Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

A.G. GancarskiFebruary 22, 2017

Floridians can vote and enlist in the military when they’re 18, but a new Senate bill would have them wait until they’re 21 to go to Marlboro Country. SB 1138, filed Wednesday by Democrat Darryl Rouson, would raise the smoking age from 18 to 21. Rouson’s bill would amend Florida Statute 569.008, which currently restricts the […]

Jim RosicaOctober 18, 2016

The state’s highest court has set oral arguments in an appeal of a punitive damages award against the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. The Florida Supreme Court, which accepted jurisdiction this May, will hear the case March 8, court filings show. At trial, a jury found smoker James E. Schoeff 25 percent at fault in his death. He had “died from […]

Jim RosicaMay 31, 2016

The state’s highest court agreed to hear an appeal of a punitive damages award against the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. in the case of a man who died from smoking, according to filings. The Florida Supreme Court accepted jurisdiction last Thursday, court dockets show. At trial, a jury found smoker James E. Schoeff 25 percent […]

Phil AmmannMarch 15, 2016

Every now and then, who doesn’t want to kick some butts to the curb? On March 16, the Florida Tobacco Cessation Alliance will be participating in the 20th annual Kick Butts Day, which gives everyone an ideal opportunity to tell the world how and why you fight tobacco. Kick Butts Day is an annual event […]

Drew WilsonSeptember 22, 2015

A new survey shows teens aren’t smoking as much as they used to, but they are still finding a way to get nicotine. The Florida Youth Tobacco Survey, released Tuesday, found that 6.9 percent of Florida high school students smoked cigarettes, a 1.7-point drop from the 8.6 percent who said they smoked “conventional cigarettes” – […]

Guest AuthorAugust 12, 2015

I’ve been a pediatrician for 35 years, and in that time, I have seen first-hand the effect that a changing climate has on my young patients. With more ozone and pollution in the atmosphere, we see worsening respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma. I care for many young infants and children who have to take several […]

Christine Jordan SextonMarch 31, 2015

Smokers beware: There may be one less place you can light up in the Sunshine State. The Senate Health Policy Committee on Tuesday gave the nod to Sen. Jeff Clemens‘ bill that makes it illegal to smoke cigarettes in a car if there’s a child under 13 traveling in the vehicle. The bill — SB […]

Guest AuthorMarch 12, 2015

“I’m not old enough to have kids in high school.” My twin sons were graduating from the 8th grade, and this became my mantra, despite all evidence to the contrary. My reading glasses had become a permanent fixture on the end of my nose while Jacob and Zachary were concerned about their “online presence.” There […]

Guest AuthorNovember 19, 2014

Here’s an interesting debate that I would love to see played out in Florida. In their desire to save lives and improve health, some communities elsewhere have raised to 21 the minimum age for anyone to buy tobacco. It’s led to a reduction in teenage smoking, although some folks worry that it’s another case of […]

Guest AuthorFebruary 12, 2014

I have a confession to make. I’m a second-hand smoker. I’ve been a second-hand smoker since I started dating my beautiful bride in high school. We will celebrate our 27th anniversary in June 2014. E-cigarettes have changed my life and in all likelihood my life expectancy. The American Lung Association states that there are as […]

Tag: smoking
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Darryl Rouson wants to raise the smoking age to 21

Court orders oral arguments in smoking death case

Supreme Court agrees to hear smoking case

Kari Jacoby: Time for adults to join youth in kicking butts, saving lives

Teen smoking rates at all-time low

Dr. Lynn Ringenberg: Climate change health effects now visible, deadly

Ban on smoking in car with youngsters moves through Senate

Catherine Durkin Robinson: Choosing the right high school

Mark O’Brien: Raise smoking age to 21, save lives and money

Jamie Miller: E-cigarettes: Next target for those who want to control your life