Mothball scheme lands Florida business owners in court over endangered shorebirds

Two Florida business owners were charged with third-degree felonies after allegedly dispersing about 1,500 mothballs on St. Pete Beach to deter nesting by endangered black skimmers. Investigators linked purchases, location data, and text messages to the plan; if convicted, they could face up to five years in prison, fines up to $5,000, and probation. The incident sparked public outcry, led to cleanup efforts, and may delay the birds’ fledging, threatening the nesting colony. Both are out on bond as the case proceeds.