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Kissimmee adopts tobacco‑free parks ordinance after students' testimony
Summary
After extensive student testimony urging protection for youth and cleaner parks, the Kissimmee commission unanimously adopted an ordinance banning smoking and vaping in city parks, making the prohibition enforceable rather than just a policy or signage.
The Kissimmee City Commission unanimously approved an ordinance Feb. 17 that prohibits smoking and vaping on city park properties, making the restriction enforceable and authorizing removal of noncompliant individuals from park grounds.
The ordinance was advanced by local SWAT (Students Working Against Tobacco) chapters and promoted in part by Osceola High School students who delivered nearly a dozen public comments arguing the measure would protect children, reduce second‑hand smoke, and cut toxic litter such as cigarette butts. Student speaker Jaden Gomez told commissioners the policy would "protect not only younger kids ... but people of all ages," and Jada Copeland, president of the Osceola County SWAT chapter, said a tobacco‑free parks policy would "help keep our community safe" and support younger generations.
City staff told the commission the city previously maintained a policy and signage but that the new ordinance would codify the prohibition and provide enforcement authority; staff and commissioners noted the ordinance had been promoted by Osceola High School students. After a brief commission comment period, Commissioner Martinez moved for approval; the motion carried on a unanimous roll‑call vote.
The ordinance includes standard severability and codification language; staff recommended approval following the public hearing. The commission recorded the vote as 5–0.
