Panama Beach City

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One of the many ecological treasures that makes Panama City Beach distinctive is the yearly nesting of sea turtles, precious creatures whose protection is a key part of life on Florida beaches.

From May 1 to October 31 of each year, hundreds of female nesting turtles head to area beaches in search of safe places to lay their eggs. The Florida sea turtles’ visits are a natural wonder, and many visitors enjoy watching parts of the unique cycle, from the mothers’ evening egg laying to the youngsters’ brave trek into warm Gulf waters.

Sea turtles are among the oldest and largest living reptiles and date all the way back to the time of the dinosaurs. They have flippers and a streamlined shell to help them swim quickly and over long-distances. They frequently come to the surface to breathe while swimming, but can remain underwater for several hours. Although Florida sea turtles spend almost their entire lives in the water, they are tied to the land for their survival, and are a crucial part of Florida nature and areas like St. Andrews State Park Florida in Panama City Beach.

The mother turtle needs darkness to lay her nest of approximately 100 eggs in the sand. When finished, the mother turtle returns to the Gulf, never to revisit the nest. Once hatched, the baby turtles make a dangerous nighttime journey across the sand into Gulf waters. They instinctively follow the natural nighttime light, and require darkness in order to find their way to the water. Many of the hatchlings never make it to sea, becoming distracted by artificial lights, noise, and predation.

The Loggerhead and Green turtles are the only Florida sea turtles known to nest on Panama City Beach. Other species that nest on Florida beaches include leatherback and Kemp’s ridley sea turtles.

Sea turtles face multiple threats, including excess lighting, coastal construction, beach cleaning and nourishment.  Driving on Florida beaches and recreational equipment left overnight are also dangerous. At sea, the turtles face other hazards, including the ingestion of trash or debris, accidentally being hit by boats, or being entangled or caught in fishing gear.

The protection of sea turtles is of significant importance in Panama City Beach. Both visitors and locals alike can contribute to ensuring these at-risk creatures are able to lay their eggs safely and continue the growth of an endangered population that plays a key role when it comes to Florida nature.

Multiple organizations work together to protect these fragile creatures, including the Bay County Tourist Development Council, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the St. Andrew Bay Resource Management Association Turtle Watch.

There are steps every beachgoer can take to insure the protection of this endangered species, an integral part of Florida nature, including the following:

• Do not shine lights on or near the turtles or take pictures or videos of them using cell phone cameras, flashes or other lighting.
• If you live or vacation on the beach, turn off  lights not being used and close all blinds and curtains at night.
• If you see a sea turtle, do not disturb it; view quietly from a distance only.
• Do not touch any Florida sea turtles (nesting adult or baby hatchling) or nests.
• Stay off the dunes and use beach walkovers to access Florida beaches
• Remove chairs, umbrellas, toys, and other personal items from the beach each night.
• Fill in any holes you may have dug on the beach.
• Dispose of all trash in refuse containers, or take it with you when you leave the beach.
• When boating, be alert for swimming Florida sea turtles to avoid collisions.
• Call 1-888-404-FWCC if you see a turtle or a nest being harmed.
• Remember, only official representatives of Turtle Watch, the FWC or FWS can handle Florida sea turtles.

 Whether it's in St. Andrews State Park Florida or another one of the Panama City Beach Florida beaches, remember to follow these guidelines to keep our friends safe.