RFP offers vague scoring criteria to rank proposals, weights drug cost at just 25% of the overall score, and includes requirements only the current supplier, of the brand name Narcan, can meet.

The RFP language effectively blocks lower-cost generics from being considered, even though the generic naloxone has been found to be just as effective as Narcan, and has Food and Drug Administration approval.

The generic naloxone is sold in 4mg units. The RFP as currently written includes a scoring section for that size product, noting that bidders must demonstrate a shipping history of delivering “at least 65,000 units to more than 1,300 enrolled distributors in varying quantities within a single month, at least ten months per year.” Where naloxone becomes immediately disqualified is the next requirement, that “acceptable documentation includes a narrative summary of the shipping history within the past three years.”

Generic naloxone products only entered the market in 2023, meaning it cannot meet the three year requirement.

Complicating the matter, while DCF’s RFP may not directly violate SB 2500, it certainly violates the legislative intent behind the law, including to maximize Florida citizens’ tax burden when purchasing the products.

The RFP does not align with intent related to cost effectiveness, timely availability, or product efficacy. Worse, it fails to meet the Legislature’s intent to consider the use of generic products or establish a competitive bid process, because as written, no generic version can be considered under the current RFP.

The section updated under SB 2500 is housed in Chapter 287 of Florida State Statutes, which clearly requires a “fair and open competition” and that “such competition reduces the appearance and opportunity for favoritism.” It also requires the inspiration of “public confidence that contracts are awarded equitably and economically.”

Chapter 287 also enumerates that criteria used for proposal evaluation includes price, including total cost for each year of the contract and renewal years.

At just a 25% weighting, DCF’s RFP for opioid overdose reversal drugs not only fails to prioritize cost, it de-prioritizes it.

The RFP was published in August. It doesn’t close until Dec. 2.

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Politics

Matt McCullough joins race to replace Matt Carlucci on Jacksonville City Council

Published

5 minutes ago

January 21, 2026

May Greene

A third candidate has joined the race in Jacksonville City Council at-large Group 4 to replace term-limited Matt Carlucci.

“After thoughtful discussions and with the support of my family, I am excited to officially announce my candidacy,” Matt McCullough said in a statement announcing his bid.

McCullough, a former Navy pilot who flew during the global war on terror in Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and Active Endeavor, and has received two Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medals, a Meritorious Service Medal, and recognition as both Combat Aircrew of the Year and Pilot of the Year.

He currently is North Florida’s Navy Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer, and believes that his military background is a unique value-add as he enters politics.

“As a veteran, I know what leadership and delivering results looks like. Jacksonville deserves a city government that works to put our residents first, keeps our neighborhoods safe, and invests responsibly in our future,” McCullough said. “I’ve had the honor of wearing our nation’s uniform and lead under pressure. I am ready to bring that leadership to City Hall on day one and continue my service on the Jacksonville City Council.”

Carlucci has yet to endorse in this race between three Republicans, in which a real front-runner has yet to emerge.

April Ethridge, an Army vet with an MBA, has raised just $1,550 after being in the race for the better part of 2025.

Andrew McCann, who made his career in medical services before he “made the pivotal decision to step away from corporate life to focus on his family, personal growth, and the betterment of Jacksonville,” raised and self-funded $13,100 since entering the race at the end of October.

Qualifying runs from noon on Jan. 11, 2027, to noon on Jan. 15, 2027. The First Election is March 9, 2027, while the General Election, which sees the top two finishers square off regardless of party label unless someone gets a majority in March, is May 18.

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Politics

Nicole Gomez Goldmeier, Jackie Arboleda promoted at LSN Partners

Published

37 minutes ago

January 21, 2026

May Greene

Two weeks after announcing its first round of 2026 promotions, LSN Partners is following up with a couple more as it continues expanding its local, state and federal practices.

Round 2 includes the elevation of Nicole Gomez Goldmeier to Chief Growth Officer and Jackie Arboleda to Chief Marketing and Community Relations Officer.

Gomez Goldmeier previously held the COO title at LSN Partners. In her new role, she will drive revenue growth and business development for the firm with a focus on strengthening long-standing client relationships, advancing expansion into key markets driven by client demand, and supporting strategic engagement.

She will remain actively involved in the firm’s Republican Governors and Mayors practice, reinforcing LSN’s position as a trusted bipartisan adviser.

“Nicole understands our clients and the public-sector landscape in a way that few people do,” said Alex Heckler, founder and Managing Partner of LSN Partners. “She has played a central role in how we build relationships, identify opportunities, and position the firm for long-term success. This role formalizes the work she has already been leading.”

Arboleda, meanwhile, will oversee the firm’s marketing, communications, brand positioning and community engagement, ensuring that LSN’s messaging, events and external presence reflect the firm’s strategic priorities and client-focused initiatives.

LSN said she will continue serving as a leader within the firm’s health care practice while working directly with clients as a project manager, adding that her dual focus on marketing leadership and project management strengthens the firm’s ability to deliver results to clients across markets nationwide.

“Jackie has helped shape how clients experience and engage with LSN and how the firm is perceived in the market,” Heckler said. “Her understanding of our clients, our culture, and our mission allows her to deliver results at the highest level, whether in our healthcare practice or driving the firm’s communications strategy.”

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Politics

Florida’s signature industry shows up for Tourism Day at the Capitol

Published

1 hour ago

January 21, 2026

May Greene

Tourism spending produces an estimated $2K in tax savings per Florida family, VISIT FLORIDA says.

Florida tourism and hospitality heavyweights will show up in force Wednesday at the Capitol to highlight the Sunshine State’s signature industry and make the case for continued state investment.

Groups participating in Florida Tourism Day at the Capitol include the Florida Attractions Association, Florida Association of Museums, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Florida RV Park and Campground Association, Destinations Florida, and VISIT FLORIDA, the state’s tourism marketing arm.

The cohort will spend the day meeting with lawmakers to emphasize the industry’s role as one of Florida’s primary economic drivers, top employers and major state revenue generators.

“The success of Florida’s tourism industry, and the economic and jobs benefits our state reaps from it, are the direct result of statewide and local tourism promotion efforts,” said Destinations Florida Executive Director Robert Skrob.

Florida Attractions Association President and CEO Bill Lupfer added, “Tourism is a cornerstone of Florida’s economy, supporting jobs, communities, and public services statewide. No destination in the world matches Florida’s number, quality and diversity of guest experiences or the cutting-edge service delivered by our attractions, making continued investment in tourism essential to sustaining our global leadership.”

According to a recent VISIT FLORIDA study, travelers spent a record $134.9 billion in the state in 2024 — up 3% from the prior year — and nearly all of it remained in Florida’s economy, with 59 cents of each dollar going directly to worker salaries. Meanwhile, tourism-related tax revenue reached $33.6 billion, while tourism-supported employment grew to 1.8 million jobs statewide.

VISIT FLORIDA President and CEO Bryan Griffin said the topline numbers translate to an estimated $2,000 in tax savings per Florida family, adding that his agency “remains diligently focused on partnering with Florida’s tourism industry and serving Florida’s residents through our important work.”

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