SWAT - DeSoto County Florida

12/08/2025

💚 What a Grinch-tastic Week for DeSoto SWAT! 💚

Last week, our SWAT students came together for a fun afternoon of pizza, poster-making, and parade prep for this year’s “Grinchmas” Parade!

Their anti-to***co holiday cheer was loud and proud as they hit the streets spreading awareness about living a healthy, to***co-free life.

✨ From bold signs to big smiles, they proved that to***co is the only thing that should be “stink, stank, stunk” this season — and that a smoke-free life can make your heart grow three sizes in all the right ways. 💚

And remember… the only thing that should be smoking this holiday season is your chimney! 🔥🎄

We’re so proud of their leadership, creativity, and commitment to making a difference in our community.

Here’s to a bright, to***co-free holiday season! 🎄✨

12/06/2025

🎉 IT’S PARADE NIGHT! 🎉

We can’t wait to see everyone tonight for the Grinch-mas parade! Here’s everything you need to know to keep things safe, smooth, and fun!

📋 SIGN-IN & SIGN-OUT REQUIRED
All students must be signed in AND signed out by a parent/guardian.
👉 They cannot walk with us unless signed in
👉 They will not be released unless signed out
Thank you for helping keep everyone safe! 💚

📍 Meet-Up Location
Corner of Orange & Oak downtown
⏰ Arrival between 5:30–5:45 PM
🎬 Parade begins at 6:00 PM

👕 What to Wear?
SWAT or Rise Up gear, Christmas colors, or anything Grinch-themed!

🎄 Parade Order: We’re #16!

📍 Pick-Up Location
Corner of Volusia & Oak on the McSwain Park side — immediately after we finish the route.

🌟 Pro tip: Parents may want to sit toward the end of the route for easier pick-up!

Thank you all SO much for helping make this fun and safe for our kids. We appreciate you!

Let’s have an amazing night! 🎄💚✨

12/01/2025

DeSoto Youth... grab a friend and come hang out! 💚🎄

🎄✨ Desoto County SWAT is Sleighing Towards Change! ✨🎄
This Thursday • 3:30–5:30 PM
Family Service Center

Join us for a Grinch-inspired holiday bash as we come together to build a to***co-free future one fun moment at a time! 💚

🍕 Pizza
☕ Hot Chocolate & Holiday Treats
🎨 Decorate the SWAT Parade Float
🎅 Crafts, music, hands-on to***co-free challenges, and holiday cheer

This is a perfect chance for our youth to get involved, get creative, and make a difference in our community. Let’s sleigh the season together! 💫

***coFreeFlorida

04/01/2025

Today, our SWAT (Students Working Against To***co) youth are taking action for Take Down To***co Day, a national movement to expose the dangers of to***co and va**ng. These young advocates are speaking out, educating their peers, and pushing for a healthier, to***co-free future!

Every day, Big To***co targets youth with deceptive marketing—but we’re fighting back. Together, we can break the cycle of addiction and create a future where NO ONE falls victim to to***co’s deadly grip.

Join us in raising awareness! 💪 Share this post, start conversations, and stand with SWAT to ***co!

***coFreeFuture ***co

09/20/2024

"🎉 We are excited to kick off another year with our amazing student advocates working together to create a to***co-free future! 🚭💪 Let’s make this year count by raising awareness, promoting healthy choices, and standing up against the harmful effects of to***co. Together, we can inspire change! ***coFreeGeneration
Memorial Elementary Nocatee Elementary DeSoto Middle School

04/19/2024

🕵️‍♂️🔍 Calling all parents!

Think you know every nook and cranny of your kids' bedrooms? 🛏️ Think again!

Join us for an event where we'll explore the art of finding hidden paraphernalia in plain sight. 👀

It's a chance to test your detective skills and have a blast with your family. We will have several other community partners with lots of great information!

Don't miss out!
RMZ Realty - April 22nd from 4 - 6 PM

04/17/2024

🚨 Attention parents! 🚨 Have you heard about the "Hidden in Plain Sight" bedroom? It's not just a room – it's an eye-opening experience for understanding teenage behavior. 🛏️ This interactive setup mimics a typical teen bedroom, but with hidden signs of substance use and risky behavior. It's a powerful tool for starting conversations about tough topics like drugs, alcohol, and mental health. Explore the hidden clues and start talking with your teens today! 🗣️

📣 You will have the chance to explore this informative opportunity on Monday April 22nd from 4-6pm at the Discovery Dash Remake Learning Day! 📣

Please join us for this eye opening experience! 👀

12/03/2023

What a way to kick off the holiday season!🎄
Proud of all the SWAT youth that showed up to stand up saying no against to***co and va**ng in the DeSoto Christmas Parade.
Drug-Free DeSoto Coalition To***co Free Partnership of DeSoto County SWAT - DeSoto County Florida Swat FL

11/04/2023

“Get a clue”
Region 3 SWAT Meeting

10/18/2023

Today is Not A Lab Rat Day and all throughout our county youth were raising awareness to take down Big To***co. 🚭

The to***co industry is using social media to build influence and market products to get youth addicted and SWAT is pushing back against Big To***co’s predatory practices to make an impact in your local communities.

04/26/2023

Yesterday DeSoto County Board of Commissioners passed an ordinance which prohibits smoking and va**ng in our county parks! This is a testament to the dedicated work of our SWAT youth and To***co Free Partnership.

We are grateful to our County Commissioners for protecting the health, safety, and welfare of our community’s citizens- particularly for our youth who are so vulnerable and greatly affected by the impact of smoking and va**ng.

A big shout out to our West Swat Youth(Rylee Shaver & Weslyn Mercer) who have been active in helping get this ordinance passed. Thank you for your passion and courage!

02/23/2023

Our shared library is officially stocked 📚
If you are in the area stop by Storybook Park and find a great read.