News and Events
Tobacco-Free Partnership of Gilchrist County Sets Ambitious Goals for Upcoming Year
June 17, 2025
The Tobacco-Free Partnership of Gilchrist County is heading into the new fiscal year with an energized vision and a renewed commitment to creating healthier, tobacco-free spaces across the community. With a packed calendar of events and several key initiatives already underway, the partnership is preparing for what could be one of the busiest and most impactful years in its recent history.
Kicking off in Quarter 1, the partnership will join forces with other organizations across the state to participate in the annual Park and Waterway Cleanup. This effort not only helps protect the county’s natural resources but also highlights the growing issue of tobacco litter—particularly vape waste—in parks and recreational areas. These events provide the partnership with opportunities to raise awareness about the environmental damage caused by discarded tobacco products, while also engaging local residents in hands-on prevention work.
In addition to cleanups, the partnership will maintain a consistent presence at every community event throughout the year. Through tabling and outreach efforts, members will provide educational resources, promote cessation programs, and offer support to families and individuals affected by tobacco use. The goal is to keep prevention and public health at the forefront of community conversations while supporting other local initiatives through collaboration and resource sharing.
A major focus of this year's advocacy work is the push for a countywide tobacco-free parks policy. The proposed policy would prohibit all forms of tobacco use in public parks, including smokeless products, traditional cigarettes, and increasingly common vape devices. Vape cartridges and disposable e-cigarettes have become a top concern, as they are frequently found littered near playgrounds, walking trails, and sports fields. With growing support from community partners and stronger relationships with local decision-makers, the partnership is optimistic about the policy’s potential passage and the positive impact it will have on public spaces countywide.
The partnership is also looking to strengthen its relationship with Gilchrist County Schools, working alongside the new superintendent to expand tobacco-free messaging across school properties. Plans are underway to help secure updated signage for campus entrances, sports fields, and other high-traffic areas. By placing visible signs in locations where both students and visitors gather, the goal is to reinforce a culture of health and accountability throughout the school system and broader community.
As the Tobacco-Free Partnership of Gilchrist County looks ahead, the vision remains clear: to build a healthier future for every resident, one policy, event, and conversation at a time. With a strong foundation of community collaboration, new leadership in the school district, and a calendar full of impactful projects, the partnership is well-positioned to make meaningful strides this year. While the work ahead is ambitious, the passion behind it is even greater. Together, the partnership and its supporters are creating a stronger, cleaner, and truly tobacco-free Gilchrist County.
