On Wednesday, June 14, 2023, an uncommon event unfolded on an Okaloosa County beach as a loggerhead sea turtle emerged from the Gulf of Mexico to nest during the morning daylight hours.

• The rare occurrence was witnessed by a member of the Coastal Resource Team, who was already on the beach conducting routine surveys for sea turtle nests in the area.

“I was surveying on Okaloosa Island when I got a call from a member of our Parks Department,” explained Jessica Valek, Okaloosa Coastal Resource Coordinator. “They were in a section of beach that had already been surveyed this morning when this sea turtle came up onto that section of the beach. We all went back to that location. She was on the beach for roughly an hour, dug a hole, and laid her eggs. Once she finished, she quickly returned to the water.”

This daytime nesting behavior is considered rare, as sea turtles typically choose the cover of darkness to reduce the chances of disturbance. Valek confirmed this, saying, “Sea turtles typically nest in the middle of the night when there is less chance of disturbance. However, this sea turtle came up as the sun was rising.”

The Coastal Resource Team, along with other permitted personnel, swiftly marked off the nest with stakes, flagging tape, and a sea turtle nest sign. They will diligently monitor the nest every day, looking for signs of potential threats such as predators (mainly ghost crabs) or submersion due to waves.

When the nest eventually hatches, Valek will evaluate its success rate by carefully examining the number of eggs that hatched. This analysis helps determine if any factors affected the hatchling’s survival.

• “After every nest hatches, we’ll evaluate the nest, pull all the eggs up, and count how many eggs were in the nest and how many hatched,” explained Valek. “If a lower percentage hatches, we’re able to infer why that nest may not have been so successful.”

To ensure the protection of nesting sea turtles and their offspring, Valek says that anyone who comes across a nesting sea turtle or a turtle on the beach, should keep a safe, respectful distance of at least 50 feet. You should also refrain from using any sort of flash photography and be quiet, as sea turtles are spooked very easily..

• In case of a sea turtle sighting or any concerns, individuals are encouraged to call the FWC Wildlife Hotline at 1-888-404-3922 for assistance.
• It’s worth noting that touching or handling a sea turtle is also illegal.

So far this sea turtle nesting season, Okaloosa County has seen two nests within the survey area monitored by the Coastal Resource Team. This monitoring and survey work is permitted through the Marine Turtle Program by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under MTP-23-033. This kind of work can only be conducted by permitted and authorized personnel.

Expressing enthusiasm about the early success of the season, Valek shared, “It’s only the first half of June, and we already have two nests. We have a lot of nesting time left to go, so we’re hoping for a good amount more before we get too late into the season. The first half of the season is the nesting portion, while the second half focuses on hatching. We’re hoping to see nests being laid all the way up until August.”

• For those interested in learning more about sea turtles and contributing to their conservation, the Gulfarium CARE Center on Okaloosa Island hosts weekly Turtle Talk events called “C.A.R.E.ing for Turtles” every Wednesday. These talks provide valuable information on sea turtles and how the community can support their well-being.

As sea turtle nesting season continues from May 1st to October 31st, it’s crucial for residents and visitors alike to be mindful of these sea creatures, giving them the space they need to carry out their natural nesting behaviors. By taking simple steps like using turtle-friendly flashlights and avoiding white lights on the beach at night, everyone can contribute to the preservation of sea turtles and the thriving ecosystem they inhabit.

You can get a FREE turtle-friendly red flashlight by visiting the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Welcome Center on Okaloosa Island.