Florida City Bans Smoking in Parks to Protect Public Health

The council of the city of Windermere, Florida, unanimously approved a law at their September meeting that prohibits smoking (including e-cigarettes) in parks owned by the town.

Senate Bill No. 224 and House Bill No. 105 have been submitted to the Florida State Legislature for the 2022 legislative session. If passed, the bills would allow municipal authorities to restrict smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes in public beaches and parks within their jurisdiction. The bills would then be submitted to the Governor for signature.

According to an analysis released by the House Bill No. 105, it is estimated that 15.5% of adults in Florida are smokers in 2021. This bill references various studies conducted by organizations such as the United Health Foundation, American Health Rankings, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on the impact of smoking on public health.

Furthermore, research has reached the conclusion that tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including several hundred toxic chemicals and up to 69 known carcinogens.

In addition, over 480,000 people in the United States die each year from smoking, with an estimated 41,000 people dying annually due to exposure to secondhand smoke.

During a hearing, Member of Parliament Molly Rose asked whether individuals would be punished for smoking or vaping in town parks if the proposed law is passed. Police Chief David Ogden responded that the law would empower police to issue citations, prevent trespassing, and "give us the ability to stop them." Mayor Jim O'Brien stated that the law was part of a desire to make town parks as safe and controlled as possible. Ogden announced that the police department would be releasing a demonstration on smoking and vaping in the coming weeks.

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