News

By Mary Thurwachter

    The Lantana Town Council wasted little time last month in approving an ordinance banning the use of balloons and sky lanterns.
    “They litter up the beaches and turtles think they’re jellyfish and eat them,” said Mayor Dave Stewart. “They’re not good for fish either.”
    The new law came to a vote after a representative of the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, a nonprofit sea turtle research, rehabilitation and education center in Juno Beach, approached the town to consider regulating the use of balloons and sky lanterns in the coastal community.
    Florida’s east coast is home to some of the most active sea turtle nesting beaches in the country. Deflated balloons resemble jellyfish, a common prey for sea turtles, and they cause serious harm or death when ingested.
    Palm Beach also is considering a balloon ban. Lake Worth commissioners considered the ban, too, but stopped short of adopting the ordinance, concerned that it would have no consequences for violators and would create nuisance calls for the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office.
    Lantana council members were also concerned about what teeth the law would have.
    Town Attorney R. Max Lohman said penalties would be dealt with through code enforcement.
    “We don’t have specific penalties,” he said. “It would be up to a judge.”
    Stewart said a first-time offender would likely be given a warning.
People can still use balloons and sky lanterns for party decorations. They simply can’t be released into the sky.

In other action, the council:
    • Approved a fourth extension of a lease agreement with the Lantana Chamber of Commerce that allows the chamber to use the historic building at 212 Iris Ave. for $1 a year.
    • Approved an agreement with Ballard Partners Inc. for lobbyist services. Cost is $5,000 per month through Sept. 30, 2017.
    • Learned that there are so many sea turtle nests on Lantana’s public beach this year that some of them are being moved farther south for a better chance at hatchling survival.