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Jacksonville Beach council approves smoke-free beaches, adds vaping to ban
Summary
On May 5 the Jacksonville Beach City Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting smoking on the Atlantic Ocean beach; councilmembers amended the ordinance during the meeting to explicitly include electronic nicotine devices such as vapes. The vote passed unanimously.
Jacksonville Beach — The City Council voted unanimously on May 5 to adopt an ordinance prohibiting smoking on the Atlantic Ocean beach and amended the measure to explicitly include electronic nicotine devices, such as e-cigarettes and disposable vapes.
The vote followed a lengthy public comment period in which local students, public-health advocates and representatives of community organizations urged the city to include vaping devices in the ban. Council Member Janssen moved to adopt the ordinance, which passed after Council Member Sutton offered and won an amendment that defined “smoking” to include electronic nicotine and vaping products.
Supporters said the ordinance will reduce secondhand exposure, cut litter, and make the beach more family friendly. Ashley Matsano, speaking for Tobacco Free Jacksonville, told the council: "Removing tobacco products from beaches…
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