While walking on the beach with my daughter, I witnessed a rare sight at the Crawford Avenue beach approach in New Smyrna Beach: a massive leatherback sea turtle emerging from the ocean to nest. For several quiet moments, we stood together in awe as the beautiful creature slowly made its way up the sand— a once-in-a-lifetime experience

Sea turtle nesting season is underway along Florida’s east coast, and one recent encounter served as a powerful reminder of just how precious and awe-inspiring nature can be.

“Leatherback sea turtles nest during the day,” commented Sgt. Ben Whetstine, 47, a 28- year employee with Volusia County Beach Safety and New Smyrna Beach local. “The turtle was reported in Ponce Inlet that morning, and it was assumed the dredging project activity made her reconsider that location for her nest. She attempted to nest again at the Crawford Avenue approach.”

The turtle, a medium-sized adult weighing about 900 pounds, drew a crowd as word of her presence spread. Disturbed by the noise and movement, she turned back to the ocean. It was a powerful moment to remind my daughter that nature is sacred and deserves our respect. Later, Sgt. Whetstine confirmed the turtle returned at sunset and successfully nested near Third Avenue in New Smyrna Beach.

NESTING CHALLENGES ON FLORIDA’S EAST COAST

“Our biggest challenge is letting nature run its course,” Whetstine said. He arrived on scene with Ocean Rescue Lifeguards, Sara Monette, 23 and Andrews Fradet, 24. “In this case, a property owner didn’t install a rope fence at the required 36-inch height— a standard that exists for this very reason. The turtle became tangled while nesting and suffered an injury on her flipper. From behind her, I was able to discreetly relieve the tension by cutting the rope. She completed her nest there with a portion of the rope buried with the eggs.”

VOLUSIA COUNTY’S EARLY START AND CONSERVATION SUCCESS

Although the annual sea turtle nesting season didn’t officially begin until May 1, Volusia County recorded an early start this year. On March 9, a leatherback sea turtle laid the season’s first nest — the earliest ever documented on county-managed beaches. Nesting season runs through October 31, and on average, more than 580 nests are laid along Volusia County’s shores. Last year’s season exceeded expectations, with 902 nests counted.

As of May 21, Volusia County’s sea turtle nesting dashboard reports 70 nests so far this season, the majority laid by loggerhead turtles, with the highest concentrations found in New Smyrna Beach and Ormond Beach.

LISTED BELOW ARE A FEW SIMPLE THINGS THE PUBLIC CAN REMEMBER TO HELP PROTECT THESE CREATURES:

• Do not disturb nesting sea turtles, hatchlings or their nests.

• Do not dig holes. If you do, please fill them back in.
• Keep the beach dark. Use only red LED portable lights.
• Tear down sand castles and remove all beach equipment and sand toys.
• Use designated crossovers or walkways and keep off the sand dunes.

To help protect turtles from bright lights, the county adopted a lighting ordinance and actively works with oceanfront property owners to reduce artificial lighting problems.

For more information about Volusia County’s sea turtle program, call (386) 238-4716 or visit VolusiaSeaTurtles.org. For questions about sea turtle-friendly lighting, call (386) 238-4773.