On Monday, the Fort Myers Beach Town Council approved an ordinance to “restrict smoking within the boundaries of any public beaches and public parks that they own,
except that they may not further restrict the smoking of unfiltered cigars.”
Smoking was already prohibited inside all town owned buildings. The town’s fine for littering is $50.00. If a Notice of Violation is issued for smoking or vaping it would have to go before the special magistrate who would rule on issuing any fines.
Lee County prohibits smoking at Bowditch Park, Crescent Park, Lynn Hall Memorial Park and the pier (when they all reopen).
Unfiltered cigars are exempt from being prohibited by state law.
How this type of ordinance will be enforced is always the big question. Town Manager Will McKannay has said, “This was not meant to be punitive. We’ll educate the public. This will be similar to the leash law which at times is enforced by peers through courteous discussions.” If that doesn’t work, the next step would be to call the town or LCSO.
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