Friday is the official start to sea turtle nesting season in central Florida. The turtles come out of the water usually at night to lay eggs in the sand. Jennifer Winters, with Volusia County’s Environmental Management Division, reminds people a lighting ordinance is now in effect for the protected sea turtle.
“During the nesting season we ask people to reduce the lights that are visible from the beach because sea turtles will instinctively go to darker beaches and make their nests but also as the hatchlings emerge from the nest, they’re attracted to the brightest lit area,” said Winters.
Sea turtles naturally follow the moon’s reflection on the water but artificial lights can lead them astray. Beach front property owners and visitors are urged to shield or position lights away from the beach.
Sea turtle nesting season runs through October.