County Officials Ban Smoking and Vaping at Local Beaches and Parks

BROOKSVILLE – The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to pass an ordinance prohibiting smoking and vaping at all Hernando County Parks and Beaches, Tuesday.

Officials say the ordinance will go into effect on May 15th and violators will face a penalty of up to $1,000 per violation.

Hernando County Government and the Parks and Recreation Department have collaborated with the Tobacco Intervention Partnership to implement "no smoking or vaping" signs that will be installed at all the local parks and beaches.

"Secondhand smoke is still dangerous," shared Robert Talmage, Hernando County Parks and Recreation Administrator. "Helping reduce the risk of exposure for citizens and children while they partake in recreation is a great achievement for our community."

During the 2022 Coastal Clean Up hosted by UF/IFAS Extension Office, 974 cigarette butts were collected in one day from Linda Pederson Park all the way to Bayport. "They cause degradation of our waterways," stated County Commissioner and Chairman, John Allocco. "We are trying to protect taxpayer dollars and your investment in our parks."