| Background: |
Conservation and preservation of the natural environment is a core objective of Nassau County. Nassau County’s beaches are home to many amphibious creatures such as sea turtles and jellyfish. Many of Nassau’s sea turtles are federally recognized as endangered species and around the state of Florida, there has been a recent spike in sea turtle injuries relating to the release of balloons on public beaches. The improper use and release directly correlates to ocean litter, particularly with sea turtles ingesting them as deflated balloons resemble jellyfish, a common prey for sea turtles. Many coastal communities have taken initial steps to educating its residents of the environmental effects on improper balloon disposal.
On 12/6/16 the City of Fernandina Beach adopted Resolution 2016-155 discouraging the use and release of balloons on the City’s three public beaches. Local governments around the state are in collaboration with the Loggerhead Marine life Center whom provides free signage and educational materials to inform residents of the environmental impacts of using and releasing balloons. The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a Florida non-profit education and conservation NGO located in South Florida. Their objective is to educate local residents of marine life protection and balloon use. The proposed partnership bears no financial burden on Nassau County as the signage and outreach materials are provided by the Marinelife Center free of charge. |
| Request: |
| Discuss/consider a Resolution discouraging the use and release of balloons on public beaches, as well as a potential partnership with the Loggerhead Marinelife Center via their Project Shield initiative. |
| Financial/Economic Impact to Future Years Budgeting Process or Effect on Citizens: |
The program has no cost to Nassau County beyond installing the educational signs provided by the Loggerhead Marinelife Center. The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a Florida non-profit education and conservation NGO located in South Florida. All materials are provided free of charge. |
| Action Requested and Recommendation: |
Consistent with action taken by the City of Fernandina Beach on 12/6/16 via Resolution 2016-155, Staff request the Board consider passing a resolution discouraging the use and release of balloons on public beaches and partner with the Loggerhead Marinelife Center via their Project Shield initiative. Staff recommends entering the Project Shield program at a “level 2” participation which includes beach park signage and educational materials distributed throughout the coastal community. |
| Is this action consistent with the Nassau County Comprehensive Land Use Plan? |
| Yes |
| Funding Source: |
| Facilities Maintenance staff will install the provided signs at the selected beach front parks. |