Code enforcement officers, assisted by volunteers from Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, took to the beach May 16.
For four hours, the officers and volunteers combed the beaches in Holmes Beach and Anna Maria to determine if they are turtle-safe.
According to Suzi Fox, executive director of AMITW, this entailed making sure lights along the shore are Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission compliant, including FWC-approved light bulbs.
In reference to turtle-safe lighting, Fox said, “We were pleasantly surprised by how well people are doing with these precautions. There is a noticeable difference between this year and last year.”
Additionally, the team ensured large pieces of equipment were removed from the beach. These objects can become obstacles to turtles making their way to or from the Gulf waters.
Fox said, “We only found one tent left on the beach. There used to be 50. This is amazing.”
For more information, contact Fox at suzilfox@gmail.com or 941-778-5638.
— ChrisAnn Silver Esformes