Interoffice Memorandum
DATE: March 12, 2026
TO: Mayor Jerry L. Demings and County Commissioners
THROUGH: Jeffrey J. Newton, County Attorney
FROM: Desmond W. Morrell, Assistant County Attorney
CONTACT: Desmond W. Morrell, Assistant County Attorney
PHONE: 407-836-9651
DIVISION: County Attorney’s Office
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Approval and execution of the Six (6) Remnant Defendants’ Combined Subdivision Participation and Release Form (“Combined Participation Form”) and authorization for staff to return the executed form to the National Opioids Settlement Implementation Administrator by May 4, 2026.
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PROJECT: N/A
PURPOSE: A proposed settlement has been reached with six (6) remnant defendants in the National Prescription Opiate Litigation. These defendants include the remaining opioid manufacturers, distributors, or related companies not previously covered in earlier settlements: (1) Associated Pharmacies, Inc. (and American Associated Pharmacies), (2) J M Smith Corporation, (3) Morris and Dickson Co., L.L.C., (4) Louisiana Wholesale Drug Company, Inc., (5) North Carolina Mutual Wholesale Drug Company, Inc., and (6) United Natural Foods, Inc. (and SuperValu). The State of Florida has elected to participate in the settlement agreement, which means Orange County, as a political subdivision of the State of Florida, could be eligible for a portion of the settlement funds. The total amount of funds that Orange County may receive under this settlement is not yet known, as it depends on several factors, including the number of participating states and subdivisions. Any subdivision that does not participate in the settlement cannot expect to receive any of the settlement funds from the state or nationally. Settlement funds shall be used to abate opioid and substance abuse within Orange County.
BUDGET: N/A