Light up or butt out

The possibility of a smoking ban at Five Points Park is still under consideration.

At its June 18 meeting, the city’s Parks, Recreation and Environmental Protection advisory board left open the possibility of an all-out ban or the confinement of smokers to designated areas.

The Five Points Neighborhood Association has been pushing for the ban, and Lt. Jeff Karr, of the Sarasota Police Department, has backed the idea, believing it could cut down on crime in the park.

Parks board member John Hartman said although he used to be a smoker, he sides with non-smokers in this case.

“I think it’s up to the smokers to find a place to smoke,” he said. “I know smokers have rights, but they can exercise those rights on private property.”

Said board Chairwoman Brie Ondersin: “We need to find a happy medium to accommodate as many people as possible, whether they smoke or not.”

The board will continue the discussion of a possible smoking ban at its August meeting.