County commissioners to hold hearing on smoking ban
Smoking and vaping on county-owned beaches and at county-owned parks could be banned under an amendment to an existing county ordinance proposed by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners.
The ban would extend to county-owned parks on Fort Myers Beach which includes Bowditch Point Regional Park, Crescent Beach Family Park and Lynn Hall Memorial Park.
A public hearing has been scheduled for 9:30 am on Tuesday, June 17 at the Old Lee County Courthouse on 2120 Main St. in Fort Myers to consider the amendment to the ordinance. Following the public hearing, county commissioners could vote to adopt the amended ordinance.
The ban includes all cigarettes, vaping, or other electronic smoking devices.
County commissioners voted to set the public hearing at their June 3 meeting as part of a consent agenda approval without any discussion.
Lee County District 2 Commissioner Brian Hamman, whose district covers Cape Coral, said he introduced the ordinance.
“Our parks and beaches are special places where families, residents and visitors come to relax and enjoy our beautiful surroundings,” Hamman told the Fort Myers Beach Observer. “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,” he said in an email. “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.
If the Board approves the amendment, the ordinance will continue to be enforced by Lee County Parks & Recreation.
Fines for violators would be $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense and $300 for a third.
If approved by commissioners, the amendment to the ordinance will take effect upon being filed with the Florida Department of State.