by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
The Sanibel City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, Feb. 3, to ban smoking on its beaches and parts of the city. However, it does not apply to unfiltered cigars, as Florida law does not allow such a ban. The matter still has to come back to the City Council on March 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, without limitation, the following:
Sanibel Community Park
Pond Apple Park
Sanibel Gardens Preserve
Sanctuary Overlook
Bock Pease Park
Roadside City Park
Sanibel Boat Ramp
Causeway Beach Park
Bailey Road Beach Access
Lighthouse Beach Park
Gulfside City (Algiers) Beach Park
Tarpon Bay Road Beach Park
Bowman’s Beach Park
Blind Pass Beach Park
Turner Beach Park
This ban includes the beach accesses and respective parking lots.
Any person who violates this article, for a first offense, is subject to a civil fine in the amount of $50, plus any additional costs imposed by State or local law, including court costs that may be imposed as provided by law.
For a second violation or subsequent violations, this article shall provide for those penalties set forth in section 1-15 of the City of Sanibel Code of Ordinances, and for all means of enforcement and alternative enforcement set forth in such section.
It took five years to get this ban through the legislature. One difficulty is enforcement. Officers and rangers will patrol the beach.
“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.
Again, the ban will be taken up for a second reading and public hearing on March 3 at City Hall, as required.
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