Two Florida business owners have been charged after authorities alleged that about 1,500 mothballs were scattered on St. Pete Beach to discourage endangered black skimmers from nesting. Investigators said the men feared a nesting colony would reduce business revenue by as much as $50,000. The mothballs were found in April near two businesses, prompting a response from wildlife officers and Audubon Society volunteers. Both men are out of jail on bond and face felony and misdemeanor charges.
The case involves an area where black skimmers were attempting to establish a nesting colony. Authorities said the pesticide-containing products could have exposed birds, other wildlife, beachgoers and children to harmful vapors or contact.
| 1) | Mothballs discovered at a St. Pete Beach nesting site |
|---|---|
| 2) | Investigation links business owners to the beach deposits |
| 3) | Why black skimmers were considered a business concern |
| 4) | Charges, evidence and potential penalties |
| 5) | Potential effects on birds and coastal wildlife |
Mothballs discovered at a St. Pete Beach nesting site
Beachgoers reported finding small white mothballs on the sand behind the Plaza Beach Hotel in St. Pete Beach, in St. Petersburg, Florida, in late April. Officers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and volunteers from the Audubon Society removed about 1,000 of the objects from the beach. Approximately 500 more appeared overnight, increasing concern that the material had been deliberately placed near birds attempting to nest.
The mothballs contained pesticides and were spread across an area used by black skimmers, an imperiled shorebird that nests directly on beaches. Authorities said the objects created a potential hazard because children, wildlife and other beach users could come into contact with them.
Investigation links business owners to the beach deposits
Wildlife investigators opened an inquiry after public concern grew over the deposits and their apparent connection to the birds. Officers served search warrants, reviewed terabytes of data and seized cellphones as they worked to identify who had placed the mothballs.
Investigators said video surveillance and purchase records showed Robert Czyszczon, the owner of the Plaza Beach Hotel, spent about $60 on a large quantity of mothballs at Walmart the day before the first deposits were found. Authorities also identified Christopher Monroe, the owner and manager of Chris’s Beachside Bar. Cellphone tower records allegedly placed both men in the same location on both nights when mothballs appeared on the beach.
Why black skimmers were considered a business concern
Authorities alleged that Czyszczon and Monroe were concerned that a nesting colony would lead to fencing around the protected area, limiting access between their businesses and the beach. They also allegedly feared that fewer visitors would result in lower sales and lost revenue.
Black skimmers do not build nests in trees. Instead, they push sand backward to create shallow depressions, where they lay eggs and raise their young near the surf. Investigators said text messages between the men showed opposition to the birds and discussions about preventing them from nesting.
“The bird people will put up fence around the area, and then the beach people will not be able to get to and from because they will fence around that space.”
Authorities also cited a message estimating that the presence of nests could cost between $25,000 and $50,000.
Charges, evidence and potential penalties
Robert Czyszczon and Christopher Monroe were charged with illegal dumping, a third-degree felony, according to Pinellas County court records. They also face misdemeanor allegations involving the attempted taking of a state-listed imperiled species through harassment.
If convicted of the felony charge, each man could face up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000 and up to five years of probation. Both defendants have been released on bond. An attorney for Czyszczon did not provide a comment, while court records indicated that Monroe did not have an attorney and could not be reached.
Potential effects on birds and coastal wildlife
Wildlife officials said the birds probably were not physically injured, but the alleged harassment delayed nesting. That delay could push back the time when young black skimmers are able to leave the nest, potentially exposing them to severe weather later in the season.
Officials warned that a major storm before the end of hurricane season on November 30 could destroy a colony if the young birds had not fledged. Florida has about 6,800 black skimmers, with several hundred estimated to live on beaches in Pinellas County.
University of Florida pesticide guidance states that mothball vapors can harm people and wildlife. The guidance also emphasizes that pesticide labels contain legally enforceable requirements and that mothballs should be used only as directed.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | About 1,500 mothballs were found on St. Pete Beach. |
| 2 | Two business owners face illegal dumping and wildlife-related charges. |
| 3 | Authorities said the men feared losses linked to bird nesting restrictions. |
| 4 | Officials said the alleged actions delayed black skimmer nesting. |
Summary
The allegations highlight the conflict that can arise between coastal commerce and protections for imperiled shorebirds. Authorities say the mothballs were intended to deter nesting but created risks for wildlife and people. The criminal case will determine whether the two business owners were responsible for the deposits and whether their actions violated Florida law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on St. Pete Beach?
About 1,500 mothballs were allegedly scattered near a black skimmer nesting area behind businesses on St. Pete Beach.
Who was charged?
Robert Czyszczon and Christopher Monroe were charged with illegal dumping and the attempted taking of an imperiled species by harassment.
Could the birds have been harmed?
Officials said the birds probably were not physically injured, but the alleged interference delayed nesting and could have increased risks to young birds later in the season.