Another reason to love living in Southwest Florida: sea turtle nesting season runs from May 1-Oct. 31, 2022. During this time, loggerhead, green, hawksbill, leatherback, and Kemp’s Ridley turtles make their nests along Sarasota-Manatee beaches—including Longboat Key, where Cannons is located—and it’s incredibly important it is to keep them safe. Here are some tips for making sure our local waters stay sea-turtle friendly, courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

• Do not encourage a turtle to move while nesting or pick up hatchlings that have emerged and are heading for the water.
• If you encounter a nesting turtle or hatchlings, remain quiet and observe from a distance.
• Shield or turn off outdoor lights that are visible on the beach from May through October.
• Close drapes after dark and put beach furniture far back from the water.
• Fill in holes that may entrap hatchlings on their way to the water.
• Don’t approach nesting turtles or hatchlings, make noise, or shine lights at turtles.
• Avoid using flashlights or fishing lamps on the beach.
• Don’t use fireworks on the beach.
• Follow Coast Guard-approved safe boating guidelines and use vigilance to avoid striking sea turtles and other large marine life.
• Be sure to stow trash and line when under way. Marine debris that accidentally blows overboard or out of a truck can become ingested by or entangled around marine life.
• Wear polarized sunglasses to better see marine life in your path.

If you see a sick, injured or stranded sea turtle in Sarasota or Manatee county waters, contact Mote Marine Laboratory’s Stranding Investigations Program at 888-345-2335. Outside of Sarasota or Manatee counties, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Top image: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium