Miami Beach goes ‘butts out’ on public beaches, parks

A new smoking ban went into effect New Year’s Day on Miami Beach, where residents and visitors may no longer use most tobacco products in public parks and beaches.

“Cigarette butts are not the butts our 18 million visitors want to see,” said Commissioner Alex Fernandez, who sponsored the ban, citing microplastics in cigarette butts as harmful to the environment and marine life.

The ban includes cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco or “any other lighted tobacco product except for unfiltered cigars.” State lawmakers weighed similar legislation last year.

First-time violators face a $100 fine or up to 60 days in jail.

– Jesse Scheckner, Florida Politics