- March 28, 2024
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The first batch of more than 400 sea turtle nests in Flagler County are beginning to hatch. Residents gathered July 18 to watch the cleaning of the nest FB11, located at the edge of the dunes at Eighth Street North. This Loggerhead nest was laid May 18, the 11th nest to be laid in Flagler Beach. On July 14, tracks were observed heading to the ocean. Per state mandate, the evaluation and cleaning of the nest should take place three days after the emergence.
On average, it takes 45 to 60 days for the baby turtles to hatch. Once a nest reaches the 45-day mark, the Turtle Patrol places a green ribbon on the nest and a wooden stick later marks that an emergence has occurred. The patrol cleans the nest not only to report the number of eggs to the state, but also to save any straggling hatchlings.
Nest FB11 yielded 113 eggs total: 102 had hatched; 10 were unhatched, and one was pip dead. There were no hatchling found, which according to patroller Lori Ottlein, is a great thing.
TIPS TO KEEP TURTLES SAFE
• It is against the law to touch or disturb nesting sea turtles, hatchlings or their nests.
• Avoid using flashlights, lanterns or flash photography while on the beach at night. Lights disturb nesting turtles and hatchlings.
• Remove all items from the beach, including all trash, beach chairs and umbrellas.