Homestead Bans Smoking and Vaping in City Parks

The Homestead City Commission unanimously approved a smoke-free parks ordinance that prohibits cigarettes and electronic vapor products in all municipal parks and recreational areas.

The city plans to implement the policy before summer park sessions begin. Signage and community outreach will encourage compliance.

Bill Amodeo, speaking on behalf of the initiative, cited health risks to youth and environmental damage. Cigarette butts are the most littered item in the United States, while discarded vaping devices introduce plastic and lithium-ion batteries into soil and waterways.

Tobacco Free Florida in Miami-Dade County will provide educational materials and technical support. The statewide program has helped more than 350,000 Floridians quit smoking since 2007, reducing the state's adult smoker population by approximately 451,000 and saving $17.7 billion in health care costs.

For more information, contact Tobacco Free Florida at 305-278-0442.