Sea Turtle
Nesting Season May 1 – Oct. 31
The
beaches of Sarasota County serve as an important nesting habitat for both the
threatened loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and the endangered green (Chelonia
mydas) sea turtle.
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Our
beaches have supported nesting of both the Kemp’s ridley turtle (Lepidochelys
kempi) and the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), two of
the most endangered species of sea turtles.
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Sarasota County has the highest density of sea turtle nesting on the Gulf
Coast of Florida.
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All
species of sea turtles are listed as threatened or endangered and are
protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as well as the
Marine Turtle Protection Act Chapter 370.12 (Florida Administrative Code).
Marine Turtle Protection Code
The
Sarasota County Comprehensive Plan requires that special measures are taken to
protect sea turtles and their habitat.
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In 1997 the
Sarasota County Marine
Turtle Protection Code was adopted to safeguard nesting
females and hatchling sea turtles from the adverse effects of artificial light,
and to further protect them from injury or harassment.
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In 2004 the Code was
amended to require the nightly removal (during nesting season) of beach
furniture, tents, cabanas and other temporary structures that pose an
entanglement hazard or obstacle to nesting or hatching sea turtles.
The Marine
Turtle Protection Code is enforceable within the city of Sarasota (including Lido Key) and
the unincorporated portions of Sarasota County (Siesta, Casey and Manasota Keys). For the
latest version of the Marine Turtle Protection Code visit:
Municode
(Sarasota County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 54, Article XXIII)
