Voters will decide gas leaf blower ban next year

The referendum comes in response to a threat of state preemption by Sen. Jason Brodeur

Feb. 28, 2024

By Beth Kassab

Voters will decide next year whether to keep or toss the city’s ban on gas powered leaf blowers in March 2025 .

Commissioners voted 3-2 to put the question on the ballot in response to Sen. Jason Brodeur’s threat to preempt such a ban in cities across Florida after residents complained that the ban was an example of local government overreach.

Mayor Phil Anderson, Vice Mayor Sheila DeCiccio and Commissioner Kris Cruzada voted in favor of putting the question on the ballot. Commissioners Todd Weaver and Marty Sullivan voted against it.

If voters decide to keep the ban, it will go into effect in the summer of 2025.

The ordinance was unanimously adopted by the commission in January of 2022, but wasn’t set to go into effect until June of this year.

Commissioners said the ordinance is necessary to protect residents from the ear-piercing noise and pollution that results from the gas blowers.

Weaver, who has led the call for the ban, noted that governments intervene when substances or devices are deemed harmful such as asbestos in buildings or the cocaine that was once in the old formula for Coca Cola.

Wednesday night’s action means it will remain on hold until after the vote a year from now.

WinterParkVoiceEditor@gmail.com

Share This