County board bans smoking, vaping at beaches, parks
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-0 on June 17 to approve amending an existing ordinance, banning smoking and vaping at county beaches and parks immediately.
The ban encompasses county-owned parks on the islands, including Bowman’s Beach Park and Turner Beach Park on Sanibel and Alison Hagerup Beach Park and Andy Rosse Lane Park on Captiva, along with the Causeway Islands Park.
The ban includes all cigarettes, vaping or other electronic smoking devices.
District 4 Commissioner Brian Hamman, whose district covers Cape Coral, introduced the ordinance.
“Our parks and beaches are special places where families, residents and visitors come to relax and enjoy our beautiful surroundings,” he said.
“We want to keep them clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone, which is why we’re looking at banning smoking and vaping in these public spaces,” Hamman added. “This ordinance reflects our commitment to working towards a cleaner, healthier Lee County.”
The amendment to the ordinance cited a 2019 state statute passed by the state Legislature, which gives local governments the ability to prohibit smoking and vaping at all county parks and public beaches. Unfiltered cigars are exempt under the statute.
The ordinance will be enforced by Lee County Parks & Recreation.
Fines for violators will be $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense and $300 for a third.
County commissioners heard from representatives from Tobacco Free Lee, Lee Health and School District of Lee County students who supported the ordinance before voting to approve the ban. Speakers spoke of the dangers from second-hand smoke, which they said includes health risks to the public. They also cited litter from cigarettes as a reason to ban them at county beaches and parks.
One student, who said he has asthma, said he instinctually “holds my breath” when he passes smokers at the beach.
Another student said keeping public spaces free of smoke is important to allow beachgoers to breathe fresh air and avoid toxic smoke and vaping aerosol.
Joining Hamman in voting in favor of the ordinance amendment was District 1 Chairman Kevin Ruane, District 5 Commissioner Mike Greenwell and District 3 Commissioner David Mulicka.
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