by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
City Council voted unanimously to ban smoking on its beaches and in certain areas. This ban does not include unfiltered cigars, as Florida Statutes do not allow such a ban. The matter still has to come back to the City Council on April 3 at 9 a.m. for a second reading and public hearing. Vaping is also banned.
The public beaches and parks subject to this regulation include Sanibel’s major parks and beach access areas, such as Sanibel Community Park, Lighthouse Beach Park, Gulfside City (Algiers) Beach Park, Bowman’s Beach Park, Blind Pass Beach Park, and others.
The ban also covers beach accesses and parking lots.
A first offense carries a $50 civil fine plus applicable costs. Subsequent offenses are penalized under section 1-15 of the City Code, and all available enforcement methods are available.
It took five years to get this ban through the legislature. Enforcement will involve officers and rangers patrolling beaches and parks to observe violations, issue fines, and provide information about the ban. “I don’t think the enforcement will be very difficult,” said Police Chief Bill Dalton. Vice Mayor Holly Smith notes that surrounding communities have already supported bans.
The ban will be considered for a second reading and public hearing on April 3 at 9 a.m. at City Hall.
Either ban smoking( of all types cigarettes, cigar, pipes etc). How can you allow cigars??
no smoking period.
I certainly don’t want to smell cigars. Thanks for ridding of all other smokes but cigars must go too.