Traveling to the Caribbean for a relaxing beach getaway sounds like the ideal vacation, but for one Delaware family, spring break at a luxury resort ended with all four family members being hospitalized due to possible pesticide poisoning.

According to ABC News, school administrator Steve Esmond, his wife Dr. Theresa Devine, and their two teenage sons may have been exposed to the pesticide methyl bromide after traveling to the Sirenusa Resort on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands for spring break. Initial reports from Judith Enck, administrator for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 2 Office, which covers the U.S. Virgin Islands, indicated that the family arrived March 18 at their second floor condo, the same day that the apartment below them was sprayed with the harmful pesticide in order to combat an indoor bug problem.

POISONED IN PARADISE: Entire family stricken at Caribbean resort…What may be to blame? http://t.co/qK1LZ5oHJy pic.twitter.com/hhSzbb5klM

— Eyewitness News (@ABC7NY) April 6, 2015

Enck said that by March 20 the entire family became seriously ill with both boys, ages 16 and 14, experiencing seizures. After being taken to a hospital on the neighboring island St. Thomas by paramedics, the boys were then airlifted to a hospital in Philadelphia, while the parents were airlifted to a hospital in Delaware. The mother is currently undergoing occupational therapy after being treated and released, but both sons remain in serious condition in comas while their father just recently became stable.

Methyl Bromide is a potent neurotoxin that can cause central nervous system and respiratory failure after high exposure. Enck told ABC that the EPA banned methyl bromide for indoor residential use in the 1980s, but the product still is on the market for agricultural use.

According to ABC, both the EPA and Department of Justice have launched separate investigations into the incident in order to determine if the dangerous chemical was in fact being unsafely and illegally used by the pest control company Terminix in the vicinity of the family. This family’s ordeal may be frightening for other vacationers planning to travel soon, but both departments are hoping to uncover the truth behind what made this family’s tropical vacation turn into a frightening fight for their lives.

Alexis Evans

Alexis Evans is an Assistant Editor at Law Street and a Buckeye State native. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and a minor in Business from Ohio University. Contact Alexis at aevans@LawStreetMedia.com.

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Do you need a break? Are you tired of the day-to-day life? Have you and your husband or wife been constantly fighting over the little stuff … and let’s not even get started on the big stuff? If you answered yes to these questions, then you need a vacation. Gideon Putnam Resort is the ideal vacation destination for you. Stay for just one weekend, and your biggest problems will be solved.

Courtesy of Giphy.

Relieve your stress as you are pampered in the luxury spa. Sleep in and wake up for a nice brunch. Then head down to the casino for some additional fun. Plus, go play golf, swim, and hike. They offer it all. And when you leave, they guarantee they will have stopped all of your marital bickering. Just select the divorce package, and you can leave on Sunday marriage-free. No need to worry about all the legal matters–Gideon Putnam will do that for you! See? You can’t fight with your spouse if you don’t have a spouse to fight with!

At Gideon Putnam, a popular wedding location, you can have your marriage come full circle and end it at the beginning. First, go there to get married. And then, when you are ready, go back and get divorced. That’s right: the resort has recently started offering divorces on its premises. You can come cut the tie that binds you to an unwanted spouse even if you got married at some other place. For just $5,000, you can start your new single live in comfort and style.

The idea is that you check in for the weekend (don’t worry: you get your own room), have a stress-free vacation, talk to some mediators, sign some papers, and hopefully leave on Sunday having had a stress-free divorce. They will even do their best to keep you away from all the happy weddings going on during your stay. Who needs a court when you can go to a resort?

Courtesy of Giphy.

While this idea seems pretty bizarre (at least to me), it has been going on in certain resorts in Europe for a while (which I suppose does not necessarily negate its bizarreness). I guess it must be working over there for people to want to move it here. So maybe this unique option is the right thing for you. Next time your spouse is getting on your nerves, do not lose your temper. Take a deep breath, count to ten, and calmly say, “Honey, I think we need a weekend getaway. Have you heard of Gideon Putnam Divorce … errr … I mean Resort?” And then relax: let them take care of the rest!

