LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- The City of Sanibel gave final approval to a plastic straw ban at Monday night's city council meeting.
The ordinance, which was initially passed in July, takes effect in January and calls for a ban on the sale or distribution of plastic straws in the city. Exceptions will be made for pre-packaged beverages with straws, medical facilities, and for disabled people who rely on the use of straws.
Enforcement will begin in 120 days and penalties will range from a warning for the first offense to a $500 dollar fine for the fourth offense within a year.
Sanibel recommends using straws made out of paper, plants, or other vegetable or natural products.
Similar ordinances have already gone into effect at Fort Myers Beach, Miami Beach, Marco Island, and Satellite Beach.
