Banning smoking on town owned beaches will be discussed at this Thursday’s Management and Planning Town Council meeting. No votes can be taken at M&P meetings, only direction given to town staff.
A proposed ordinance to ban smoking and vaping on the beach was pulled from Monday’s meeting because it was never hashed out at an M&P meeeting.
Smoking is already prohibited inside all town owned buildings.
Lee County prohibits smoking at Bowditch Park, Crescent Park, Lynn Hall Memorial Park and the pier (when they all reopen).
Unfiltered cigars are exempt from being prohibited by state law.
If approved at a future Town Council meeting, a second public hearing will be held at another council meeting before it goes into effect. How this type of ordinance will be enforced is always the big questoin, which will no doubt be part of the discussion on Thursday.
We will carry the Fort Myers Beach Town Council meeting live Thursday at 9AM.
Voice your opinion about the proposed smoking ban HERE.
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Smoking should be prohibited on the beaches.
Everyone has the right to enjoy clean, fresh air without being exposed to the unpleasant smell associated with cigarette smoke. While individuals are entitled to their personal choices, these should not come at the well-being and comfort of others. What justifies prioritizing a personal stinky habit over the collective right to a healthy environment? We should be able to enjoy fresh air while at the beach.
Prevent vaping and cigarettes is a great idea and curb loud music !
It all stinks up the air, but cigarettes stink so bad that sometimes can’t even see which ignorant, addicted, low life loser is ruining your beach day. Can’t you weaklings get your smoke in back home at the trailer park, before you go to the beach? It’s always fun picking up their gross butts too.
That’s right, keep asking and letting the “government” control our lives more and more all because there’s a small group of people that are doing something we don’t like or is wrong. I mean, why not, the “government” is so efficient in everything else they have control of…. Just pick up after yourself, it’s called responsibility, courtesy, and common sense. My wife and I even carry a small trash bag with us as we walk the beach, picking up whatever trash we find regardless of who threw it down. Just a thought.
Maybe this article should have had more clarity/explanation around the facts that cigarette butts are one of the most harmful things to both land and marine animals. If people would stop using the beach (anywhere on the ground) as their ashtrays we might not even be having this discussion. Just pick up after yourself.
GREAT! Just what we need, another ordinance banning something. Consider how the ordinance will be enforced and who will enforce it.
I agree with the vaping comment, minimal odor as well. I hope cigars are included in that ban. Now that is an odor most can live without.
The article clearly says cigars cannot – by state law — be prohibited.
Which legislator is the cigar aficionado?!
She’s back…….
Vaping doesn’t leave behind butts, why would that be included?
I hope Bayside Veterans Park is included in the smoking ban.