Smoking Ban Takes Effect on Gulfport Beach, Children's Play Areas

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.