Although balloon releases at weddings and graduations might be Instagram-worthy, they can take an ugly toll on wildlife and the environment. That’s the argument behind a new bill that would ground balloons and air lanterns in Jacksonville.
The proposal, which will be introduced at tonight’s City Council meeting, says balloons and lanterns pose several problems: Sea turtles and birds mistake them for jellyfish or other food; animals get entangled in balloon strings; mylar balloons float into power lines and short them out; sky lanterns may cause fires if they land while still lit; and so on.
St. Johns County and Fernandina Beach have release bans already, and Atlantic Beach adopted stiffer penalties for violating a state law that limits releases. The Jax measure would make balloon releases a form of littering, which is punishable by a minimum fine of $100 and community service.
The proposal is sponsored by Councilman Rory Diamond, whose district includes Neptune, Atlantic and Jacksonville beaches.