Why Gov. DeSantis should sign the balloon release ban into law | Opinion

Floridians are becoming more conscious of the harm balloon releases cause to wildlife and our coasts. Far too often, beachgoers are seeing littered balloons on morning walks, fishing charter captains are scooping balloons out of the ocean and coastal animals are injured by this debris.

Balloons and their plastic attachments pose serious hazards to sea turtles and other ocean life. Balloons are some of the most life-threatening marine litter for crucial wildlife populations.

As president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce, my primary purpose is to champion our coastal businesses, bolster tourism and foster collaborative opportunities that elevate both the economic landscape and the overall well-being of our coastal communities. As a Floridian, I can’t ignore the crucial link between our state’s dedication to environmental conservation and its direct influence on the vitality of our coastal businesses and economies.

Bottom line: Clean oceans and beaches are critical to Florida’s economic prosperity. That’s why the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber strongly endorsed state Rep. Linda Chaney and state Sen. Nick DiCeglie’s bill to protect our beaches and prohibit the intentional release of balloons.

With more coastline than any other state in the continental United States, healthy and thriving coastal resources support the livelihoods for thousands of Floridians. Florida has unique characteristics that make it a diverse paradise for locals and tourists alike.

Our tourist-driven coastal economy is important and offers an array of activities and treasured beaches, fishing meccas and protected natural areas such as Shell Key Preserve and Caladesi Island State Park. So, it’s important that we collectively ensure that both visitors and residents benefit from healthy oceans and a plastic-free, clean environment.

Here in the award-winning Pinellas County beaches, we know that healthy and clean beaches equal a healthy and thriving coastal economy. Balloon litter is still litter. Intentionally releasing balloons should be a thing of the past and Florida’s laws should reflect that.

While balloon releases have sometimes been used to celebrate and commemorate significant events or milestones, Floridians can consider greener alternatives such as: blowing bubbles, flying kites, planting a tree or building a memorial garden. Additionally, House Bill 321 includes provisions to exempt children from fines, while directing law enforcement to address intentional balloon releases as we continue to educate our communities on its impacts.

The bill passed the Florida House and Senate in March with bipartisan support. If signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, it would take effect July 1. The Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber strongly supports HB 321 and we encourage the governor to swiftly sign this commonsense bill into law.

Robin Miller is president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce. This opinion piece was distributed by The Invading Sea website (www.theinvadingsea.com), which posts news and commentary on climate change and other environmental issues affecting Florida.