Fort Walton Beach, Fla. – Tobacco Free Florida, a bureau of the Florida Department of Health, is participating across the state in an annual Coastal Cleanup Event, taking place Saturday, September 21, 2024.

 In Okaloosa County, volunteers are invited to meet at The Board Walk on Okaloosa Island, 1450 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, at 8 a.m. The cleanup will continue until 11 a.m. Cleanup supplies, along with water, goodies, and breakfast, will be provided by local businesses and partners while supplies last.

 In Okaloosa County members of the local Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) chapter will join the Tobacco Free Florida Okaloosa County personnel to participate in the beach cleanup. SWAT is Florida’s statewide youth organization working to mobilize, educate, and equip Florida youth to deglamorize the tobacco industry. Supporting an event like this is part of Tobacco Free Florida’s ongoing commitment to supporting Florida tobacco awareness, prevention, and cessation at the local, county, and state levels.

 “Many people mistakenly believe cigarettes are biodegradable, and they may not think of the damages to our beaches and parks they are doing with this waste,” said Laura Corbin, bureau chief for Tobacco Free Florida. “We know cigarettes are harmful to anyone who uses them, but this cleanup is to bring attention to the fact that they also hurt our beautiful beaches, parks, and other shared spaces.” 

Cigarette butts are by far the most commonly littered item worldwide.¹ Improperly discarded cigarette butts can degrade into thousands of microplastic fibers, release chemical compounds dangerous to human health, and be deadly to animal and marine life if swallowed.² The site of a cigarette butt can also be a visual trigger for those trying to quit smoking, potentially leading to a slip-up or relapse.³ Removing discarded cigarette butts from public areas can help support cessation. 

Since July 2022, more than 75 municipalities across 41 counties have passed ordinances restricting smoking and/or the use of tobacco products in Florida’s parks and beaches.

 Anyone interested in finding out more about the county event can contact Leslie Torres 850-797-5610.