Florida wildlife officials announced arrests of a hotel owner and bar manager accused of deploying mothballs on a St. Pete Beach shoreline, a case highlighting public safety and protected species laws.The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Plaza Beach Hotel owner Robert Czyszczon and bar manager Christopher Monroe were charged with commercial littering for purpose of economic gain and harassing a protected species, according to WFLA.Investigators reported more than 1,000 mothballs were removed on April 20 and that hundreds reappeared the next day behind the property.Officials noted mothballs can be hazardous to humans and wildlife.FWC cited “incriminating text messages” referencing black skimmers and revenue concerns, read at a Wednesday press conference after an investigation that began in April.
