HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – A Hernando High School teacher and football coach, identified as Terry Kennedy, 47, was arrested on Saturday, May 17, 2025, for allegedly providing a Kratom-based supplement to a 17-year-old student. The incident, which occurred on Friday, May 9, 2025, led to the student requiring medical attention.
According to a report from the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office, a school resource deputy responded to a classroom at Hernando High School on May 9th regarding a student experiencing a medical emergency. Upon arrival, the deputy found the student unresponsive, exhibiting symptoms such as a rapid pulse, shallow breathing, and elevated body temperature.
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The report states that after a sternum rub, the student regained consciousness and reported feeling hot. Subsequent vitals taken at the school confirmed an elevated heart rate and blood pressure.
The student informed the deputy that he had ingested an herbal supplement given to him by a teacher, later identified as Terry Kennedy.
The student explained that he had observed Kennedy using the supplement as an energy booster and had asked the teacher if he could have some. Kennedy allegedly provided the student with two packets of the Kratom-based supplement, both of which the student consumed with a soda.
Kratom, while producing stimulant-like effects, is illegal for juveniles to possess or consume in Florida.
Shortly after taking the supplement and attending his next class, the student began to experience distress. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital for further treatment and observation.
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During questioning, Kennedy, who is also a football coach at the high school, admitted to providing the supplement to the student at the student’s request. He also stated that he was aware the supplement contained Kratom.
Following an investigation, a warrant for Kennedy’s arrest was issued on Friday, May 16, 2025, on a charge of Furnishing a Kratom Product to a Juvenile, a misdemeanor. On Saturday, May 17, 2025, Kennedy turned himself in at the Lake County Detention Center. His bond was set at $500.
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