The debate over smoking in public parks is flaring up in Pinellas Park, where city leaders are expected to vote tonight on a proposed ordinance that would ban smoking and vaping in all city-run parks. The proposal comes under the authority of Florida’s updated Clean Indoor Air Act, which gives municipalities the ability to restrict tobacco use in certain public spaces. Similar bans have already been passed in nearby St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and even in Polk County. “It’s about making the air cleaner and keeping harmful debris out of parks where kids and wildlife can get a hold of it,” said Pinellas Park City Councilman Ricky Butler. “Smoking is a tough one because the act directly impacts people around you.” Supporters of the ordinance argue it’s a public health issue and an environmental one, citing the risks of secondhand smoke and litter from cigarette butts and vape cartridges. But critics say the measure overreaches, especially in outdoor, open-air settings. “There’s always this balance between the loss of freedom,” said park visitor John Filiss. “It is publicly funded space. There just aren’t a lot of places where people can still do this.” Some parkgoers suggest a compromise, like setting up designated smoking areas in low-traffic parts of the park. “There’s a lot of areas on the edges of the park where people really don’t go,” said park visitor Lexi Schleissing. “That’s a perfect place to put them.” Opponents also worry about enforcement and the severity of proposed penalties, which could include up to a $500 fine or even 60 days in jail. “It seems needlessly punitive,” said Filiss. “That seems really obscene.” City officials say they plan to listen to public input at tonight’s meeting before making a final decision. Council members stress the focus will be on education, not punishment. “This is not a ‘gotcha’ situation,” said Butler. “It’s about establishing clear rules, like we’ve done for drinking or other behavior in city parks.” The ordinance, if passed, would make exceptions for unfiltered cigars and cigarettes—products city leaders say are less likely to create litter or pose environmental risks.