Florida youth take action with park cleanup and tobacco free initiative
Submitted - Mayo, FLA. – Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) members in Mayo conducted a tobacco-related litter cleanup at Veterans Park on February 20, 2025. The youth-led effort was part of an ongoing campaign to protect Mayo’s public spaced from the harmful effects of tobacco and vaping products.
SWAT members surveyed the park for cigarette butts, vape cartridges and other tobacco-related litter, highlighting the environmental and public health risks posed by these products. Research shows that cigarette butts are the most littered item in the country, releasing toxic chemicals into the environment and posing ingestion risks to children, pets and wildlife.
Beyond the cleanup, the students are taking their advocacy a step further. Mayo
SWAT plans to present their findings to the Town Council, urging leaders to adopt an ordinance designating all town-maintained parks as tobacco and vape-free zones. This policy change would align Mayo with communities across Florida that have leveraged local authority under the Florida Clean Air Act to establish smoke free outdoor spaces.
“Tobacco free public spaces help protect youth and families from second hand smoke exposure while reinforcing the message that smoking and vaping should not be the norm in our community,” said a Mayo SWAT youth representative. “Veterans Park is a place for kids to play and families to gather—it should be free from the dangers of tobacco use.”
Studies indicate that smoke free policies in public areas not only decrease exposure to harmful chemicals but also support those who are trying to quit smoking. By implementing a tobacco free parks policy, Mayo would be taking an important step toward reducing tobacco use initiation among youth and fostering a healthier community environment.
For more information on Mayo SWAT’s efforts or to support their tobacco free parks initiative, contact the local SWAT Coordinator, Selby Schneitman at
