World's Most Beautiful Beaches to be smoke-free? PCB may prohibit vapes, cigarettes on beach

Lori Steineck, The News Herald
·2 min read

PANAMA CITY BEACH — Thinking of a relaxing sunset walk on the beach with a glass of wine in one hand and a cigarette in the other?

Officials say don't even think about lighting up here.

City officials discussed at their council meeting Tuesday morning taking a stance to make it illegal to smoke cigarettes and even vape on the city's beaches.

Panama City Beach officials discussed at their council meeting Tuesday morning taking a stance to make it illegal to smoke cigarettes and even vape on the city's beaches.
Panama City Beach officials discussed at their council meeting Tuesday morning taking a stance to make it illegal to smoke cigarettes and even vape on the city's beaches.

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Mayor Mark Sheldon told the City Council that he asked for the issue to be addressed, adding, "I'm in favor of it. I'd love us to take a stance."

Told it would difficult to enforce, he responded, "Yes, we know that. So is speeding."

The council asked city attorneys to draft an ordinance for them to consider banning cigarettes and even e-cigarettes.

"Cigarette butts are a pervasive, long-lasting, and a toxic form of marine debris," according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

They also are difficult to remove from the sandy beaches.

"They have to make 10 or 15 passes with a rake," Councilman Paul Casto said of beach cleanup crews.

City Attorney Amy E. Myers told the council that cigarettes and vapes could be prohibited by Florida House Bill 105 under the Florida Clean Air Act but not unfiltered cigars.

The bill was passed by the House in February and the Senate in March, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 24 and became law July 1.

Councilman Michael Jarman pointed out that the law "passed overwhelmingly in the state legislature," and he asked attorneys to "work something up."

"I think most people will comply," said Councilwoman Mary Coburn.

The mayor agreed.

"We live in the world's most beautiful beach and (discarded cigarettes on the beach are) not the image we want," Sheldon said.

Casto asked whether violators would face fines similar to those issued for "glass or dogs on the beach."

Myers pointed out that the first offense could amount to a fine of $50.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Panama City Beach could ban smoking, vaping on beach with ordinance