Our Work
Tobacco Free Suwannee focuses on three areas where community action creates lasting change — schools, public spaces, and the next generation.
Tobacco-Free Schools
Florida law already prohibits tobacco use on school grounds — but a rule on paper is only as strong as its communication and enforcement. Our work focuses on making sure every student, staff member, parent, and visitor at Suwannee County schools knows the rules and sees them consistently applied.
For the 2026–27 year, our primary focus is Suwannee High School — working with school administration to establish a clear, practical procedure for communicating the tobacco-free policy to students, staff, and visitors, including at athletic events and school-sponsored activities.
What we're working toward: A consistent communication process so tobacco-free expectations are clearly understood — not just written in a handbook somewhere.
This is implementation work, not adoption work. The policy exists. We're making it real.
2026–27 Progress
School policy landscape assessed
Documented current school board policies related to tobacco for Suwannee and Lafayette counties.
Strategy plan in development
Using BTFF-provided template to develop implementation plan for Suwannee High School.
Signage and communication rollout
Establish visible signage and a practical communication process for campus, athletic events, and visitor-facing areas.
Policy procedure established by June 30, 2027
Documented, consistent procedure in place at Suwannee High School.
Tobacco-Free Public Spaces
Parks, recreational areas, and public spaces should be places where every family can enjoy fresh air. We work with local governments to adopt tobacco-free ordinances — and help them stick.
Where we stand
Tobacco Free Suwannee has been working alongside local officials to advance tobacco-free ordinances in city and county parks. Progress has been real and recent.
Town of Mayo (Lafayette County) passed a tobacco-free ordinance — the first in the region. Proof that community organizing works.
In Suwannee County, the City of Live Oak is close to adopting a tobacco-free parks ordinance following months of partnership engagement and meetings with city council members. Our next focus is the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners for county-owned properties and recreational areas.
How policy change happens
Ordinance adoption doesn't happen overnight. It takes building relationships with decision-makers, showing up at the right meetings, and making sure elected officials hear from the community. Tobacco Free Suwannee trains partnership members to meet with officials, present the case for tobacco-free spaces, and follow through.
Policy Milestones
Town of Mayo ordinance passed
Lafayette County's first tobacco-free public spaces ordinance. A regional milestone.
Live Oak city ordinance — in progress
Community meetings held, city council engaged. Ordinance close to adoption.
Branford Town Council outreach
Engaging elected officials in the south part of Suwannee County.
Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners
Pursuing county-wide tobacco-free policy for county-owned properties and parks.
Trained partnership members lead all meetings with elected officials — this is community advocacy, not just staff work.
Youth Engagement & SWAT
Students Working Against Tobacco puts young people at the center of tobacco prevention. SWAT chapters at Suwannee High School and Melody Christian Academy give students the training, platform, and community to push back against tobacco industry targeting.
Learn About SWAT →