Years ago, we tried to go to some beach in FL. It was nothing but ash tray garbage. I’m not kidding, more cig butts than sand. I’ve yet to figure that out. It’s like it was intentionally gathered up, stored over years and then dumped on the beach. Really weird.
I wish it was just butts (which are gross enough); most of our beaches here in NJ have banned smoking, and while I enjoy a smoke I don’t mind the law (your story indicates the need for it).