Sea turtle nesting begins in Volusia County

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Sea turtles are beginning to nest in Volusia County and county officials predict another record year for the turtles.

County officials have counted 687 nests, including four Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles, a record number for the smallest and most endangered sea turtle.

County officials counted 628 Loggerhead sea turtle nests, 55 Green sea turtle nests and four Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle nests.

Sea turtle nesting continues through August and early September, with new nests hatching in October.

The county has a lighting ordinance in place to protect the turtles once they hatch and move to the ocean.

If a turtle appears to be in immediate danger, notify a lifeguard or beach safety officer, or call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-3922.

For more information about Volusia County's sea turtle program, call 386-238-4668 or visit www.volusiaseaturtles.org. For questions about lighting, call 386-238-4773.

Cox Media Group