Would you like to take a leisurely sunset stroll on the beach in Panama City Beach (PCB) with a drink in one hand and a cigarette in the other?
Officials say not to even consider it.
City officials discussed the position taken to make smoking, even electronic smoking, on the city's beaches illegal during Tuesday's council meeting.
The temporary overnight closure of the beaches in Panama City has been deemed a success, as there were no arrests or citations made.
PCB officials have revealed that Panama City Beach Fire Rescue is seeking bids for the construction of a new fire tower to enhance their training capabilities. This move is aimed at taking their training to new heights.
The mayor, Mark Sheldon, informed the city council that he is seeking a resolution to this issue, stating, "I endorse it. I hope we take a stance.
When informed of the difficulties in enforcement, he responded, "Yes, we are aware. The same goes for regulating speeding behavior.
The committee has called upon the city prosecutor to draft a new law, which would consider the prohibition of not only cigarettes but also e-cigarettes.
The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) stated that cigarette butts are a common, persistent, and toxic form of marine debris.
They are also difficult to remove from the beach.
According to Congressman Paul Castro, they had to use rakes to clean the beach 10 or 15 times.
Amy E. Myers, the city prosecutor, informed the council that bill number 105 in the Florida State House of Representatives could potentially ban cigarettes and e-cigarettes under the Florida Clean Air Act, but unfiltered cigars would not be affected.
The bill was passed by the House in February and by the Senate in March, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on June 24th, and went into effect on July 1st.
The lawmaker Michael Jaman noted that the law had been "overwhelmingly passed by the state legislature" and urged lawyers to "work towards finding a solution.
I believe that most people will comply," said Congresswoman Mary Coburn.
The mayor has agreed.
We live on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and discarded cigarette butts do not align with the image we want," said Sheldon.
Castro inquired whether violators would face fines similar to those for "glass on the beach or unleashed dogs.
Miles pointed out that a first offense may result in a fine of $50.
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