Fort Myers Beach considers smoking ban in town-owned areas

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. —

Fort Myers Beach town leaders are considering a ban on smoking and vaping in public parks and beaches, which would cover town-owned areas.

Spots like Bowditch Park, Lynn Hall Memorial Park, and the Beach Pier fall under the county's existing smoking ban, prohibiting smoking or vaping. The town wants to extend the ban to town-owned beaches.

Steve Lowe, visiting from West Virginia, said, "I think there ought to be spaces designated for the people who want to do that. I get it, and I understand and the beach is for everyone."

The discussion comes just days after Sanibel approved a similar ban on its beaches.

A 2022 update to Florida's Clean Air Act now allows local governments to restrict smoking in these areas. However, unfiltered cigars cannot be banned under state law, because they are biodegradable.

The management and planning board decided to move the proposal forward to the town council. It will now go to a first reading and public hearing, and if passed, it would proceed to a second reading and second public hearing before final approval.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.