Jacksonville, FL — As the 2019 Florida sea turtle nesting season is about to kick off, St. Johns County is asking you to help protect these animals, many of which are considered to be endangered or threatened.
The nesting season officially begins May 1st and runs through October 31st. During this time, beachgoers are asked to respect all nesting season laws and regulations.
The county says vehicular traffic on the beach during nesting season will be allowed during the hours of 8 AM- 7:30 PM.
Anyone living in or staying at a beachfront property is required to turn off any interior and exterior lights that could disrupt these nesting turtles.
The county says beach visitors can also have a positive impact on these nesting turtles, by taking the below actions:Â
• Refrain from using fireworks and open fires.
• Remove ruts and fill in holes left by vehicles and sandcastle building.
• Please remove all chairs, umbrellas, or canopies from the beach before dark. These items are subject to removal by County staff.
• Flashlights are strongly discouraged as they can harm sea turtles.
• Avoid entering sand dunes and conservation zones (15 feet seaward of the dune line).
• Refrain from using balloons, as they can fall into the ocean and harm marine life.
• Never approach sea turtles emerging from, or returning to the sea. Nesting sea turtles are vulnerable, timid, and can be easily frightened away.
The county also asks you to never put an injured animal back into the ocean. If you see a turtle in distress, call the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office non-emergency number at (904) 824-8304.
If you have any additional questions about sea turtle nesting season, you can call the St. Johns County Habitat Conservation and Beach Management at (904) 209-3740 or visit their website, by clicking HERE.
