On Monday, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council approved an ordinance to “restrict smoking within the boundaries of any public beaches and public parks that they own,
except that they may not further restrict the smoking of unfiltered cigars.”
Smoking was already prohibited inside all town owned buildings. The town’s fine for littering is $50.00. If a Notice of Violation is issued for smoking or vaping it would have to go before the special magistrate who would rule on issuing any fines.
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.
How this type of ordinance will be enforced is always the big question. Town Manager Will McKannay has said, “This was not meant to be punitive. We’ll educate the public. This will be similar to the leash law which at times is enforced by peers through courteous discussions.” If that doesn’t work, the next step would be to call the town or LCSO.
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Seems to me like this is a double standard,why not unfiltered cigarettes if your going to allow cigars!
I don’t smoke but believe if your going to make a law then do it right!
Key words “that they own.” the vast majority of the beach is owned by private property owners, to which this ordinance does not apply.
Hopefully this will cut down on my favorite trash category during Tunaskin’s beach cleanup. 😉
You wont see a difference! I clean as i walk when on beach, this year I picked up a lot of cups, etc because it was so windy the week we were there, also fair share of butts. This was on a weekday. I walked the same area the next day and ALL I GOT were cigarette butts! Smokers are now just going to hide their smoking and bury the butts. I hope I am wrong. I doubt it.
Cigars are dangerous to one’s health and stinky ! They should also be banned!!
Yay. 🎉
Cigars are exempt because they biodegrade within a couple of weeks. My grandfather used to smoke cigars (Philadelphia) and granny would take the cigar butts and ashes and bury them in her garden for fertilizer; I have to say, she always had the best, most hearty veggies in the neighborhood.
How about unfiltered cigarettes?
April Fools day is over…..
Cigars are the worst! Must have a financial interest in Florida.
Cigars are exempt?! Why…….