Every year from May through October, Sarasota’s beautiful beaches become home to thousands of nesting sea turtles — and now is the time when we all play a part in keeping them safe.
Mote Marine Laboratory’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program has already documented the first nests of the 2025 season on Longboat Key, Siesta Key, and Casey Key. With nearly 4,400 nests recorded last year across Sarasota County beaches, this is a critical season for these threatened and endangered species.
Why does it matter?
Sea turtles, like our most common loggerheads, depend on dark, quiet beaches to nest successfully. Once hatchlings emerge, they use the natural light of the moon and stars to find their way to the Gulf — but artificial lights, beach furniture, and litter can confuse or block them, sometimes with tragic results.
🌙 Simple Ways You Can Help
Whether you’re a local or just visiting for the summer, here’s how you can protect sea turtles and enjoy our beaches responsibly:
✅ Keep lights low: Turn off or shield outdoor lights visible from the beach. Close drapes after dark.
✅ Clear the way: Remove beach furniture at night, fill in holes, and pick up trash.
✅ Keep your distance: If you spot a nesting turtle or hatchlings, stay quiet and watch from afar. Never pick up hatchlings or shine lights at them.
✅ Skip fireworks on the beach: Fireworks can disturb nesting turtles and disorient hatchlings.
✅ Boaters, stay alert: Wear polarized sunglasses and watch for turtles in the water.
✅ Report problems: If you see a stranded or injured turtle, call Mote Marine’s Stranding Investigations Program at (888) 345-2335.
🐢 Why It Matters
Each small action protects these incredible creatures and helps ensure future generations will get to see baby turtles making their first crawl to the Gulf. And for many of us, it’s this unique connection to nature that makes living in Sarasota so special.
🌴 Love Our Beaches? Live Closer to Them
Sea turtles are just one reason we love calling Sarasota home. If you’re dreaming of living closer to the Gulf, our team knows every beach community from Longboat Key to Venice — and we’d love to help you find your perfect spot.
👉 Ready to make a move? Let’s chat.
Sources: Mote Marine Laboratory — Learn more about sea turtle conservation here.
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