Florida: St. Johns County Proposes Beach & Park Vape/Cigarette Ban

Smoking cigarettes and using vapes may soon be prohibited at St. Johns County beaches and parks in Florida. County commissioners introduced a new ordinance Tuesday night aimed at making these public spaces more welcoming, cleaner, and family-friendly.

The push for the ban was notably initiated by local middle school students who brought the issue to the county’s attention. “It was actually something that was brought to our attention by some local middle school students,” explained County Commissioner Sarah Arnold. “So it was children wanting to protect their fellow friends, their fellow kids in school.”

The proposed ordinance also expands the definition of litter to include cigarette butts and vaping paraphernalia, addressing the environmental impact and the cost of cleanup. “Your taxpayer dollars are going towards our staff cleaning those beaches up,” Arnold added. Public reaction to the proposal is mixed. Some residents, like Hannah Bailey, support the move for a more relaxing and healthier experience for their children, while others, like Roseanna Spingola, believe people should be free to “do whatever they want” at the beach.

Notably, the proposed ban would not apply to pipes or cigars. The ordinance is scheduled for a second reading in two weeks before a final vote by the commissioners will determine its enactment.

• Read more: Jacksonville, Florida Bans All Smoking, Including Vaping, on Beaches
• News source: St. Johns County leaders move towards cigarette & vaping ban at county beaches and parks

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Matthew Ma

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With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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