Jacksonville, FL — St. Johns County is asking the community for help supporting endangered and threatened sea turtles ahead of the 2021 Sea Turtle Nesting Season.
The nesting season officially kicks off May 1st and during this time, the county asks you to do the following:
• Refrain from using fireworks and open fires.
• Remove ruts and sand castles.
• 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
Additionally, all beachfront properties are required to limit interior and exterior lights that could disrupt nesting turtles. The county says it will be turning off the volleyball court lights at the St. Johns County Pier Park each evening at 9 PM.
If you see an injured, sick, or dead sea turtle on the beach, you’re urged to call the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line at (904) 824-8304.
Cox Media Group
Sign Up
