Two teen boys are facing felonies for dumping drums of trash into the Atlantic Ocean at Florida’s annual Boca Bash. The family of one of the boys issued an apology after their son turned himself into the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Viral drone footage captured the teens throwing trash bins filled with bottles and plastics over the railing of their fishing vessel as they sped away from the gathering on April 28. The debris left floating in their wake was visible in the video as the boat of partiers zoomed away into the choppy waters of the Boca Raton inlet. Despite the boys waving and laughing in the footage, they are now facing third-degree felony charges for polluting the ocean.
Both teens, aged 15 and 16, turned themselves in to police on Friday and are being charged with causing pollution that could harm human health, animal life, or property. Following this incident, one of the boy’s parents issued an apology, expressing their deep sadness over the events that took place at Boca Bash. They extended their sincerest apologies to those impacted and upset by the trash dumping incident. The family emphasized that they take their responsibility to care for oceans and communities seriously and acknowledged the seriousness of the situation caused by their son’s actions.
Prior to the charges being announced for the teens, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reported 20 arrests connected to the Boca Bash, including 17 for boating under the influence. However, the trash dumping incident captured on video generated widespread outrage compared to other incidents at the gathering. FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto described the incident as a worldwide story that has sparked significant attention. He expressed hope that it would serve as a teaching moment for all those involved in the event. The annual Boca Bash sees thousands of revelers gathering on Lake Boca Raton, engaging in various activities such as dancing, jumping between boats, and consuming alcohol.
The trash dumping incident at Boca Bash has prompted discussions about environmental responsibility, the impact of human actions on aquatic life, and the consequences of polluting the ocean. The video capturing the teens dumping trash into the Atlantic Ocean has circulated widely on social media, drawing attention to the need for greater awareness and accountability when it comes to protecting marine environments. The FWC’s response to the incident and the subsequent legal actions taken against the teens indicate a commitment to enforcing laws that aim to safeguard ecosystems and prevent pollution in bodies of water. The public outcry and media coverage generated by the incident may serve as a reminder of the importance of respecting and preserving natural habitats.
