Sea Turtle Information

Florida Sea Turtle Nesting Season is

MARCH 1 to NOVEMBER 15

Very Important for Owners --

During compliance inspections in 2018, it was discovered that a number of lights in OVIII were visible from the beach. All of these violations came from individual units. Some were balcony lights, and some were interior lights as far back as the kitchen.

Due to these violations, Ocean Villas III incurred a fine from the Fort Pierce code enforcement for $250.00. The fining is progressive and will be $500.00 for future violations. IN THE FUTURE, THE OFFENDING UNIT OWNER WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY FINES INCURRED. Owners are responsible for ensuring that all guests/renters are aware of and comply with lighting restrictions.

If it is not practical to change or shield interior light fixtures, then all window coverings should be closed from dusk to sunrise during turtle nesting season.

Additional Information --

Sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach at Ocean Village every year between March and October. Volunteers inspect the beach every morning looking for new nests and mark them with stakes to keep people from disturbing them.

When the young turtles hatch, they are attracted to the light of the moon, which leads them to the ocean. Bright lights on shore may confuse the hatchlings and lead them away from the water.

Help protect the young turtles by turning off porch lights and keeping your blinds or shades drawn after dark on windows and sliders that face toward the dune.

Here's more from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission --

"Please refrain from using cell phones or flashlights on the beach at night. Bright artificial lights can misdirect or disturb nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings.

If you live on the beach, it’s also important to keep your lights off and to close the curtains and shades, so no light can escape onto the beach. Improper beachfront lighting endangers nesting sea turtles and hatchlings. During nesting season, exterior light sources directly visible from the beach or illuminating areas seaward of the primary dune must be turned off between sunset and sunrise during nesting season.

The FWC also wants to remind everyone to fill in any holes in the sand caused by beach furniture and to pick up anything you bring to the beach before you leave. This may include trash, fishing line, beach toys, etc. If you wish to report a sick, injured, entangled, or dead sea turtle, the FWC is asking you to call their Hot line at 888-404-FWCC."