St. Pete Beach, Florida – Two Florida business owners are facing serious charges after allegedly deploying a toxic deterrent on a St. Pete Beach to prevent an “imperiled” bird species from nesting. Robert Czyszczon, owner of the Plaza Beach Hotel, and Christopher Monroe, owner and manager of Chris’s Beachside Bar, have each been charged with third-degree felonies for allegedly scattering approximately 1,500 mothballs across the sensitive beach habitat.
If convicted, the two men could face up to five years in prison, fines reaching $5,000, and up to five years of probation. The incident began in late April when observant beachgoers reported the unusual presence of mothballs on the pristine white sand of St. Pete Beach in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Toxic Deterrent Targets Endangered Species
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers, alongside dedicated volunteers from the Audubon Society, swiftly mobilized. Their initial efforts recovered about 1,000 of the small, white, pesticide-laden orbs from the sand directly behind the Plaza Beach Hotel. However, overnight, an additional 500 mothballs mysteriously appeared, indicating a deliberate and persistent effort.
The target of this unusual and harmful act was a colony of black skimmers, an endangered shorebird species attempting to establish a nesting colony on the beach. FWC officials emphasized that the placement of these toxic mothballs, which contain harmful pesticides, posed a direct threat not only to wildlife but also to children who could easily come into contact with them. The realization quickly dawned on investigators that the birds were being intentionally targeted.
Robert Czyszczon, left, and Christopher Monroe, right, were charged with third-degree felonies for allegedly scattering mothballs on a beach behind their businesses in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Investigation Uncovers “Incriminating” Evidence
The incident triggered a significant “public outcry,” prompting FWC investigators to launch a comprehensive probe. Through search warrants, analysis of “terabytes” of data, and the seizure of cellphones, authorities pieced together the puzzle, leading them to Monroe and Czyszczon.
According to authorities, the two business owners allegedly conceived a plan to use mothballs to deter the birds from nesting, fearing potential loss of revenue. Video surveillance and receipt records reportedly showed Czyszczon purchasing a “large quantity” of mothballs for approximately $60 at a Walmart the day before the initial discovery on the beach.
Crucially, investigators reportedly found “incriminating” text messages exchanged between Czyszczon and Monroe. These conversations allegedly revealed discussions about their shared objections to the native fowl and detailed plans for the placement of the mothballs on the beach. Cellphone tower data further placed Monroe’s phone at the same location as Czyszczon’s on both nights the mothballs appeared.
One alleged text message from a suspect stated, “They’re the worst birds,” in anticipation of the nesting season. Another expressed concerns about potential revenue loss, stating, “Why didn’t you tell me we lose $25,000 to $50,000?” The concern centered around the belief that bird nesting areas would be fenced off, restricting beach access for patrons.
Officers with FWC worked with Audubon Society volunteers to remove mothballs from St. Pete Beach when they appeared in April.
Legal Ramifications and Environmental Impact
Monroe and Czyszczon are charged with illegal dumping, a third-degree felony, and the “attempted take of a state-listed imperiled species by harassment,” a misdemeanor. Both individuals have since been released on bond.
Black skimmers, with an estimated population of 6,800 in Florida and several hundred in Pinellas County, are ground-nesting birds, making depressions in the sand to lay their eggs and raise their young. This behavior makes them particularly vulnerable to human interference.
The use of pesticides in mothballs is regulated, and misuse can be detrimental to both humans and wildlife. Brett W. Bultemeier, director of the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office, highlighted in a 2021 publication that “The label language is not simply a set of directions. Rather, they are requirements that are legally enforceable.”
While FWC officials believe the birds themselves were not directly harmed by the “harassment,” their nesting was delayed. This delay could have serious implications, pushing back the fledging date for their young and potentially exposing them to the increased dangers of late-season storms during hurricane season, which concludes on November 30.
Black skimmers lay eggs in depressions they make in beach sand.
An attorney for Czyszczon did not respond to a request for comment. Monroe could not be reached for comment, and court records indicate he currently does not have an attorney.
The case underscores the delicate balance between commercial interests and environmental protection, particularly concerning vulnerable wildlife populations in popular tourist destinations.
