Sea Turtle Hatching Season Ramps Up: Remember Sea Turtle-Friendly Practice on St. Lucie County Beaches
Threatened and endangered sea turtle hatchlings emerge at night in large numbers on St. Lucie County beaches throughout the summer. Residents are asked to remember to practice sea turtle-friendly practices on the beaches during the summer months when hatchlings emerge in largest numbers. Sea turtle nesting season in St. Lucie County is in effect from March 1 through Nov. 15.
Sea Turtle-Friendly Practices include:
- Curbing your pet’s activities. Walton Rocks Beach is the official dog beach in St. Lucie County and dogs should be minded especially during nesting season. Digging up sea turtle nests is a serious matter.
- Do not disturb sea turtle nests.
- Hatchlings should not be handled and should be given unobstructed access to the ocean. Disoriented sea turtle hatchlings can be reported to Florida Fish and Wildlife at 1-888-404-FWCC.
- Please remove all beach furniture and other obstacles before sunset. Trash should be disposed of properly.
- Call local police or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission if someone is harassing sea turtles, handling hatchlings or poaching: 1-888-404-FWCC.
- Beachfront residents should follow proper lighting requirements. Sea turtle-friendly lighting requirements remain in effect during nesting season, which in St. Lucie County is March 1 through Nov. 15.
For additional information about Sea Turtle Friendly Beaches, please contact Ken Gioeli,
Natural Resources Extension Agent, at 772 462-1660 or via email at ktgioeli@ufl.edu. For Code Compliance questions, please contact Monica Graziani at 772-462-1553.
