Charges are imminent against teenagers who threw trash from a boat during a spring break-like event off the coast of Boca Raton, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The FWC has been investigating the incident since a viral YouTube video showed two teenagers dumping garbage into the Atlantic Ocean during the Boca Bash event. The FWC is working with the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office to pursue charges against the individuals involved. One person on the boat apologized for the incident, while another brushed it off with a flippant response when asked about it by the media.
Another teenager who was on the boat during the incident stated that he was in the front and did not see what was happening behind him, but he disagreed with the actions of his classmates. He expressed remorse for the individual who made the decision to dump trash into the ocean but believed that person should face consequences for their actions. During a commission meeting, FWC Col. Brian Smith expressed the agency’s desire to send a message that this behavior would not be tolerated. He suggested that each person involved should perform at least 500 hours of community service as a form of punishment. The suspects’ names have not been released, and a final decision on their punishment has not been made.
The incident, captured on video by YouTuber Wavy Boats LLC, showed a group of teenagers speeding into the Atlantic Ocean from Lake Boca through Boca Raton Inlet and dumping bins of empty bottles and garbage into the ocean. Drone footage from the front of the boat captured the teenagers laughing and waving as they left a trail of trash behind them. FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto described the incident as a worldwide story and emphasized the importance of using it as a teaching moment for the individuals involved. The FWC and the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office are working together to handle the case and determine the appropriate consequences for those responsible.
Florida’s litter law provides a range of potential punishments, including penalties, fines, and jail time. The Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office has not yet provided an update on the case, and the suspects’ names have not been publicly released. FWC Col. Brian Smith has advocated for the individuals involved in the incident to perform significant community service as a way to atone for their actions. The FWC and the state attorney’s office are continuing to investigate the situation, and a decision on the final punishment has not been reached as of now. It is essential to hold individuals accountable for their actions and send a message that such behavior will not be tolerated in the state of Florida.
Overall, the incident involving teenagers throwing trash into the Atlantic Ocean during the Boca Bash event has sparked outrage and calls for consequences. The FWC, along with the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, is working to determine the appropriate charges and punishment for those involved in the incident. The video of the teenagers dumping garbage into the ocean has gone viral, drawing attention to the issue of pollution and environmental responsibility. The individuals responsible for the incident may face significant community service requirements and potential legal consequences under Florida’s litter law. It is crucial to address incidents like this to discourage similar behavior and protect the environment for future generations.
