Two teenagers have been charged after a viral video emerged showing a group of party-goers on a boat dumping drums full of trash into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida during a spring break-like event known as 'Boca Bash.' The footage sparked widespread outrage and has prompted an investigation by state authorities.
A pair of Florida teenagers have been charged with a third-degree felony for dumping trash into the Atlantic Ocean during the annual 'Boca Bash' event, an unofficial spring break gathering that attracts thousands of party-goers to Lake Boca Raton in Palm Beach County.
The charges came after a viral video captured the incident, which shows a group of revelers chucking bins of empty bottles and garbage into the ocean, leaving a trail of debris behind. The video has sparked widespread backlash and prompted an investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
The teenagers, a 15-year-old from Gulfstream and a 16-year-old from Boynton Beach, were identified as the culprits seen throwing the waste into the water. They have been charged with causing pollution, which is a third-degree felony under Florida law.
"This has become a worldwide story," said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto at a commission meeting. "Over the weekend, my phone blew up. Hopefully, it will be a huge teaching moment for all of them."
FWC Col. Brian Smith, director of the division of law enforcement, emphasized the importance of sending a clear message that Florida will not tolerate such behavior. "We need to send a message that Florida doesn't tolerate this and that we want to protect our environment," he said.
The Boca Bash incident has drawn attention to the environmental impact of such large-scale gatherings and the need for responsible behavior. The event, which originated in 2007 when party-goers turned up despite its cancellation, has grown significantly over the years, with thousands flocking to the shallow waters of Lake Boca Raton for a day of revelry.
Social media posts from the event showcase a boisterous atmosphere, with young adults hopping from boat to boat, dancing in the water, and consuming alcohol. However, the aftermath of the trash dumping has cast a negative light on the event.
The FWC has stated that the Boca Bash falls under state jurisdiction as it occurs on water. The agency made 20 arrests during the event, including 17 for boating under the influence, but none were connected to the trash dump.
The charges against the two teenagers send a clear message that littering and polluting Florida's waterways will not be tolerated. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the environment and behaving responsibly in public spaces.
