Pensacola Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. As wonderful as it is, we need to be reminded that we share our beach with a federally protected wildlife species, sea turtles. We need to protect their habitat and give them a fighting chance at life.
Returning to the beach
Sea turtle season on the Gulf Coast runs from the beginning of May to the end of October. During that time female turtles return to the same beach where they were born to lay their eggs. Researchers believe they use a sense called magnetoreception, that enables them to detect the Earth’s magnetic field and leads them to the place they originated from. Once the eggs have been laid in their nest, it’s vital that they remain undisturbed. It’s against the law to touch or bother nesting sea turtles, hatchlings or their eggs.
How can you help?
Besides steering clear of nests there are simple things you can do to help. Mark Nicholas, Marine Environmental Program Manager with Escambia County, says that people need to reduce the light emissions they use in the area at night. He says, “Anyone on the beach, [after dark] walking, or catching crabs with the kids, needs to use a red light, or no light. They will not emerge with people on the beach shining white lights.” And he adds, “Plastic littering is very bad. It all ends up in the ocean sooner or later. Turtles will and do eat it.”
Sea Turtle Baby Shower
If you’re fascinated by sea turtles, like me, and you want to learn more about them, then I’ve got the event for you! It’s the Sea Turtle Baby Shower at the Gulfside Pavilion at Casino Beach on Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m. to noon.
This is one shower where you don’t have to bring a gift! It’s put on by the Pensacola Beach Advocates. The group’s president Rhonda Dorfman lives on Pensacola Beach and she says, “This free, family- friendly event educates you about the amazing lives of the sea turtles and our beach ecosystem. Something as simple as filling any holes you make on the beach and removing all your items and trash when you leave the beach will help the sea turtles.”
Hands-on fun
Vendors will have displays and hands-on activities and games for kids. Each child will receive an activities booklet and once they go around and visit some exhibits they’ll score a sweet treat.
Take the turtle oath
Dan in the Sand will be creating a sand sculpture and kids can meet Mindy the Mermaid. There’ll be music and giveaways by the event’s sponsors, Santa Rosa Island Authority and The Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce. Another sponsor, Island Times, will hand out sea turtle charms and have a Sea Turtle Oath that children can take, promising to always protect sea turtles.
How would you like to be beach royalty?
Plus for a $5 donation you’ll be entered into a drawing to be named the Sea Turtle Queen. The lucky winner will ride in the Christmas parade in the Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce’s convertible while wearing a beautiful custom-made tiara.
Last year’s queen, Pensacola Beach resident Ellie Pelfrey had a blast during her reign! The money collected will be give to a local non-profit.
To find out more about the Sea Turtle Baby Shower visit Pensacola Beach Advocates.
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