People release balloons during celebrations and other occasions. People also use balloons locally to help with fishing, which Morley described as intentional littering.
But what some might not realize is that creatures get caught in the string or eat the balloons or balloon fragments, which can injure or kill them. Balloons contribute to the hefty amount of garbage on beaches and in the ocean or rivers.
In response to the issue, the city of St. Augustine is looking to join other local governments in banning the release of balloons.
St. Augustine Commissioner Barbara Blonder proposed the ordinance, which passed on first reading one more reading is required to enact the ordinance.