Ban of Styrofoam, straws passes in St. Augustine Beach

ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH, Fla. – An ordinance was passed Monday night that prohibits the sale and distribution of Styrofoam containers and plastic straws.

A second ordinance was also passed that prohibits the sale and distribution of single-use plastic bags by retail establishments. Both ordinances will go into effect Jan. 1, 2020.

Just three months ago, St. Augustine Beach City Commissioners voted to discourage the use of single-use plastic, stopping short of voting on an all-out ban.​

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Environmental groups have pushed for years saying these types of plastic harm marine life and cause more pollution. But critics have said this issue should be voluntary.

The following Florida cities have all created laws to ban plastic straws:

• Sanibel
• Fort Myers Beach
• Miami Beach
• St. Petersburg
• Fort Lauderdale