The state Legislature is considering similar proposals. The percentage of cigarette smokers, and the incidence of lung cancer, is far higher in Gulf County and other parts of North Florida than it is in the rest of the state, Kent noted. Addiction often begins at an early age, other statistics show. But the ordinance, however well-intentioned, won't do that, said Bradley Coulter, tobacco prevention coordinator with the American Lung Association office in Tallahassee. Even Gov. Lawton Chiles, when asked about the state legislation, wondered whether some anti-tobacco proposals that targeted teens for punishment were going too far.
Young people smoke because it is an act of rebellion.
It makes it even more enticing. County Commission Chairman Nathan Peters said that won't be a problem. He foresees plenty of community service hours being dished out. We talked to the judge about being strict with the ones who are caught. Education about the dangers of smoking will come with punishment, Peters said.