LEE COUNTY, Fla. - Plastic straws are now banned from the island of Sanibel, as part of an effort to keep the beaches clean.
City council passed the ordinance on Monday, which requires businesses to either use paper straws or none at all.
The city says it’s a step closer to making the island a more environmentally friendly place since plastic straws pose a threat to wildlife.
Continuing to use plastic straws on Sanibel will result in consequences. A written warning will be issued for the first offense, and a $50 dollar fine will be given for the second offense.
A $200 dollar fine will be issued for the third offense, the amount will increase to $500 dollars if a fourth offense is committed.
Fort Myers Beach also banned plastic straws, and have been using paper straws since November.
Plastic straws are only allowed on Fort Myers Beach if they're a part of a pre-packaged drink.
