Sarasota News Leader

03/15/2013

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Sarasota News Leader March 15, 2013 Nonetheless, Hosack reported, the companion version of the bill in the Florida House — HB 439 — "has not yet been put on the agenda of the House Health Quality Committee. Efforts are focused on getting the bill a hearing in the House." Page 33 On Monday morning, March 11, the Venice City Council unanimously voted approval — on a first reading — of an ordinance creating a registry in that municipality. Former Sarasota City Commissioner Ken Shelin, who has been advocating for such registries in the county, told the News Leader he was pleased that no council members raised any concerns about the issue. No members of the public spoke in opposition to it, either, he said. Sarasota County stopped enforcing smoking prohibitions on its property after a December ruling by a 12th Judicial Circuit Court judge in Sarasota said local governments did not have authority under the Florida Clean Indoor Air Act to take such action. The bills in the curThat same day, the Leon County Commission rent legislative session were designed to remvoted unanimously to establish a registry, edy the situation. which will go into effect May 1. MORE REGISTRIES The City of Sarasota established a registry Although the statewide domestic partnership last fall. Jan Thornburg, the public informaregistry effort is on hold, supporters have tion officer for the city, told the News Leader been cheered this week by relevant local gov- that 124 couples had registered with the city through March 12. % ernment action. Local governments are hoping legislative action this year will give them formal control over tobacco use on their property. Photo by Eldinaldo do Espirito Santo via Wikimedia Commons State Sen. Eleanor Sobel/Contributed photo

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