Teens To Face Consequences, According To Authorities. “TEACHING MOMENT.”
BY: ANDREW COLTON | Editor and Publisher
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2024 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The teens caught on video dumping trash into Boca Inlet during Boca Bash on Sunday have now turned themselves in to police. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission issued this statement to BocaNewsNow.com late Friday afternoon:
On May 3, 2024, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers completed their investigation into two teens seen dumping trash into the Atlantic Ocean. The two juveniles turned themselves in to authorities to face the consequences for violating the laws related to polluting the waters of the state of Florida. FWC officers began receiving complaints on Monday, April 29 in response to a video posted on a popular social media account depicting several juveniles on a boat traveling out of Boca Inlet in Palm Beach County.
In the video, the boat is heading away from an unsanctioned, waterborne event known as Boca Bash. Two of the boat’s occupants are shown emptying large garbage cans full of bottles and trash into the ocean before heading back to the event. FWC investigators quickly identified the two subjects and were able to work with subject matter experts and the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office to determine suitable charges for their violations.
“The illegal dumping of trash in our marine environment is a serious crime, and we worked closely with the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office to determine appropriate charges. Callous disregard for Florida’s environment will not be tolerated. This is a teaching moment for all those involved—Florida’s natural resources are precious, and we should all do our part to protect them,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto.
“The negative impact this type of deliberate pollution has on our beaches, reef system, and estuaries cannot be understated,” said Major Dustin Bonds, South Alpha Regional Commander. “This type of criminal activity harms our wildlife and undermines the investment made by the people of Florida to keep our unique ecosystem healthy.”
The public can report suspected fishing, wildlife, or boating violations by contacting FWC through the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or by visiting MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert.
They should be fined to the highest amount allowed and made to do community service for 6 months cleaning the beaches.
Boat operator and owner should face consequences too.
There is a new law in Florida restricting social media for people under 16. How can a 15 year old be allowed to operate, and be a guardian for a dozen minors, on a million dollar thousand horse power boat? There are many smart 15 year olds, but I would not let them perform surgery on me even if they graduated medical school. The trash that they dumped is quite a bit for just one boat. I believe that it is the trash of multiple boats that were tied together at Boca Bash. Young people clearly have a system to get away with stuff. This is a learning moment for parents and law enforcement!
They’re rich. Nothing short of jail time will make any impression on them.
Since cars can be confiscated when used in the commission of a crime, the boat should be confiscated. By doing that the parents who paid for the boat, and taught their kids nothing about behavior, will also be punished.
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