Two St. Petersburg men are facing serious charges after allegedly spreading mothballs on St. Pete Beach, putting protected shorebirds at risk. Christopher Monroe and Robert Czyszczon were arrested on July 29 by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers. The charges include felony littering and a misdemeanor count of attempted taking of threatened shorebirds.
The incident happened back in April behind the Plaza Beach Hotel. Mothballs contain toxic chemicals that can harm humans, birds, and marine life. At the time, threatened and endangered shorebirds were actively nesting on the beach. Volunteers from the Audubon Society along with everyday beachgoers helped officers remove the mothballs before the chemicals could cause more damage.
This story is a reminder that our local beaches are more than just vacation spots. They are habitats for wildlife that depend on our protection. Whether you’re a snowbird spending the season here or a local who’s lived on the coast for years, we all share a responsibility to keep the sand and water safe. What do you think about the penalties for environmental crimes on our beaches? Let us know in the comments.
