Honoring Florida's Nesting Sea Turtles

It's that time of the year again – sea turtle nesting season. A period marked by wonder and anticipation as these ancient creatures return to their birthplace to continue the cycle of life. From late spring to early fall, Florida's beaches become a haven for nesting sea turtles. Five species of sea turtles can be found in Florida waters: the Loggerhead, Green, Leatherback, Kemp's Ridley, and Hawksbill. Each year, female sea turtles emerge from the ocean under the cover of darkness, guided by the moonlight, to lay their eggs in the soft sands where they themselves were born. Upon reaching land, she meticulously selects a spot, using her strong flippers to dig a deep hole in the sand where she lays her eggs. Covering the nest, she then heads back to the ocean, leaving her offspring to hatch and fend for themselves.

Community involvement is essential for sea turtle conservation. Here are simple ways everyone can help:

Avoid Fireworks and Open Fires: Bright lights and loud noises from fireworks disrupt nesting sea turtles. Open fires on beaches pose dangers to turtles and hatchlings. By refraining from these activities, we create safer nesting environments.
Leave No Trace: Remove obstacles like sand castles and beach equipment that can impede sea turtles' journeys. Clearing the beach helps ensure safe passage for turtles and hatchlings.
Minimize Light Pollution: Use natural or red-filtered lights instead of flashlights on beaches. Bright lights disorient nesting turtles and deter hatchlings. Minimizing light pollution creates a more turtle-friendly environment.
Respect Protected Areas: Stay seaward of dune lines to preserve nesting habitats. Trampling vegetation destabilizes dunes and disrupts nesting sites, harming sea turtles and coastal wildlife.
Say No to Balloons: Released balloons pose deadly threats to marine life when mistaken for food. Choose alternative decorations to prevent harm to sea turtles and marine ecosystems.
Give Sea Turtles Space: Observe nesting turtles from a distance and refrain from handling hatchlings. Disturbances can cause nesting females to abandon nests and hinder hatchlings' survival.

Reporting Incidents:
If you encounter any issues related to sea turtles during your beach visit, it's essential to report them promptly.
You can call the FWC Wildlife Alert number 1-888-404-FWCC to report stranded hatchlings, harassment of sea turtles, disturbance of nests, dead or injured sea turtles or hatchlings, entangled sea turtles, or sea turtles caught with fishing gear.
Your timely report can help authorities take necessary actions to protect these magnificent creatures.

Florida's sea turtles encounter various obstacles during nesting season, yet through embracing responsible beach habits, we can significantly contribute to their conservation efforts. As you journey to Florida's beaches this summer, let this serve as a gentle reminder and source of marvel, perhaps leading you to witness nesting turtles. If you're in the planning stages, be sure to explore our array of beachfront condos & homes. 
And, let's all do our part to ensure these incredible creatures thrive in their natural habitats along the coastal regions of Florida and beyond.