Image courtesy of Eli Freidus Photography
SEA TURTLE PROTECTION
FLAGLER & VOLUSIA COUNTIES
Every spring and summer, our beaches in Flagler and Volusia counties become the stage for an incredible natural event—sea turtle nesting season. Loggerhead, green, and leatherback turtles each make their way ashore to lay eggs, carrying on a cycle that’s lasted for centuries. Protecting these ancient visitors takes a true community effort, with local volunteers and residents playing a huge role in their survival.
WHAT BOTH COUNTIES HAVE IN COMMON
NESTING SEASON runs from May through October, with hundreds—even thousands—of nests appearing along the sand each year.
SPECIES SEEN MOST Loggerheads are by far the most common nester, followed by green turtles and the occasional leatherback.
VOLUNTEERS ARE KEY Dedicated teams in both counties patrol beaches at sunrise, searching for tracks and marking off new nests. Their work helps keep eggs safe from beachgoers and natural threats.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT MATTERS Simple beach habits—like filling in holes, knocking down sandcastles before you leave, keeping lights off at night, and not disturbing marked nests—make a real difference for hatchlings.
ALL SEA TURTLES ARE PROTECTED It’s illegal to touch, disturb, or harass turtles, hatchlings, or their nests anywhere in Florida.
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT EACH COUNTY
FLAGLER COUNTY
Flagler’s quieter, less crowded beaches give nesting turtles a little more peace. Local volunteers mark every nest and keep a close eye on activity throughout the season. In recent years, Flagler has seen record nesting numbers, but hurricanes and erosion have taken a toll on the dunes—making each nest and every bit of habitat more precious than ever.
VOLUSIA COUNTY
Volusia boasts a longer stretch of coastline and more urban beaches, so there’s even more turtle activity—but also more challenges. Here, special rules guide everything from beach driving to lighting, all designed to give turtles the best shot at a safe nest. Volusia has a Habitat Conservation Plan to balance public access with protecting turtles and their habitat. Volunteers, including special teams like Washback Watchers, help out with rescue and rehabilitation all season long.
HOW YOU CAN HELP—NO MATTER WHERE YOU VISIT
STAY OFF MARKED NESTS AND DUNES Respect roped-off areas and signs—they’re there to protect eggs and hatchlings.
FILL IN HOLES AND KNOCK DOWN SANDCASTLES Before you leave, smooth out the sand so tiny turtles don’t fall in or get stuck.
KEEP LIGHTS OFF AT NIGHT Turtles and hatchlings navigate by moonlight—artificial light can disorient them and lead them away from the ocean.
LEAVE NO TRACE Take all your gear and trash with you.
NEVER TOUCH OR DISTURB TURTLES If you see a turtle nesting or hatchlings emerging, watch quietly from a distance.
GET INVOLVED Join a local turtle patrol, attend a beach clean-up, or support conservation education in your community.
FACING NEW CHALLENGES TOGETHER
Both counties have seen big wins—like record numbers of nests—but they’ve also faced setbacks from storms that damage beaches and dunes. The work never stops: monitoring trends, restoring habitat, and spreading the word about turtle-friendly practices are more important than ever.
Whether you’re a visitor or a local, your actions on the beach have a real impact. Thank you for helping make Flagler and Volusia welcoming homes for sea turtles, year after year.
|
 |
