Sea Turtles: Season 2019 facts and tips

[Teresa]

Sea turtle nesting season is coming up along the beaches of South Walton and all of Florida.
South Walton’s nesting season is May 1 through October 31.

Thanks to our South Walton Turtle Watch group of volunteers for walking the beaches and monitoring nests and hatchlings throughout the season.

Walton County does have leatherbacks nesting on our beach, but not every year.

 

[Teresa]

South Walton Turtle Watch
Sea Turtle Volunteer Training for the season of 2019

TO BE A VOLUNTEER FOR OUR GROUP YOU MUST ATTEND THIS TRAINING GIVEN BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA. NO EXCEPTIONS, PLEASE MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO ATTEND.

Northwest Florida
Wednesday, 13 March 2019, 10:00am – 2:00pm Central Standard Time

Gulf Coast State College – Student Union East/Conference Center, 2nd Floor, 5230 West Hwy 98, Panama City,

APPLICATION Form
Volunteer Application form 2019

South Walton Turtle Watch is a group of volunteers whose purpose is to locate endangered and threatened sea turtle nests and to protect them along the beaches of NW Florida during the crucial nesting and hatching season. By law, Only certified members are allowed to interact with endangered sea turtles.

“We, as sea turtle volunteers, go through many hours of training so that we may help these wonderful sea turtles. We are learning more each year. That is why we can get a sea turtle permit which allows us to help endangered and threatened animals.” -Sharon Maxwell

Sea turtles are protected by the Endangered Species Act and only those with special permits are allowed to touch the nests, turtles, or hatchlings. There is a $2,500.00 reward for information leading to the conviction of violators. To report a violation, contact a State, Federal, or local law enforcement officer.
southwaltonturtlewatch.org

 

[Teresa]

 

[Teresa]

Did you know? Sea turtle nesting season starts May 1st!

 

[Teresa]

Sea turtle nesting season begins in May on many Florida beaches including the beaches of South Walton and northwest Florida. The season lasts through the end of October and is the critical time when people can help keep sea turtles and hatchlings safe.

Follow:
South Walton Turtle Watch
Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles
Gulf World Marine Institute
Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance

 

[Teresa]

Help save sea turtles
My FWC | Florida Wildlife Commission
Apr 2019

Playing in the sand is a fun part of any trip to the beach, but sometimes sandcastle construction can have unintended consequences. When holes are left in the sand, sea turtles and other animals can fall in. Even small holes can become deadly traps. You can help save sea turtles by clearing the way at the end of the day and filling any holes in the sand before you leave the beach. It’s sea turtle nesting season. Learn more about how to help: Turn out the lights, it’s nesting season for Florida sea turtles

More about #seaturtles: Sea Turtle

 

[Teresa]

Turtle Season 2019

As the Gulf waters begin to warm up, sea turtles will soon find their way to our beaches which signifies the beginning of Sea Turtle nesting season.

The season runs from May 1 - Oct. 31 and we can all play a vital role in preserving the existence of one of nature’s oldest creatures.

Last year there were 66 nests found on South Walton Beaches. Please remember that sea turtles are protected by the Endangered Species Act and only qualified individuals are allowed to handle the nests, turtles, or hatchlings.

To find out how you can help please visit:
South Walton Turtle Watch – Please Save Sea Turtles
Sea Turtle Conservation in Florida | Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles

South Walton Turtle Watch
Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles