Oxycontin News Blog

The message of teenagers not getting started with drugs and alcohol came through loud and clear at McKechnie Field on Sunday afternoon as Daron Norwood's rich vocals mixed with country music.

An estimated 100 youngsters and parents attended More Than Music, one day after about 800 greeted the messages of Norwood and Ruth Lyerly at Freedom Fest in west Bradenton.

"If just one person is touched today, it's enough," said Lyerly, a volunteer for the Manatee County Substance Abuse Coalition.

Lyerly is a mother with a personal stake in the subject.

"We all have to do our part - ministries, parents, other kids, legislature, law enforcement. We need more law enforcement. We can't just let this continue to spiral," she said.

"Parents need to know that drugs are available in this county north, south, east and west, and on the internet. Daron recently saw a drug deal happening in broad daylight on West Manatee Avenue. It's not just in dark alleys."

"That's my son Todd playing his guitar. He committed suicide two years ago in May while under the influence of drugs, one of them being Oxycontin," Lyerly said. "Three of Todd's friends, who attended the funeral, are already dead due to drugs and alcohol."

Photos of Todd's friends and other local young people were on the wall, along with their names, dates of birth and death, and notes about who they were and what they enjoyed.

"We're here today to let people know the degree of the problem, these drugs are so accessible," Lyerly said about the group of parents and young people who came out.

"This concert follows a larger concert that we had yesterday for about 800 at G.T. Bray. It's very important for younger kids to see these older kids giving a positive reaction to messages about good choices," she said.

There was no charge for the concert that included praise and worship country songs and prayer, although donations were given by the onlookers.

"Today is a day to reflect on the past week," singer Norwood said, "We've done nine concerts at elementary, middle and high schools. That's about 6,000 students."

The professional musician has recorded songs such as, "If It Wasn't For Her, I Wouldn't Have You," "Cowboy's Don't Cry," and "In God We Trust."

"I almost lost my life, and I have seen it take the lives of many children. I don't want kids to feel like they're in trouble. I want them to experience God and the tools that they need. We've spread this message to 19 different schools since the fall. that's about 700,000 kids hearing age-appropriate messages about making good and responsible choices with their lives, and that there is no future with drugs or alcohol."

Fourteen-year-old Jack Lyerly was hanging out with a group of teens at McKechnie Field, and said, "I lost my brother two years ago because he had a drug problem, and Daron has been awesome because we can always talk to him about the loss. He knows about it personally and he has a strong faith."

"Daron sets it straight. He helps us know what's right and what's wrong. He says if you don't start you don't have to stop," he said.

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