Smoking Ban Takes Effect on Gulfport Beach, Children's Play Areas
Snuff that butt! The Gulfport City Council passed the smoking ban, 5-0, Tuesday night. It takes effect immediately.
Starting today, it is illegal to smoke on the Gulfport Beach, athletic fields and facilities and playgrounds in the city.
After nearly an hour discussion from people for and against the ban, the Gulfport City Council voted unanimously to pass the ordinance, in second reading. Once the vote was cast, the ordinance took effect.
What does this mean?
According to Gulfport City Manager Jim O'Reilly, if people are caught smoking on the beach or other banned locations they will be asked to put out the cigarette and informed of the new city ordinance.
The City is in the process of ordering between 15 to 20 signs for various areas affected by the ban.
The Pinellas County Health Department's Tobacco Prevention and Control Program will help with signs, marketing and informational materials.
What's the fine?
Gulfport Patch has asked the City Manager about the violation of the ordinance and is awaiting details about the fine.
The ban affects the following locations in Gulfport:
- Gulfport Beach (shoreline from the Rec Center to the Casino)
- Gulfport Recreation Center's playgrounds and outdoor basketball court
- Gulfport Little League Complex
- Hoyt Field Baseball Field
- Tomlinson Park Skateboard Park and children's playground
- Chase Park tennis Courts
- Chase Park children's playground
- Caldwell Park children's playground
The ban does not affect:
- Clam Bayou
- Wood Ibis Park
- Veterans Park
- Shoreline from the Gulfport Casino to the Pier
More to come:
Gulfport Patch is combining some of the concerns, opinions and questions from the public during the meeting in a separate article.
Do you agree or disagree with the smoking ban and why?
Tell us in the comments.
MJ Michaels
9:50 pm on Wednesday, November 2, 2011
I am shocked the City Council voted unanimously for the ban. Next thing we know the city will be banning red meat in our restaurants and putting parking meters on Beach Blvd! Mr Hastings, it was a LITTER problem and you made it a smoking issue. Are you sure you live in Gulfport??
jo
10:00 pm on Wednesday, November 2, 2011
MJ, Key word "UNANIMOUSLY"
MJ Michaels
10:03 pm on Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Yes, all little ducklings following Momma, sad situation.
CJ
11:47 am on Thursday, November 3, 2011
So...in other words you are saying that those of us who support the ban are ''little ducklings''...and ''you'' are a big quack? Sort of like people who travel in circles are big wheels?
Nancy Kelley
6:51 am on Thursday, November 3, 2011
In my opinion litter is a health issue. In considering the rights of all people, we should not leave out the people who don't want to inhale second hand smoke. The smokers can still smoke on the beach east of the casino a COMPROMISE. It is refreshing to have a Vice Mayor like Dave Hastings He does his work with thought and intelligence, he not only lives in Gulport he works very hard for the community. In return he gets very little pay and a few insults from the uninformed. Kudos to the best Council I have experienced in the past 8 years! Attend the meetings and do your own research.