Heading to the beach will be a bit different as Turtle and Sargassum Season has officially begun!

There will be special organizations that will identify and mark new turtle nests and monitor previously identified nests. Before our team can set up and provide service, they are required by law to wait until a government official completes the morning inspection.

Click here to learn what you can do during the Sea Turtle Nesting Season.

Sargassum is a crucial habitat for certain marine species including the endangered sea turtles. As the sargassum decomposes on the shoreline, it will emit an unpleasant odor but also have the potential to cause irritation if touched.

The city works with the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to secure the required beach cleaning permits. Every morning, prior to operating heavy machinery on the beach, the beach is surveyed for turtle nests and marked for their protection. After the survey is complete, a special operations team will proceed to clean the beach.

Click here to learn more about Sargassum season.