Sea Turtle Retreat - Gulf Island Condominium #114

08/11/2023

Sea Turtle Nesting Update: Breaking News!

Preliminary numbers show that 2023 will be a record-breaking year for loggerhead and green turtle nests! As of July 31st, both species have surpassed their annual nest count record in Florida – and the nesting season isn’t over yet!

The preliminary statewide totals as of July 31st are as follows:
🥚 127,808 loggerheads nests (previous annual record was 122,707 in 2016)
🥚 56,151 green turtle nests (previous annual record was 53,102 in 2017)
🥚 1,725 leatherback nests
🥚 11 confirmed Kemp’s ridleys nests

The leatherback nesting season has essentially concluded for this year, and loggerhead nesting activity slows down in August. Green turtles should still be nesting in large numbers during August and to some extent in September. We look forward to seeing what the final nest counts will be!

Each year, our Sea Turtle Nesting Team helps lead an incredible effort to monitor sea turtles nesting throughout the state, collecting valuable data on species that routinely nest on Florida’s beaches. Thanks to all the FWRI partners involved in an outstanding community science effort to document sea turtle nesting activity statewide! Learn how FWRI collects sea turtle nesting data in Florida: https://www.facebook.com/FWCResearch/posts/637817191712117

Please report sea turtles that are sick, injured, dead, entangled or are in danger to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline (888-404-3922).

08/09/2023

Reminder it’s still shorebird season in the park.

Slow down, drive 25 mph, save a chick!

(East entrance to Santa Rosa Area with two signs.) NPS/Wade

07/20/2023

TURTLE TRACKS! Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center volunteers Bob Blais and Ralph Agnew this morning discovered fresh sea turtle tracks, indicating a turtle had laid eggs. Photo by Bob Blais, who indicated the tracks were spotted near the Opal Beach area, located west of Navarre Beach within Gulf Islands National Seashore.

07/12/2023

Beautiful!

Manatee cruising by the pier today! Photo by Beautiful Moments Photography by BeBe

07/05/2023

06/29/2023

🌴 Get ready for an unforgettable party at Juana's Pagodas on Navarre Beach! 🎉

🎉 Join us today as we celebrate 34 years of non-stop fun in this incredible beachside venue! 🌊

🎵 The party kicks off at 4 PM with live music from the talented Stevie Hall, followed by the energetic performance of Horseshoe Kitty 🐈‍⬛ at 8 PM! 🎸🎤

🍻 Quench your thirst with our amazing $20 all-you-can-responsibly-drink domestic draft special. Wristbands are available at the Beach Stage bar, where The Beach Rats will be entertaining you from 5-9 PM. Don't miss out on this great deal! 🍺

🍹 In addition, the girls from Nutrl and Blue Chair Bay Rum will be there, offering samples from 5-7 PM. Discover new flavors while enjoying the beach atmosphere! 🌴

✨ Come and celebrate with us at Juana's Pagodas on Navarre Beach. It's the perfect setting for an incredible party you won't want to miss! ✨

06/28/2023

06/22/2023

It’s Official Navarre Beach has its SECOND SEA TURTLE NEST !!! The tracks indicate this nest was constructed by a loggerhead sea turtle. We look forward to more sea turtle moms to arrive on Navarre Beach. Sea turtle nesting season is from May 1st to October 31st. You can be a sea turtle hero by following these steps:

· Pick Up Trash
· Leave It Flat – if you dig holes, fill them in! If you build sandcastles, knock them down before leaving. These are big obstacles for the nesting females.
· Lights Out - Do not use flashlights or other bright white lights on the beach at night. Draw curtains or shades to help shield interior lighting from the beach.
· Leave No Trace - Remove ALL recreational beach items (e.g. tents, canopies, floats, chairs, toys, etc) from the beach EACH night.
· Do Not Disturb - If you are fortunate to see a sea turtle nesting, keep a respectable distance minimum of 50ft, stay out of her line of sight, remain quiet and DO NOT use flash photography. When she leaves, please stay out of the nesting area. These are protected species - disturbing, touching or harassing a nest, hatchling or sea turtle is illegal.
· If you see someone disturbing a nest or sea turtle, please call local law enforcement. Touching or disturbing a sea turtle, hatchling or its nest is a THIRD DEGREE FELONY, punishable by up to 5 years in prison, a $5,000 fine and an additional penalty of $100 per egg. You can read the full statute here: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=View%20Statutes&SubMenu=1&App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=sea+turtle&URL=0300-0399/0379/Sections/0379.2431.html

*Photos In Compliance of FWC Guidelines MTP-033