In an effort to promote the safety and protection of sea turtles, Loggerhead Marinelife Center and Palm Beach County have partnered to prohibit the use of balloons at the following county-operated beachfront parks effective September 1, 2017:
Deflated balloons resemble jellyfish, a common prey item for sea turtles. At Loggerhead Marinelife Center, hospital staff regularly treat turtles that have eaten balloons.
"We're so grateful to partner with Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation on the Balloon Ban project," said Tommy Cutt, LMC's chief conservation officer. "Ending the use of balloons at these beachfront parks will help protect sea turtles and other coastal wildlife, as well as provide clean, beautiful parks for locals and thousands of out-of-county guests who visit them every year."
The mission of the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department is to make the quality of life for Palm Beach County residents and visitors better by providing diverse, safe and affordable recreation services, welcoming parks, and enriching social and cultural experiences. We achieve this by promoting wellness, fostering environmental stewardship, contributing economic value, and by improving our community every day for this and future generations.