ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – This weekend, Electric Daisy Carnival drew hundreds of attendees to South Tampa Avenue as the vibrant three-day festival began on Friday.
Clayton Graff, an excited participant heading to EDC, shared his anticipation, saying, “It’s the energy—the unity of everyone, the crowd’s roar, and the pulsating bass.”
Another festival enthusiast, Gracie Angulo, expressed her excitement, “It’s all about the music, the vibe, the dancing, and meeting new faces.”
The Orange County Medical Director’s Office has assured that first responders are ready for the influx of festivalgoers. However, they are also highlighting a recent alert from Project Overdose, which warns about the increasing presence of the lethal opioid carfentanil in Orange and Seminole Counties.
Andrae Bailey, CEO of Project Overdose, cautioned, “We want to alert people. We understand drugs might circulate, but exercise caution. A single pill could be fatal at this festival.”
In response to this threat, Bailey introduced an innovative AI system last week in collaboration with the Orange and Seminole County Sheriff’s Offices. Named DrugAlert.AI, this system leverages real-time data to monitor the presence of dangerous drugs.
“We saw over a 400% increase in carfentanil-positive tests in just over 90 days,” Bailey said. “It’s a tiny powder that can be mixed in with other drugs—you would never take it on its own.”
He said they believe the festival could be a hotspot for dangerous drug activity, which is why they’re warning people ahead of time.
Graff added, “Don’t buy your drugs at the festival. Test whatever you’re doing.”
EDC alone is expected to generate over $100 million for the local economy and attract thousands of music lovers from across the country.
This weekend’s festivities also include the Orlando Magic game, the Orlando Pride playoff match, and the musical “Water for Elephants” at the Dr. Phillips Center.
While many at EDC are looking to have fun, some are also focused on safety.
Jose Mendolia, who’s attending EDC, said, “Making sure that they’re checking everything they’re supposed to. It’s mainly safety—and making sure you’re with a good group. That changes everything. Even if security isn’t as good as it needs to be, with a good group, you have support, you can be with them, and they’re looking out for you.”
Dozens of road closures are planned for the weekend’s events. Mayor Buddy Dyer recommends people use available transportation options to get around downtown—or avoid the area altogether if they don’t plan to attend.
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