Effective tomorrow it will be illegal to intentionally release a balloon outdoors. According to the Town of Kilmanock, birds, turtles and other animals often mistake balloons for food, which can be deadly. Sea turtles are especially susceptible because they surface to breathe and eat where deflated balloons float on the water. Longwood University researchers found latex balloons, foil balloons and plastic ribbons are a top source of debris found on Virginia’s remote beaches.
The civil offense is punishable by a $25 fine per balloon.