BARTOW, Fla. — Smoking and vaping are now banned from parks in Polk County after county commissioners adopted a new ordinance Tuesday.
The ordinance allows the county manager to block any smoking or vaping in public parks in unincorporated Polk County – focusing first on places with playgrounds and sports complexes for youth programs.
After the law is filed with the Secretary of State’s Office, it'll become effective.
Parks will post signs to remind the public of the new no-smoke and vaping policy. Anyone who violates the ordinance could be asked to leave the park.
The idea of the new law was crafted by the youth-led advocacy group "Polk Students Against Tobacco."
The Polk County Board of County Commissioners was approached before with the request to cut down on the use of tobacco in public areas. Now, the commissioners adopted the ordinance by a 5-0 vote.
“It’s very encouraging whenever young people get involved,” Commissioner George Lindsey said in a statement. “Especially when it results in a positive action like this.”