Push to ban smoking on Florida beaches intensifies

The Florida League of Cities is trying to build support as a Senate committee next week is slated to take up a bill that would allow local governments to restrict smoking on beaches and in public parks.

The league sent an email Tuesday asking supporters to contact members of the Senate Community Affairs Committee, which is scheduled to consider the bill (SB 224) on Nov. 3.

“Current law prohibits local governments from setting up reasonable smoke-free zones so that our residents and visitors can enjoy public parks, playgrounds, recreation fields and beaches without exposure to unhealthy second-hand smoke,” the email said.…