Florida businesses accused of using mothballs to deter endangered shorebirds

Two Florida business owners—Christopher Monroe of Chris’s Beachside Bar and Robert Czyszczon of the Plaza Beach Hotel—were charged with illegal dumping and harassing a state-listed imperiled species after allegedly scattering about 1,500 mothballs on St. Pete Beach to deter nesting by endangered black skimmers; investigators linked the plan to video, receipts and incriminating text messages, and said the motive was to protect revenue. The mothballs contain pesticides and pose risks to people and wildlife. If convicted, they could face up to five years in prison, fines up to $5,000 and up to five years of probation. They are out on bond as the case proceeds; the incident drew public outcry and raised environmental concerns.