News and Events

Dixie SWAT Participates in Annual Lower Suwannee Arts & Nature Festival
March 14, 2026

On March 14, 2026, the Ruth Rains Upper Elementary School (RRUES) SWAT Club participated in the Lower Suwannee Art & Nature Festival, hosted through a collaborative effort by the Dixie County Public Library, Suwannee Library Technical Center, Dixie County Tourism Development Board, Suwannee River Chamber of Commerce, and the Dixie County Chamber of Commerce. The festival took place at Glen Dyals Park, a designated smoke-free park in Dixie County.

RRUES SWAT members, along with their advisor, played an active role in planning and promoting the event, helping to build excitement and awareness within the community. Four SWAT youth attended the festival, accompanied by Dixie County Tobacco Prevention Specialist Melanie Anderson.

During the event, SWAT members assisted with setting up their booth and engaged festival attendees through a hands-on painting activity designed to attract and involve younger participants. In addition to the creative component, youth distributed Bureau of Tobacco Free Florida (BTFF)-approved educational materials, including information on new nicotine products and the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Through meaningful conversations and interactive outreach, SWAT youth highlighted their ongoing initiatives and reinforced the importance of maintaining tobacco- and vape-free public spaces throughout Dixie County.