Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol

08/29/2026

This little loggerhead wasn’t quite ready to meet the world yet, but something dug into her nest and out she came. Her right flipper was a little wonky but she swam off to begin her life at sea. Wish her luck!

All marine turtle work is authorized by FWC MTP 111.

08/28/2026

👀 SPOTTED in south Jax Beach 👀

More folks who understand the importance of keeping the beach for sea turtles. CDF means no trash, artificial lights or holes/structures that can impede sea turtles. While the nesting portion of the season is probably over, there are still a number of hatchlings that will be making their way to the ocean.

08/26/2026

Our friends at Cabana Life have chosen us as their featured charity for their big sample sale this weekend (Friday 28th-Saturday 29th). Simply mention Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol when you check out and they'll donate a percentage of the proceeds to our conservation efforts. Protect your skin and the turtles at the same time! See flyer for all details.

08/21/2026

Hatchling in a hurry.

08/20/2026

Good morning, turtle fans! Hope you have a beautiful day.

08/18/2026

Sea turtle patrol is hard work. 🐢💪 So how do we stay in peak patrol condition? With a highly specialized, scientifically questionable workout routine, of course. 😂

Here’s how we train for the toughest reps on the beach…

08/15/2026

Come see us at Mayport Waterfront Market. Lots of exciting turtle news you won't want to miss. Here until 2.

08/13/2026

Both of our buggy crews want to share the lovely sunrise with you today. Happy Friday eve.

08/11/2026

Here's the monthly statewide update. Great numbers all around.

🐢 2026 Sea Turtle Nesting Season Update 🐢
The 2026 nesting season continues to bring some exciting and unexpected trends across Florida’s beaches!

🟡 Loggerheads have reached 130,091 nests statewide as of July 31st—still ahead of this time in each of the past four years and currently on pace for a possible record season.
🟣 Leatherbacks continue their exceptional year, with 2,203 nests documented so far. If these preliminary numbers are confirmed during final data review, 2026 would become Florida’s new record leatherback nesting season.
🟢Green turtles continue to surprise us! Although 2026 was expected to be a lower nesting year based on their typical high–low nesting pattern, 33,646 nests have already been documented statewide.
🔵 Kemp’s ridley turtles remain rare visitors to Florida’s beaches, with 15 confirmed nests documented so far this season.
🟠 Florida’s first confirmed olive ridley nest remains one of the most remarkable discoveries of the 2026 season.

🌴 Thank you to all the permit holders, volunteers, interns, and partners working together to document sea turtle nesting activity across the state!

📊 Preliminary statewide totals as of July 31, 2026
• Loggerhead: 130,091 nests
• Green Turtle: 33,646 nests
• Leatherback: 2,203 nests
• Kemp’s Ridley: 15 confirmed nests
• Olive Ridley: 1 confirmed nest
• Hawksbill: 0 nests

📸 FWC photos