HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL -- A program to stop bullying is about to get a big boost thanks in part to items seized in previous crimes.
Today, Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee will use money from those seizures to present a $50,000 check to Bully Busters.
Bully Busters is a joint effort with the County, the County's Criminal Justice Liaison, Children's Services, the Sheriff's Office, and Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay to battle bullying in schools. The program includes public awareness, education and intervention, and community support.
Among their first projects, Bully Busters has put 50 logo bus benches in strategic locations to make sure kids and teens are familiar with the Crime Stoppers tip line. Bully Busters hopes the community will use that tip line to report cases of bullying.
Bully Busters also airs public service announcements on several cable channels that appeal to young viewers including Animal Planet, the Cartoon Network, Discovery Channel, MTV and Nickelodeon. Aside from Sheriff's Office donation, the program is funded through state justice grants.
Today's check presentation takes place at the County Commissioners Meeting in Tampa at 10:00 am.
