Turtle-Safe Red Flashlight Filters Available to the Public

The Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce is providing turtle-safe red flashlight filters to the public. The filters turn white light into red light, which turtles and other wildlife can't detect. 

Filters are available in both flashlight and cell phone sizes and can be picked up at the Pensacola Beach Visitor's Information Center on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional information about local sea turtles and sea turtle-friendly practices are also available. A maximum number of six people are allowed to enter the building at a time.The public is also asked to adhere to the CDC recommended physical distancing guidelines, and everyone is encouraged to wear a mask if possible. 

All four species of sea turtles that visit Escambia County beaches are endangered or threatened. Help protect them by using a sea turtle friendly flashlight while visiting our beaches after dark. 

Female sea turtles prefer dark, quiet beaches for nesting. Bright white lights, like those used by flashlights and cell phones, may cause female turtles to abandon a nesting attempt. Both adult and hatchling turtles use the reflected light of the moon and stars on water to find the Gulf of Mexico after nesting or hatching. Bright white lights from buildings, cars and people can confuse them,  potentially leading them away from the Gulf and into danger.  

Help Protect Sea Turtles in Escambia County:

• Lights Out! Female turtles prefer dark, quiet beaches for nesting and hatchlings need dark skies to find the Gulf of Mexico. Leave the flashlights and cell phones at home or use a red flashlight when on the beach at night. Turn off beach-facing lights and close windows and curtains to keep our beaches dark.
• Leave No Trace! Remove all furniture and toys from the beach when you’re done for the day, including hammocks, tents, canopies, chairs, toys and sports equipment.
• Stow It, Don’t Throw it! Trash and food waste can entangle turtles and other wildlife and attract unwanted predators. Always dispose of trash in the proper receptable and refrain from feeding wildlife.
• Don’t Cut the Line! if you accidentally hook a turtle while fishing from shore, don’t cut the line! Safely bring the turtle to shore and call Marine Resources at (850) 426-1257 for assistance. If hooked while on the Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier, contact the Pier Manager immediately.
• Fill It In! If you dig holes in the sand, fill them in before you leave the beach.

All sea turtle work performed by Escambia County was completed under Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission permit 032. If you encounter a nesting turtle, turn off all lights and retreat a safe distance away. Dead or injured sea turtles should be reported to Escambia County Marine Resources at 850426-1257 or the FWC Wildlife Alert line at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922.) For more information about sea turtles in Escambia County visit www.myescambia.com/seaturtles.