Sea turtle nesting season begins at Tampa Bay beaches

CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — Sea turtles are making their way to Tampa Bay area beaches and should be here anytime now. May 1st marks the start of sea turtle nesting season.

For the locals like Future Farmers of America student Haleigh Rushing, nesting season is routine so she wants to send a message to those visiting.

“I know they can be tourist attractions sometimes, especially when there are eggs there,” Rushing said. “Sometimes you just have to stay away from them so they can live.”

Sea Turtle Conservationist Wendy Hoeflich and her crew will monitor 21 miles of beach in Pinellas County over the next several months.

“We will mark, put these stakes down, and make a perimeter around the nest,” said Hoeflich, Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Conservation Manager. “That way we can monitor and keep an eye on the nest throughout the incubation period.”

You should always pick up your trash, but it’s even more important now through October.

Take all your belongings home with you from the beach so these sea turtles don’t run into any obstacles on their way to lay eggs or make their way into the gulf.

You could face legal consequences for interfering with the nesting season.

“Sea turtles are endangered,” Rushing said.

“And if you’re staying at one of our condos out here we would ask at night if you could please pull your shades,” Hoeflich said. “The glare from the window out to the ocean can also deter and disorient sea turtles.”

Hoeflich suggests using a red or amber light if you’re going to be on the beach at night.

If you dig a hole, fill it with sand so the sea turtles don’t become trapped.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.