01/15/2019 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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RESOLUTION -2019=— A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA, RELATING TO ESTABLISHMENT OF TOBACCO -FREE ZONES AT COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES; AND PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT AND SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, a fundamental purpose of local governments is to promote, protect, and improve the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens and visitors of the jurisdiction; and WHEREAS, in consideration and advancement of such purpose, Indian River County provides recreational and leisure facilities and programs for children and adults through -out the County that help to promote good health, wellness, and quality of life for citizens and visitors alike; and WHEREAS, tobacco use is the most preventable cause of death and disease in the United States, where 430,000 Americans die each year from lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory illness, and other diseases related to tobacco use; and WHEREAS, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has determined secondhand smoke to be a risk to the public health, has classified secondhand smoke as a group A carcinogen, and puts our children in danger with proven health risks, including respiratory diseases, asthma, and ear infections; and WHEREAS, 3,000 youth become regular smokers each day, almost 90% of smokers start smoking before the age of 18, and one-third of these children will die prematurely from tobacco - related illnesses; and WHEREAS, chewing tobacco, snuff or dip, including flavored products marketed to youth, are tobacco products that cause cancers of the mouth, gums, tongue, and throat and the spittle resulting from use of such products expelled onto the ground, picnic and recreational seating areas, and other contact surfaces creates potential exposure to such body fluids and bacteria; and WHEREAS, tobacco use in and around recreational and leisure activities and facilities sends a contradictory message to the same young people who are encouraged to participate in recreational and leisure activities that are beneficial to their health and wellness; and WHEREAS, in addition, improperly discarded cigarette and cigar butts contribute to litter and offensive pollution of Indian River County as well as create potential choking and other health dangers for young children, pets, and wildlife; and WHEREAS, in light of all the foregoing, the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners ("Board") finds that establishment of tobacco -free zones with appropriate signage for playground areas at County parks and recreation facilities is in the public interest in that it will 156