Ashley Shaw

Ashley Shaw is an Alabama native and current New Jersey resident. A graduate of both Kennesaw State University and Thomas Goode Jones School of Law, she spends her free time reading, writing, boxing, horseback riding, playing trivia, flying helicopters, playing sports, and a whole lot else. So maybe she has too much spare time. Contact Ashley at staff@LawStreetMedia.com.

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Whether its for spring break, summer vacation, or anything in between, Florida remains a top destination for vacationers in the U.S. Miami is perhaps one of the most frequented cities for this reason. Miami is a great city to vacation in for twenty somethings: not only are there beaches, but Miami boasts one of the best night life scenes in the country. It’s no surprise that the city attracts a variety of people. But whether you are planning a trip to Miami or even considering a move to this Florida city, it’s important to know what laws are on the books in order to have a fun but safe time there.

Drinking Laws

When you’re going to Florida to vacation and you’re 21 or older, odds are you would be interested in consuming alcoholic beverages. Here are some things you might want to know about Miami’s alcohol policy:

• There is an open container law on the books. Miami maybe a party town, but it certainly isn’t NOLA. Getting caught with an open container could result in a fine of 50 dollars. According to the Miami News Times, this regulation isn’t very heavily enforced. But unless you want to lose some money, it’s better to finish up that drink inside.
• Purchasing alcohol: In most counties of Florida, the sale of alcohol on Sunday is prohibited. However, in Miami-Dade county, liquor stores are allowed to remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can therefore buy alcohol at any time if you are of age, but stay safe!

The Beach

Miami is famous for its coastline, and a visit to Miami isn’t complete without spending some time relaxing by the ocean. Here are some important things you should know about the use of Miami’s beaches:

• The beach does close. Miami Beach is closed from 12 AM to 5 AM. And this law will be enforced. So if you were planning on taking a dip in the middle of the night, you’d better make other arrangements.
• There are also specific hours when a life guard is on duty. Miami beaches’ hours happen to be from 9:30AM to 6PM. While the beach is open during times when no lifeguard is present, it is highly advised that beach goers swim when a lifeguard is on duty.
• It should also be known that cans of any kind, alcoholic or otherwise, are prohibited on the beach. Styrofoam containers are also unlawful to have with you while on the beach. The Miami News Times noted that individual had been given a fifty dollar fine for the possession of a Diet Coke can and a styrofoam container while on the beach, so this law is enforced. It may seem more economical to bring your own snacks and beverages to the beach, but treat yourself to a lunch in a cafe instead.

Pets

Moving to the area and have a pet or looking to get one? Make sure you don’t violate these rules:

• In Miami Dade County, pets must not be chained or tethered outside without you present. This means you can’t keep your dog tied to a pole while you eat lunch in a restaurant. So if you’re running errands or meeting friends for a meal, keep Fido at home.
• Dogs have to wear tags at all times and must be registered yearly.
• You cannot take your pet on a bus or train without the animal being kept in a cage or carrier.

Florida State-Wide Laws

Miami residents and visitors should also respect state-wide laws. Miami-goers should be considerate of these laws as well, including:

• No texting while driving. A new law took effect in October that outlaws texting while operating a vehicle, making Florida the 41st state with this law on the books.
• Concealed weapons: Florida is a unique state in that it allows concealed weapons to be carried with a license. This isn’t to say that you should go to Florida to carry around a gun for fun, but rather it’s a warning to stay extra careful.

There are many other laws to take note of while traveling or moving to Miami, Florida, but this is a starting guide. Miami is a great city, and knowing the laws of the city and state of Florida can help you to have a fun and risk-free visit.

[Miami News Times] [Legal Beer] [Miami Beach] [Miami Dade] [Miami Herald]

—

Sarah Helden (@shelden430)

Featured Image Courtesy of [Marc Averette via Wikipedia]

Sarah Helden

Sarah Helden is a graduate of The George Washington University and a student at the London School of Economics. She was formerly an intern at Law Street Media. Contact Sarah at staff@LawStreetmedia.com.

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