Miami Beach Welcomes Return of Sea Turtle Season With Turtle Fest

Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach will celebrate the annual arrival of sea turtle nesting season on Saturday, April 20 from 3-6 p.m. at Altos Del Mar Park with a “turtley awesome” day of family-friendly activities, sea turtle experts, beach cleanups, craft activities, games as well as food and beverages from local vendors.  The park is located at 76 Street and Collins Avenue.

Sea Turtle Season is April 1 to October 31 for the City of Miami Beach. The second annual Turtle Fest follows start of sea turtle nesting season and coincides with the launch of the city’s new “Flip the Switch” campaign to reduce the use of artificial lighting along the beachfront. Improper artificial lighting confuses sea turtle hatchlings, leading them to mistakenly crawl toward the artificial lights instead of heading to the ocean.  The campaign is intended to educate property owners, managers, residents, and visitors about precautions they can take to avoid disturbing sea turtles during their annual nesting season, which runs now through Oct. 31 (the season begins one month earlier in Miami Beach than other parts of the state).

“It’s up to all of us to protect these beloved sea creatures by keeping lights low along the beachfront and using long-wavelength bulbs whenever possible in hues of amber, orange or red,” explained Miami Beach City Manager Alina Hudak. “We urge residents and visitors to do their part by not disturbing sea turtles and taking down sand castles when they leave the beach and by filling in any holes they might have created.”

The first documented loggerhead nest in Miami Beach this year was discovered on March 31. Once hatchlings break free of their soft golf ball-like shells, they must find their way to the ocean to increase their chances of survival. The process can be filled with peril as a result of predators, pollution, human-made obstacles, climate change, disease and harsh lights along the beachfront.

Miami Beach is home to three of the five species of sea turtles found in Florida — loggerheads, leatherbacks and green turtles. The City is committed to protecting this spectacular endangered species.

For more information on Turtle Fest and sea turtle nesting season, visit www.MBRisingAbove.com/SeaTurtles.