Charges for Business Owners in Beach Disturbance Case

Two business owners in Florida face serious charges after allegedly scattering around 1,500 mothballs across St. Pete Beach. The intention was reportedly to prevent an endangered bird species from nesting in the area. If found guilty, they risk up to five years in prison, fines reaching $5,000, and five years of probation.

The issue emerged in late April as visitors noticed mothballs on the sandy shores of St. Petersburg’s St. Pete Beach. Volunteers from the Audubon Society and officers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) responded swiftly. Together, they removed approximately 1,000 mothballs from the sand near Plaza Beach Hotel.

Community concern soared following the discovery. Many expressed worry about the birds while investigations into the mothballs’ origin were underway.

FWC officials noted the mothballs appeared in areas where black skimmers, an endangered shorebird species, were attempting to nest. The presence of pesticides posed risks to both wildlife and children.

FWC officers, along with Audubon volunteers, worked diligently to remove the toxic mothballs. Yet, 500 additional mothballs emerged the following night. Law enforcement intervened by serving search warrants, analyzing substantial data, and confiscating cellphones to pinpoint the offenders.

The investigation led officials to Christopher Monroe, manager of Chris’s Beachside Bar, and Robert Czyszczon, owner of Plaza Beach Hotel. FWC officials alleged that the pair devised a plan to use mothballs to deter birds from nesting near their businesses, fearing a downturn in revenue as a consequence.

Video evidence and purchase records indicated Czyszczon procured a significant quantity of mothballs from Walmart just before they appeared on the beach. Investigators uncovered incriminating text exchanges between Monroe and Czyszczon expressing their objections to the native birds and discussing the deployment of mothballs.

These conversations revealed their scheme to scatter mothballs on the beach. Text messages indicated a unified effort to prevent bird nesting. Cellphone tower records confirmed Monroe’s phone was proximate to Czyszczon’s during both instances of mothball scattering.

Despite charges of illegal dumping and attempted harassment of a state-listed imperiled species, both men are currently out on bond.

FWC officials clarified that while the birds were likely unharmed, the disruption did delay nesting. This delay could endanger the birds during hurricane season.

Reports indicate Florida hosts around 6,800 black skimmers, with hundreds residing in Pinellas County beaches. Pesticides in mothballs could jeopardize wildlife and humans exposed to their vapors.

According to Brett W. Bultemeier, director of UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office, the label on pesticides is legally binding. Disregarding such labels carries legal consequences.

No comment was forthcoming from Czyszczon’s attorney, and Monroe reportedly lacks legal representation.