News

Actions

Free sunscreen dispensers an idea in Tampa

Posted at 5:37 PM, May 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-27 11:39:41-04

Free sunscreen dispensers at Tampa city parks could be a great idea, according to city council members. 

On Thursday, city council discussed the idea with the non-profit organization, Make Big Change

The organization says they're dedicated to strategic prevention and awareness of skin cancer. The executive director, Laurie Seavey, tells us the meeting with the city went well and they want to know more about the possible idea. 

Seavey said her organization would donate 20 dispensers throughout different parks in Tampa, but it would be the city's responsibility to provide the sunscreen.

City councilman Harry Cohen said they will go after a funding model that would allow businesses or corporations to sponsor a dispenser and supply the sunscreen -- with their advertising on it. 

The bright yellow battery automated dispenser would have SPF 30 sunscreen. 

The idea is already implemented in cities like Boston. 

On average each dispenser goes through two boxes of sunscreen a year, at $200 each. 

The city of Tampa would likely put the budget under the parks department. They plan to look more into this topic the next months, before a July discussion.