The sea turtles are on their way back to nest on the beaches of St. Johns County as the official nesting season began on Saturday, May 1st.
To ensure compliance with the St. Johns County Habitat Conservation Plan and Incidental Take Permit, which protect five species of sea turtles and the native Anastasia Island Beach Mouse, beach driving and lighting restrictions also went into effect Saturday.
Between May 1 and October 31, vehicular traffic on the beach is allowed between the hours of 8:00 am and 7:30 pm. After 7:30 pm no vehicles are allowed to enter the beach until the gates are opened the following morning at 8:00 am. Additionally, all beachfront properties are required to reduce the impacts their lights have on the beaches and eliminate all non-compliant interior and exterior lights.
St. Johns County is home to several species of endangered or threatened sea turtles that arrive every spring and summer to nest along our beaches. In 2009 St. Johns County had 262 nests (236 loggerhead, 6 green sea turtle and a record 20 leatherbacks) deposited along 41 miles of shoreline. County residents and visitors have a special opportunity and responsibility to protect these magnificent creatures and their vulnerable nest and feeding grounds.
St. Johns County Beach Services and Environmental Division encourages beach visitors to protect sea turtle nesting habitat while enjoying a diversity of activities including beach driving, horseback riding, recreational fishing and commercial fishing. In addition to following the regulated beach driving hours and lighting restrictions, residents and visitors are encouraged to follow these guidelines:
-Use trash and recycling receptacles at the beach
-Remove ruts and fill in holes left by vehicles and sand castle building
-Do not leave chairs, umbrellas or canopies on the beach over night (they will be removed by County staff)
-Flashlights, fireworks and open fires are strictly prohibited
-All pedestrian activities (sitting, standing, storing personal property, driving, horseback riding, etc.) are prohibited in the sand dunes and the Conservation Zone (15 feet seaward of the dune line)
-Please refrain from using balloons for events, as they fall into the ocean and can harm marine life
-Leave only your footprints, providing the turtles with a safe and clean habitat in which to nest
-Do not disturb or handle any sea turtles, their eggs or nests. Endangered species are protected by County, State and Federal Laws with fines up to $20,000.
-If you encounter an injured, sick, or dead sea turtle — please call the St. Johns County Coastal Wildlife pager at (904) 227-0023.
St. Johns County thanks residents and visitors for supporting habitat conservation efforts and keeping our beaches beautiful.
For more information, contact St. Johns County Habitat Conservation and Beach Management at (904) 209-3740