Turtle nesting season draws to a close

The sea turtle nesting season is coming to a close on Longboat Key. The final nest of the year was laid on Sept. 6 by a loggerhead turtle on Lido Key.

From Longboat Key to Venice, 2,459 total nests were produced, only 10 nests short of the record-breaking nesting season in 2012. There were 543 nests on Longboat Key, 278 in Manatee County and 265 in Sarasota County.

Nesting season ends Oct. 31, and it is important for the public to ensure the beaches remain dark and obstacle-free so the hatchlings can safely reach the water.

For more information, pick up the Oct. 9 edition of the Longboat Observer.

Contact Kristen Herhold at [email protected].