Escambia County Records First Loggerhead Nest on Perdido Key

Escambia County Sea Turtle Patrol volunteers recorded a loggerhead nest on Perdido Key early this morning, May 19, marking the first sea turtle nest of the 2026 season. May and June are the busiest nesting months in Escambia County, so more nests are expected in the coming weeks.

While loggerheads account for 90% of nests laid in Escambia County, three other species of sea turtles nest on Escambia County beaches from May to October, including green, leatherbacks and the rare Kemp’s Ridley. Once laid, the eggs will incubate for around 60 days, after which hatchlings emerge at nighttime and make their way to the water.

It is important to help protect sea turtles when visiting local beaches, as sea turtles of all sizes face many threats. For nesting females, white lights on the beach may deter them from nesting or cause them to abandon a nesting attempt. Furniture, tents and toys left on the beach overnight create obstacles for nesting turtles and can injure or trap them on the beach.

Help protect nesting sea turtles and other coastal wildlife this summer by remembering:

• Lights Out: Bright lights can disturb nesting sea turtles and disorient adults and hatchlings on the beach. When visiting the beach after dark, keep cell phones and flashlights off. Instead, use a red flashlight or no light at all. For beachfront homes, turn off exterior lights when not in use and keep blinds and curtains shut after sunset.
• Leave Only Footprints: Help keep the beaches obstacle-free for nesting and hatchling turtles. All personal items, including chairs, tents, umbrellas, toys, and water equipment, must be removed from the beach by sunset each day. Make sure to fill in holes and flatten any sandcastles.
• Share the Beach: Stay out of posted nesting areas and avoid setting up belongings on the edges of marked areas. Avoid disturbing birds resting on the beach; if you see a nesting sea turtle, give it space. Do not handle sea turtle or shorebird eggs and hatchlings. Dogs are only allowed in designated beach dog parks and must always be kept on a leash.

For more information about sea turtles and other coastal wildlife in Escambia County, visit MyEscambia.com/seaturtles and follow the Escambia County Natural Resources Management Department on Facebook and Instagram.

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 850-281-5904 or the FWC Wildlife Alert line at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922). All sea turtle work performed by Escambia County was completed under Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Marine Turtle Permits #032 and #202.