Perdido Key Sees First Sea Turtle Hatch of the Season
OBA Staff • August 6, 2024
Seventy Sea Turtle Hatchlings Enter Gulf at Perdido Key
Perdido Key, Fla. – (OBA) – Perdido Key celebrated its first sea turtle hatch of the season. Seventy hatchlings were confirmed to have entered the Gulf of Mexico, despite being disoriented by artificial lighting, according to Escambia County Marine Resources.
The hatching occurred on Perdido Key on Friday, Aug. 2nd.
Nearly 60% of all turtle hatchlings were disoriented by land-based lights, which can cause them to wander away from the Gulf of Mexico. Hatchlings that don't reach the water quickly risk dehydration, starvation, and predation.
Disoriented hatchlings can also stray onto busy roads, garages, and swimming pools. Permitted volunteers are trained in disoriented hatchling response and recovery. Naturally dark beaches are the best assurance for ensuring hatchling turtles make it to the water where they belong.
There are still 25 nests on county beaches, with August and September being peak hatchling season. Residents and visitors are urged to follow guidelines to protect the hatchlings and other coastal wildlife.
Guidelines for protecting sea turtles include:
- Lights Out: Both hatchling and nesting turtles need dark beaches to find the Gulf of Mexico. Use red flashlights on the beach at night and turn off beach-facing lights.
- Leave Only Footprints: Remove all furniture and toys from the beach when you're done for the day. This includes hammocks, tents, canopies, chairs, toys, and sports equipment.
- If You Dig It, Fill It: Large holes, trenches, and moats create dangerous obstacles for hatchlings. Fill in holes after digging them and flatten sandcastles when finished building them.
- If you see a nest hatching or encounter hatchlings on the beach, stay a respectful distance away and call Escambia County Marine Resources at (850) 426-1257. For more information about sea turtles in Escambia County, visit www.myescambia.com/seaturtles. All sea turtle work by Escambia County was done under Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission permits #032A, #202, #272, and #273.
Share this article w/ Friends...
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — In a lengthy and sometimes emotional discussion, the Gulf Shores City Council voted Monday to reduce a $1,500 fine levied against a homeowner for removing trees without a permit—while signaling possible changes ahead for the city’s tree protection ordinance.
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Downtown Foley is celebrating a big milestone this month. The Third Thursday event series turns one year old on June 19. To mark the occasion, organizers are planning a special celebration. Residents and visitors are invited to shop, dine, and enjoy the downtown vibe.
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores will once again welcome a popular event focused on food and fun. The Annual Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival is returning for its fourth year. It will be held on November 8 and 9 at Gulf Place. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and includes live music, lawn games, and activities for all ages.
Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Shores City Council on Monday approved a $72,625 not-to-exceed contract with Kimley Horn to launch a comprehensive parking study focused on the Waterway Village District. The move marks a key step toward revitalizing the area and addressing a growing need for smarter parking solutions.
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is adding more lights to the oak trees along city streets as part of a project to brighten the downtown area. The new lights will help make the area more welcoming and easier to walk through at night. They are part of a larger plan to improve lighting around town. The project focuses on adding lights to both the trees and nearby walkways.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — An Orange Beach man drowned in south Alabama Sunday afternoon, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Dewayne Stephens, 55, of Orange Beach, was identified as the man who lost his life.
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Fire protection in Foley has gotten better over the past few years, even though firefighters are answering more calls than before. A national study showed that the city's fire service has improved. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the higher score proves Foley’s firefighters are doing a great job under growing pressure. He credited Chief Joey Darby and the entire department for their work in keeping the community safe.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach Wind & Water Learning Center is kicking off its summer Full Moon Paddle series with a night of fun on the water. The event is open to the public and features a mix of paddling, live music, and food. Guests will enjoy a unique experience under the moonlight while supporting a good cause. All proceeds benefit the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center.
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Police Department is investigating a burglary that happened overnight at the Tanger Outlet Mall. An employee at Zales Outlet called the police around 8:30 a.m. Monday. They reported that jewelry had been stolen during the night. The value of the stolen items has not been released.
Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A group of four people is planning a new mini-golf course at the site of longtime Bubba’s Seafood House on beach road. John Pilcher, Jody Pilcher, Mary Pilcher and Emmie Pilcher Flowers are making the request. According to Baldwin County tax records, the group owns six parcels fronting the road east of Fat Daddy’s. They will request changes to a previously submitted site plan.
