06/20/2026
Great reminder from our friends at Pinellas County Sheriff's Office regarding turtle season...
The beautiful beaches that locals and tourists love are also used by protected baby animals. Federal and state laws and local ordinances protect baby shorebirds who nest in the dunes, and the turtle nests in the sand.
Turtles nest May 1 – October 31. Mother turtles crawl onto the beach at night and lay their eggs above the high tide line. About two months later, more than 100 babies hatch from each nest. Here are some things you can do to help sea turtles:
• If you dig holes on the beach, fill them in. If a mother turtle falls in she can get stuck. Tiny baby turtles – the size of an Oreo – can get trapped as they race to the water after they hatch.
• Keep lights off at night. Newborn turtles navigate by looking for the light reflected on the water. If they see lights from beachfront houses they can get disoriented, ending up in pools, drains, or the road. If you must use light, red or orange hues are better.
• Leave nests alone. Turtle patrols mark nests with rope. Disturbing or injuring nests, eggs, or sea turtles can be a third degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.
Shorebirds like skimmers, oystercatchers, and terns nest through spring and summer. Here’s how you can help them:
• Stay off the dunes. Shorebird nests are almost invisible, and their babies blend in with the sand.
• Keep dogs off the beach. When they chase birds off nests, chicks can die from exposure or predators.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, remember to respect the beach and the creatures who share it with you.
Read the full story in the latest edition of Inside the Star at https://www.pinellassheriff.gov/insidethestar.
