We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens of Citrus County, Florida, call upon our local government authorities to implement a comprehensive ban on the use all tobacco and vaping products within our city and county parks. This action is imperative to protect the health and well-being of our residents, particularly our youth, and to reduce the preventable health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine use.

Local Impact of Tobacco and Vaping Use

• Approximately 20% of Citrus County youth are exposed to secondhand smoke from cigarettes and vapes, highlighting the widespread nature of the issue.
• One in five adults in Citrus County currently smokes, contributing to elevated health risks and healthcare costs.
• In response to increasing incidents, the Citrus County School District has enlisted a trained police dog to detect vaping devices in schools, underscoring the severity of the problem.

Health Risks Associated with Tobacco and Vaping

• Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States, with an estimated 32,000 Floridians dying annually from smoking-related causes.
• Exposure to secondhand smoke contributes to over 46,000 deaths per year from heart disease in non-smokers, with children being particularly vulnerable to respiratory illnesses.
• Nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm brain development, leading to addiction and cognitive impairments.

Cigarette and Vape Litter

• Cigarette butts are the most discarded item in the world. According to Keep America Beautiful, over 1.69 billion pounds of cigarette butts are thrown away annually, making up approximately 38% of all litter in the U.S.
• Citrus County, like many other areas, is not immune to this issue. Cigarette butts are commonly found in public parks, beaches, streets, and even in nature reserves, contributing to local litter and environmental degradation.
• Each cigarette butt contains toxins such as nicotine, lead, arsenic, and cadmium that leach into the environment, particularly in bodies of water where the toxins can harm aquatic life. These butts are also non-biodegradable and can take up to 10 years to decompose.
• In Citrus County, with its vast natural areas, such as Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, cigarette and vaping product litter poses a significant threat to local wildlife and ecosystems.
• Vape devices are often made with plastic, metal, and lithium-ion batteries, which pose additional environmental hazards when discarded improperly.
• The cost of cleaning up tobacco and vaping-related litter is significant. A 2020 study estimated that tobacco-related litter costs U.S. municipalities approximately $11.5 billion annually for cleanup efforts, with cigarette butts accounting for the majority of these costs (Keep America Beautiful).
• This also affects local economies in places like Citrus County, where tourism and outdoor recreation are important sectors. Littered public spaces can deter tourists from visiting, leading to lost revenue.

🛑 Call to Action

We urge the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners and local municipalities to:

Implement a Countywide Ban: Prohibit use of all tobacco and vaping products in public spaces, including parks, beaches, and recreational areas.​

 
✍️ Sign the Petition

By signing this petition, we affirm our commitment to a healthier Citrus County and advocate for the implementation of policies that will protect our community from the harmful effects of tobacco and vaping. Together, we can create a safer, healthier environment for all residents.