06/17/2026
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Happy World Sea Turtle Day!
We are in the heart of sea turtle nesting season, and our park rangers are doing amazing work every day to support and monitor crucial nesting activities across the state.
Did you know?💡Florida is home to five species of native sea turtles!
The Florida State Parks Foundation is proud to support sea turtle care, monitoring and nest management in our state parks.
Since 2020, we’ve teamed up with dedicated community partners like the Sea Turtle Conservancy Sea Turtle License Plate Grants Program to contribute more than $100,000 for vehicles, GPS tracking units, turtle-friendly lighting and new educational signage and materials.
Here are some ways you can help Florida’s nesting sea turtles:
✅ Keep a respectful distance from nests, nesting turtles and hatchlings.
✅ Turn off artificial lighting near beaches and use FWC-approved, turtle-friendly lighting.
✅ Avoid disturbing marked sea turtle nests.
✅ Knock down sandcastles and make sure to fill in any holes you dig.
✅ Remove any beach chairs, beach umbrellas, boats or other beach equipment each evening.
✅ Don’t litter and take your trash with you when you leave the beach.
Participate in beach cleanup events.
📍John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
📸 Dan Eidsmoe