Sea turtle nesting season has started. During the months of May through October, endangered sea turtles make their way to South Walton's beaches to build their nests.

Later in the summer and in the early fall, the turtle eggs in the nests begin to hatch, and the hatchlings use the light reflected off the surf to guide them into the ocean. South Walton has a dedicated team to help identify and protect the turtles, but there are things that beachgoers can do to make sure their efforts are a success:

• Prevent all lights from illuminating the beach – Turn off balcony and porch lights and draw blinds each night. Use only flashlights with red film covers (which are available at area businesses and the Visitor Information Center) as sea turtles become disoriented on their crawl back to the surf.

• Look but don’t touch – Do not disturb or handle any sea turtles, their eggs, or their nests. All are violations of both federal and state laws.

• Don’t leave holes – Fill in any holes you dig including holes left from sticking poles and beach umbrellas into the sand. This will ensure others don’t get injured and that you don’t create obstacles for nesting sea turtles.

• Keep the beach clean – Reduce litter by disposing of your trash properly and removing all personal items from the beach each night.

We all share the beach! Be sure to tell your family and friends about what they can do to help! 

Click here for additional information about our South Walton Turtle Watch organization: https://www.southwaltonturtlewatch.org/

Click here for additional information about sea turtles and proper lighting for sea turtles including flyers and brochures from Walton County and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

https://www.co.walton.fl.us/660/Wildlife-Lighting---Sea-Turtles