2013-01 (Limit Tobacco Use to Minors) RESOLUTION NO. 2013-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE,
FLORIDA; SUPPORTING INITIATIVES LIMITING YOUTH
ACCESS TO ALL FORMS OF CANDY OR FRUIT
FLAVORED TOBACCO AND NICOTINE PRODUCTS AND
RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF THE TOBACCO FREE
- PARTNERSHIP OF OKEECHOBEE ORGANIZATION AND
ITS YOUTH SUPPORT GROUP "STUDENTS WORKING
AGAINST TOBACCO" REFERRED TO AS "SWAT"; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, tobacco use is the number one cause of preventable death in the United
States, and almost 90 percent of tobacco users started before they were 18 years
old; and
WHEREAS, an estimated one-third of adolescent experimentation with smoking can be
directly attributed to tobacco advertising and promotional activities; and
WHEREAS, in Okeechobee County, 27.7 percent of High School youth and 16.4 percent
of Middle School youth reported using a tobacco product in the past 30 days, both
of which are significantly higher than the state average; and
WHEREAS, tobacco companies use youth-oriented colorful and stylish packaging, and
exploit adolescents'attraction to candy flavors with names such as"Mandarin Mint,"
"Winter Warm Toffee," and "Twista Chill"; and
WHEREAS, strong community collaboration can strengthen efforts to address the
influence of tobacco use on our community.
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved, before the City Council for the City of Okeechobee,
Florida; presented at a duly advertised public meeting; and passed by majority vote
of the City Council; and properly executed by the Mayor or designee, as Chief
Presiding Officer for the City that:
SECTION 1. The City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida, does hereby
support initiatives limiting youth access to all forms of candy or fruit
flavored tobacco and nicotine products, thereby protecting our youth
from the tobacco industry's predatory marketing influences.
SECTION 2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
INTRODUCED AND ADOPTED in regular session this 7th day of May, 2013.
James E. Kirk, Mayor
ATTEST:
Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk
REVIEWED FOR LEGAL FFICIENCY:
John R. Cook, City Attorney
Resolution No. 2013-01 Page 1 of 1