Even if Amendment 3 passes, you won’t find dispensaries here

SEWALL’S POINT, Fla. — It’s one of the most hotly contested items on the ballot this year in Florida.

We talk about Amendment 3which would legalize marijuana statewide if passed.

This has been talked about in Florida for years.

A new poll from the University of North Florida shows that about 66 percent of Floridians who participated plan to vote yes on the amendment, and some municipalities in our area are now putting their own bans and restrictions in place should it pass.

On Tuesday, the city of Sewall’s Point held a public meeting and passed an ordinance prohibiting the construction of recreational marijuana dispensaries within city limits.

Already, the city has banned medical marijuana dispensaries.

State

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“It didn’t really fit the character of our city,” Mayor John Tompeck told WPTV’s Kate Hussey.

The city also banned an ordinance banning marijuana smoking on public streets and sidewalks. Tompeck said there has been no opposition to the move — at least, not yet.

“Literally no public comment at all, which we were surprised about because usually the public will come forward and say something,” Tompeck said.

Mother-of-two Megan Menster said she thought it was a great idea.

“That was the specific reason I voted no on issue three, I just don’t want to smell it, I don’t want my kids to smell it,” Menster said.

WPTV

Others, like Hollywood’s Jenn Cerny, weren’t so thrilled that municipalities have that option.

“I wasn’t aware it was possible until today,” Cerny said. “I hope all the cities and counties will be supportive.”

Sewall’s Point isn’t the only municipality taking action.

On Oct. 14, the city of Stuart passed an ordinance that places restrictions on where a recreational dispensary can be built and how big it can be.

So far, Stuart already has six medical marijuana dispensaries along US 1.

Under the new ordinances, which still need to be signed by Mayor Campbell Rich, a recreational dispensary cannot be built within 500 feet of a school, within 500 feet of another dispensary and likely won’t be able to be built in the downtown historic district the city. .

It should also be a minimum of 2,000 square feet and a maximum of 6,000 square feet.

Local elections

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“It’s to make sure we don’t have one Buc-ee of marijuana, maybe, in the city to keep that under control,” Ben Hogarth said at this month’s commission meeting.

WPTV checked in with municipalities on the Treasure Coast.

Indian River County currently bans medical marijuana dispensaries, but a county spokesman told Hussey commissioners they have not discussed what they will do with recreational dispensaries if Amendment 3 passes.

Vero Beach, which has a drug dispensary near City Hall, has not discussed the new amendment either, according to Mayor John Cotugno.

Port St. Lucy, St. Lucie County and Fort Pierce currently allow drug dispensaries.

Spokesman for Port St. Lucie, Scott Sample, said the city is currently researching its options regarding Amendment 3, and county communications director Erick Gill told Hussey commissioners they haven’t discussed the issue yet.

Martin County said there has been no discussion of the change at the board level.

Mayor Tompeck said his city’s decision is not necessarily final.

“I think we’re always in a position where we can go back and change the ordinance if we want to do it sometime in the future,” Tompeck said.