>> TODAY LEE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS VOTED TO BAN SMOKING IN VAPING AT BEACHES AND PARKS. THE FIND COMES WITH A PRETTY BIG PRICE TAG. GULF COAST NEWS REPORTER MADISON ZALESKI REPORTS ON WHEN THE NEW RULES GO INTO EFFECT. >> I’M VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IT’S AFFECTED ME PERSONALLY IN MY DAY-TO-DAY LIFE. I THINK THAT’S A LITTLE INTRUSIVE. I THINK THE IF YOU WANT TO SMOKE SMOKE. ONE OF A VEEP. THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE IS THAT THERE’S KIDS AROUND YOU CONSIDER WE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TODAY TO BAN SMOKING IN VAPING, A COUNTY PARKS AND BEACHES. NEARLY A DOZEN PEOPLE SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE BAN. A JOY TO PUBLIC COMMENT. >> AMONG THEM WAS 14 YEAR-OLD ORLANDO HERNANDEZ HAS BEEN AFFECTED BY SECONDHAND SMOKE HAS HAD I USED HAVE ASTHMA. SO I’VE ALWAYS JUST LIKE. HAD TO DEAL WITH THAT LEE COUNTY, PARKS AND RECREATION IS IN CHARGE OF ENFORCING THE RULES. NOW, IF YOU GET CAUGHT, YOU COULD GET A TICKET AND THE FINE. >> IS NOT CHEAP. THE FIRST TIME YOU’RE CAUGHT, YOU COULD FACE A $100 FINE. THAT INCREASES TO $200. THE SECOND TIME YOU’RE CAUGHT. >> AND UP TO $300 IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. HOWEVER, UNFILTERED CIGARS ARE EXEMPT UNDER STATE LAW. PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN LEE COUNTY ARE DIVIDED PARK VISITORS LIKE MICHAEL PRUITT WASN’T TOO HAPPY TO SEE THE BAND PAST. AND I THINK IT’S BS. >> YEAH, THIS IS SUCH A WIDE OPEN AREA. IF WE WERE INDOORS, I WOULD GO WITH THAT. I MEAN, COME ON. WIDE OPEN UNLESS THEY WERE JUST BLOWING IT IN YOUR FACE. OTHERS ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE HEALTH RISK AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT. KEEP LEE COUNTY BEAUTIFUL STATEMENT TO GULF COAST NEWS SHOWING SUPPORT TO ANY ACTION THAT DECREASES LITTERING STATING CIGARETTE BUTTS ARE CONSTANTLY THE MOST COLLECTED ITEM FOUND IN CLEANUPS. THE AMENDMENT TO THE ORDINANCE WILL TAK
Lee County commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to ban smoking and vaping at county parks and beaches, with enforcement by park rangers who can issue fines to violators.Nine people spoke in favor of the ordinance during a public comment session. John Fisher, a visitor at Buckingham Community Park, expressed his support for the ordinance, saying, “My thought that, since they don’t do it in airplanes anymore, that probably they shouldn’t do it here, even though there’s open space.” He added, “People sit close to each other on the chairs and you can be invading somebody else’s rights. And this is a place for health.”The ordinance will be enforced by Lee County Parks and Recreation, granting park rangers the authority to issue citations.First-time offenders could face a $100 fine, which increases to $200 for a second offense and up to $300 for a third offense. However, unfiltered cigars are exempt under state law.Jamie Mitchell, another park visitor, expressed concerns about enforcement, stating, “As long as it’s not bothering the surrounding people, it really shouldn’t be an issue.”Some residents at Buckingham Community Park believe people should have the freedom to smoke, while others support the ordinance for promoting a healthy environment and reducing fire risks.One resident noted during public comment, “We got these southern pines, which could just go up in flames quickly. So, you know, we don’t want to see any extra sparks other than sparks of joy.”The amendment to the ordinance will take effect once filed with the state.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more.
Lee County commissioners unanimously voted Tuesday to ban smoking and vaping at county parks and beaches, with enforcement by park rangers who can issue fines to violators.
Nine people spoke in favor of the ordinance during a public comment session. John Fisher, a visitor at Buckingham Community Park, expressed his support for the ordinance, saying, “My thought that, since they don’t do it in airplanes anymore, that probably they shouldn’t do it here, even though there’s open space.” He added, “People sit close to each other on the chairs and you can be invading somebody else’s rights. And this is a place for health.”
The ordinance will be enforced by Lee County Parks and Recreation, granting park rangers the authority to issue citations.
First-time offenders could face a $100 fine, which increases to $200 for a second offense and up to $300 for a third offense. However, unfiltered cigars are exempt under state law.
Jamie Mitchell, another park visitor, expressed concerns about enforcement, stating, “As long as it’s not bothering the surrounding people, it really shouldn’t be an issue.”
Some residents at Buckingham Community Park believe people should have the freedom to smoke, while others support the ordinance for promoting a healthy environment and reducing fire risks.
One resident noted during public comment, “We got these southern pines, which could just go up in flames quickly. So, you know, we don’t want to see any extra sparks other than sparks of joy.”
The amendment to the ordinance will take effect once filed with the state.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more.
