Proposed bill aims to ban smoking in public parks

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A proposed Florida Senate bill aims to give local governments the power to ban smoking in public parks and playgrounds.

If the bill is passed, city of Gainesville officials will likely revisit the issue. The city placed signs for smoke-free zones in some public areas last year, but they’ve been largely ineffective because there is no way to enforce the violations.

Opponents of the bill said it infringes on their personal freedom to smoke in a public, outdoor area. Proponents of the bill believe it will be healthier for local children to avoid exposure to second-hand smoke in parks and playgrounds.

“If there is a place that they could have where they could smoke and places that are smoke-free, I would like that,” said Lori Dodson.

State Sen. Rob Bradley drafted the bill. Bradley represents Alachua, Bradford and Clay counties.