Two Florida business operators were apprehended this week following allegations of using toxic mothballs to discourage protected shorebirds from nesting on a popular beach. Robert Czyszczon, 47, and Christopher Monroe, 52, face serious charges, including felony commercial littering and a misdemeanor for attempted harassment of a state-listed imperilled species.
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The arrests, which took place on the morning of 29 July, stemmed from an extensive investigation initiated after reports surfaced in April of mothballs littered across St. Pete Beach, particularly behind the Plaza Beach Hotel. Authorities from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) received notice of about 1,000 mothballs found on 20 April, followed by an additional 500 the next day.
It has been suggested by officials that the mothballs were deliberately placed in proximity to where a colony of black skimmers, a protected bird species, was attempting to nest. Czyszczon is the proprietor of the hotel, while Monroe manages Chris’ Beachside Bar, which operates on the hotel’s grounds.
Investigators relied on various pieces of evidence to connect the two men to the crime. Surveillance footage revealed Czyszczon purchasing a significant amount of mothballs from a local Walmart on the evening prior to their discovery on the beach. Moreover, cellphone tower data indicated both men were present on the beach during the times the mothballs were observed being scattered.
Text messages exchanged between the pair were also uncovered during the investigation. According to FWC Captain Matt DallaRosa, the messages included disparaging remarks about the birds, with one exchange stating, “They’re the worst birds, and then the bird people will put up a fence around the area.” The two men expressed frustration over potential financial losses estimated between £20,000 and £40,000 due to the presence of the birds.
Mothballs contain harmful chemicals that pose risks to both humans and animals when inhaled. As outlined by the National Pesticide Information Center, using mothballs as a form of wildlife deterrent is illegal in Florida. The state is home to approximately 6,800 black skimmers, with about 10% of the population residing in Pinellas County.
The need for conservation is paramount, according to Maj. Evan Laskowski of the FWC, who stated, “These species need extra help in protection to ensure their survival.” Harassment or disturbance of these birds negatively impacts their nesting success, thereby hindering efforts to boost their populations.
Previous reports of the mothballs incident revealed swift action from wildlife officials, with a senior officer mentioning the collection of roughly 200 mothballs, assisted by volunteers from Audubon Florida. The clean-up efforts were undertaken shortly after the initial discoveries of the toxic substances, with unsettling odours persisting near Gulf Boulevard.
In light of the recent arrests, social media backlash has been considerable, with numerous individuals posting one-star reviews for both businesses implicated in the case. One reviewer remarked, “Place smells like mothballs,” reflecting the community’s discontent over the actions of the business owners.
As the investigation progresses, the consequences of this troubling case highlight the importance of wildlife protection laws and the impact of human actions on delicate ecosystems. The incident serves as a reminder of the vital role conservation plays in maintaining the balance of nature, particularly in areas frequented by both residents and tourists. The legal repercussions for Czyszczon and Monroe may set a precedent for future adherence to wildlife protection regulations in Florida.