Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Sarasota, asked federal officials on Monday for immediate aid to confront the region's recent surge of heroin-related overdoses. In a letter sent to National Drug Control Policy director Michael Botticelli and Department of Health and Human Services secretary Sylvia Burwell, Buchanan requested funding under a new anti-drug bill passed this month by Congress.

"Federal funds will provide critical support for our local health care providers and law enforcement officials who are on the front lines of fighting this outbreak," Buchanan wrote. "With these resources addiction treatment centers, law enforcement agencies, and medical professionals can expand their efforts to prevent opioid abuse, treat those already addicted, and blunt the flow of opioids and heroin flowing into Manatee County."