HUTCHINSON ISLAND – Residents are reminded that it is now the peak of sea turtle nesting season along our coastline. St. Lucie County’s sea turtle nesting season runs March 1 – Nov. 15. Nests are being laid and hatchlings are emerging and heading to the Atlantic Ocean along our 21 miles of beaches. Below is a list of resources relating to sea turtle nesting:
Dead or Injured Sea Turtles
For sea turtle nest poaching, hatchling disorientations, harassment or dead sea turtles, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC.
Sea Turtle Lighting Code Compliance
Contact St. Lucie County Code Compliance at 772-462-1553 for information about sea turtle nesting season lighting reduction information.
Sea Turtle Hatchling Disorientation Reports
To find out about sea turtle hatchling disorientations, visit the UF/IFAS St Lucie County Cooperative Extension office website at https://stlucie.ifas.ufl.edu/seaturtle.html.
Educational Materials
The UF/IFAS St Lucie County Cooperative Extension has general information and educational materials about sea turtles. For additional information, visit the Extension office’s website at https://stlucie.ifas.ufl.edu/seaturtle.html.
For additional information on sea turtle friendly beaches, please contact Ken Gioeli, Natural Resources Extension Agent, at 772-462-1660. For Code Compliance questions, please contact Monica Graziani at 772-462-1553.
