TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: Heather Faust, MMC, FCPC, City Clerk
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Potential Actions the City Can Take to Support Prohibiting the Use of Vapes on School Grounds. (Requested by Commissioner Petrow).
Recommended Action
Option 1: I move to direct the City Attorney to review applicable laws, Ordinances, and partnership opportunities and to provide recommendations on actions the City of North Port can take to support North Port High School in combating student vaping, with a report back to the Commission.
City Commission Options
Option 1: I move to direct the City Attorney to review applicable laws, Ordinances, and partnership opportunities and to provide recommendations on actions the City of North Port can take to support North Port High School in combating student vaping, with a report back to the Commission.
• Pro: This allows the City to proactively support the health and safety of local students while ensuring any action taken is legally appropriate and coordinated with the School District, rather than reacting without clear authority.
• Con: The issue primarily falls under the School District’s jurisdiction, so directing City resources and staff time to the matter could create overlap of responsibility and may not result in actions the City ultimately has the authority to implement.
Option 2: I move to approve and transmit a letter of support from the City Commission to the Sarasota County School Board advocating for a zero-tolerance vaping policy to promote student health, safety, and a positive learning environment.
• Pro: Sending a letter of support allows the City Commission to formally advocate for student health and safety and demonstrate community leadership and partnership with the School Board on an issue impacting local youth without creating a direct financial or regulatory burden on the City.
• Con: Adopting a position on a specific school disciplinary policy could be viewed as the City intervening in School Board governance, and a zero-tolerance approach may limit flexibility for administrators to address individual student circumstances.
Option 3: I move to approve and transmit a letter of support from the City Commission endorsing the use of vape detection monitors as a preventative, non-intrusive tool to address student vaping.
• Pro: Vape detection monitors provide a preventative, technology-based approach that helps school administrators identify and deter vaping behavior while minimizing direct confrontation and allowing staff to intervene earlier to protect student health.
• Con: Supporting a specific solution could be viewed as the City recommending how the School Board should allocate its resources, and there may be concerns about student privacy, implementation costs, and long-term effectiveness.
Option 4: I move to decline sending any letter to the Sarasota County School Board regarding vaping policies, maintaining a neutral position and allowing the Sarasota County School District to address the issue independently.
• Pro: Maintaining neutrality respects the School Board’s authority over school discipline and policies and keeps the City focused on its primary municipal responsibilities without expanding into education governance matters.
• Con: Choosing not to communicate with the School Board may be perceived by students, parents, and the community as a lack of support or concern from the City regarding a public health issue affecting local youth.
Background Information
During the City Commission Regular Meeting held on February 24, 2026, following public comments from students at North Port High School who spoke before the City Commission regarding the increasing prevalence of vaping on campus Commissioner Petrow requested this item for consideration. During their remarks, students expressed concerns about the impact of vaping on student health; school safety; and the overall learning environment, noting that vaping commonly occurs in restrooms and other unsupervised areas.
The student testimony highlighted challenges faced by school staff in monitoring and addressing vaping activity and emphasized a desire for stronger prevention measures and clearer enforcement. To address response to these concerns, Commissioner Petrow requested that the Commission consider potential options for engagement with the Sarasota County School Board, including whether to provide formal input or support related to vaping policies or preventative measures.
This item is intended to allow the City Commission to discuss the issue, consider possible actions, and determine whether to communicate recommendations or maintain a neutral position while respecting the School Board’s authority over school policy and operations.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Good Governance
Financial Impact
Not applicable.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Letter of support for zero-tolerance vaping policy
2. Letter of support for vape detection
3. Zero Tolerance for School Related Crimes 5.32
4. Smoking and Tabacco Free Environment 2.90
Prepared by: Sara Lane, Administrative Service Specialist
Department Director: Heather Faust, MMC, FCPC, City Clerk