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Panama City backs signage pilot, delays a full smoking ban in parks and beaches
Summary
After public concerns about enforcement and unintended consequences, the City Commission on July 22 adopted a one‑year pilot to place designated smoking-area signage and receptacles in parks and beaches and scheduled a return to consider enforcement and potential ordinance adoption.
The City Commission voted unanimously July 22 to implement a one‑year pilot establishing designated smoking zones with signage and cigarette receptacles at city parks and beaches, and to revisit a full smoking ordinance and enforcement options after the pilot. The commission did not adopt the proposed ordinance (No. 32-72) at final reading as originally drafted.
Background and legal context: Staff explained that state law (cited in the meeting as the statute governing municipal authority over smoking in beaches and parks) allows counties and municipalities to prohibit smoking in public beaches and parks and to regulate vapor-generating devices, but that an enforceable local restriction requires a municipal ordinance. Staff also warned that an ordinance without penalties can still create a misdemeanor under state law; commissioners expressed concern about criminalizing conduct and sparking confrontations.
Public input and concerns: Several speakers said enforcement would be problematic or that officers are not always present. Derek Thomas, a resident, said making violations misdemeanors could be a harsh legal outcome. Other residents asked how the ordinance would define parks and beaches and sought clarity about scope.
Commission action and rationale: Commissioners said they favored discouraging smoking near children and reducing litter from cigarette butts, but worried about enforcement, conflict and the city—udget. They amended staff's approach: instead of adopting a broad, enforceable ordinance with fines that could create misdemeanors, they directed staff to place designated smoking‑area signage and receptacles (special ash receptacles) at major parks and waterfronts, run a one‑year test period, and return in one year with data and a recommendation on whether enforcement (including fines or an ordinance) is needed. The motion passed 5-0.
What this means: For the coming year, the city will install signage and receptacles and monitor complaints and enforcement issues. Staff and commissioners said they want to limit conflict, focus on education and provide clear, visible options for disposing of cigarette waste. The commission retained the option of drafting and passing a formal ordinance with enforcement if the pilot shows it is necessary and supported by the community.
