TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Smoking in Tampa’s public parks is still allowed, for now.
The city voted to deny a proposed ban, but not everyone agreed with the decision, which sparked a debate between city leaders and residents.
The proposal would have prohibited smoking and vaping in all city parks in Tampa, imposing a fine for violators.
“But that is not what this ordinance is saying. This ordinance is saying, ‘If you smoke in a park, we’re going to fine you $75’,” city council member Lynn Hurtak said. “It’s not dropping a cigarette, but it’s smoking at all.”
Supporters argued the measure would reduce litter and protect non-smokers, but some city council members said it went too far.
“If it was tailored to just littering, obviously, but to start doing citations on people for smoking in the park, it’s going to lead to just more contacts with the criminal justice system,” city councilmember Luis Viera said.
Some business owners voiced mixed feelings on the topic.
“In a public place where kids are going to be susceptible to it, I am not into it, I think it should be ruled out,” Dannie Jones owner of Smokey Jones Smoke and Vape shop in Tampa said.
Others who frequent city parks say a compromise is needed.
“I can see a gray area where there will be an opportunity for them to be away from people that are exercising, away from families, and then they might be able to do it,” resident Mauel Pelaez said.
Ultimately, concerns over enforcement and fairness led to the ordinance rejection, though council members hinted the issues could be revisited in a more focused way.
“If you can’t smoke on the city property you should never be able to smoke in a city park,” city council member Charlie Miranda said.
Larry Washington, the director of solid waste, presented the ordinance, but city council members suggested changing the wording of the ordinance to prohibit littering, and not smoking.
