Key West City Commission to Vote on Sunscreen Ordinance

Key West, FL – On Tuesday, January 15th at 6pm the Key West City Commission will hear the first reading of a proposed ordinance to ban sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, two common active ingredients in many sunscreens that are known to cause damage to coral. This proposed ordinance comes on the heels of a similar ban just passed in Hawaii.

In support of this measure, The Surfrider Foundation’s Florida Keys chapter and Key West based Reef Relief will be holding a rally at 5pm in front of the City Hall building located at 1300 White St in Key West. Following the rally, Surfrider and Reef Relief are encouraging everyone to sign up to speak before the commission. Each person is allotted 3 minutes to speak. It is not required though to use the entire time.

According to the groups, a great turnout is expected for the rally with many expected to stay and speak in support of the ordinance. Several subject matter experts from around the world are said to be speaking in support. Groups representing the sunscreen industry will also be in attendance to speak in opposition to the ban.

If you have any questions or comments please contact Surfrider at [email protected] or Reef Relief at [email protected]

The Surfrider foundation, Florida Keys and Reef Relief are local non-profit organizations dedicated to ocean focused environmental education and conservation.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]