Atlantic Beach balloon ban would make people pay the price for releasing balloons, lanterns

After a tragedy, an accident, a crime or vigils to honor the victims often include a release of massive numbers of balloons. People have been releasing helium balloons, in celebration and in sympathy, for decades. But after they float away, those balloons turn into trash and often wind up harming wildlife. Now, there’s a new proposal to stiffen the penalties for releasing balloons and paper lanterns in Atlantic Beach.