CLEARWATER, Fla. — Alicia Smith is prepared in more ways than one for heading back to school.

The teen is not only prepared for class, but prepared if her allergy is triggered.

“I have an allergy to coconut,” said Alicia. “When I touch it, I break out in rashes and hives, but when I eat it, my throat starts to close up.”

What You Need To Know • Alicia Smith is allergic to coconut. She had an allergic reaction and had to save her own life with an EpiPen • The new Florida law now requires K-8 public schools to ensure they can effectively respond to allergic reactions and anaphylaxis • School personnel need to be able to identify when a student is experiencing an allergic reaction and then be able to use emergency epinephrine • An emergency room doctor at Orlando Health Bayfront Ho

See Full Page