LAKE OKEECHOBEE, Fla. (April 22, 2026) — A small team from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District removed dozens of pieces of debris from Lake Okeechobee during a targeted cleanup effort, underscoring the growing environmental impact of balloon releases on Florida’s waterways.
Acting Lead Ranger Megan Parsons, alongside USACE biologists Jessica “Skippy” Martin and Lee Martin, conducted the cleanup by airboat, recovering 28 balloons in just three hours. The debris was primarily found entangled in aquatic vegetation, with plastic bottles identified as the second most common pollutant.
“Nearly everything we collected was balloon debris,” Parsons said. “It really shows how widespread the issue is and how quickly it impacts the ecosystem.”
Although balloon releases are often used for celebrations and memorials, officials emphasize that the environmental consequences are significant. Once released, balloons eventually fall back to the ground, frequently landing in waterways where they can become trapped in vegetation or break apart into smaller fragments.
“These materials don’t just disappear,” said Jessica “Skippy” Martin, an invasive species biologist. “They can be ingested by wildlife or cause entanglement, which can lead to injury or death. What seems harmless can have long-term impacts on the environment.”
Lake Okeechobee, a critical component of South Florida’s ecosystem and water management system, is particularly vulnerable to this type of pollution due to its size and connectivity to downstream habitats.
Lee Martin, a biologist supporting the mission, said efforts like this cleanup are essential for both immediate impact and long-term awareness.
“We can remove debris, but prevention is key,” Martin said. “Education is one of the most important tools we have to protect these waterways.”
The team conducted the cleanup as part of ongoing stewardship efforts to preserve public lands and protect wildlife habitats managed by the Corps of Engineers.
Officials encourage the public to consider environmentally friendly alternatives to balloon releases and to be mindful of how everyday actions can affect natural resources.
“What goes up must come down,” Parsons said. “Choosing sustainable alternatives helps protect the ecosystems we all depend on.”
To learn more about the Jacksonville District’s environmental stewardship efforts, visit: https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Missions/Environmental/