July 4, 2025
Happy Independence Day!
Happy 4th of July from all of us here at Volusia Turtle Patrol! While this can be a fun and exciting time for us to celebrate our independence, it can be a dangerous and scary time for sea turtles and other wildlife. Loud noises and bright lights from fireworks can scare mama turtles and prevent them from laying their eggs or confuse newly hatched turtles trying to make their way to the ocean. In addition, July 5 is notorious for the massive amounts of debris left on the beaches by those celebrating Independence Day the night before. Small debris can be ingested, making animals sick or killing them. Large debris can create obstacles that trap or injure sea turtles.
We hope that you have a wonderful holiday with family and friends, but please celebrate responsibly and leave the beach the way you found it. Remove trash, lawn furniture and umbrellas. Fill in holes and knock down sandcastles. Thank you!
We hope that you have a wonderful holiday with family and friends, but please celebrate responsibly and leave the beach the way you found it. Remove trash, lawn furniture and umbrellas. Fill in holes and knock down sandcastles. Thank you!
Please kind and keep the turtles in mind!
~ The Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol
Want to do more?
Many areas have local beach clean-ups on July 5 to restore the beach back to its natural state.
We've listed a few below or you can reach out to someone in your area to see how you can help!
We've listed a few below or you can reach out to someone in your area to see how you can help!
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Volusia County
"Keep Volusia Beautiful" Saturday, July 5 from 8:00 - 10:00 am Winterhaven Park, 4589 S. Atlantic Ave, Ponce Inlet Click here for more info. |
Daytona Beach
"Beach Squad" Saturday, July 5 from 8:00 - 10:30 am Sun Splash Park, 611 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Click here to register & for more info. |
Flagler Beach
"Flagler Beach All-Stars" Monthly Beach Cleanup
July 5 at 9:00 am
Flagler Beach Pier, 215 S. Ocean Shore Boulevard, Flagler Beach
Click here for more info.
"Flagler Beach All-Stars" Monthly Beach Cleanup
July 5 at 9:00 am
Flagler Beach Pier, 215 S. Ocean Shore Boulevard, Flagler Beach
Click here for more info.
Tips for Sharing the Beach
- Leave the beach the way you found it. Mama turtles can get trapped/injured in lawn chairs or stuck in holes dug on the beach. When leaving the beach, remove obstacles that can get in their way by taking everything with you, filling in holes, and knocking down sandcastles.
- Pick up your trash. Mama turtles may think your plastic bag is a yummy jellyfish an eat it, making her sick. Look around before you leave and place your trash (and trash left behind by others) in the trash/recycling bins.
- Lights out. Lighting along A1A, beach bonfires, and flashlights can confuse mama turtles, discouraging them from coming ashore to lay their eggs. If they are already on shore, they may become disoriented or be frightened away.
- Do not disturb nesting females. If you see a turtle coming ashore to nest, do not approach! Give her space and don't make loud noises or quick movements. If she gets scared and returns to the ocean, she may dump her eggs in the sea and the hatchlings will perish.
- Call for assistance. Turtles have been coming to shore to lay eggs for thousands of years without needing any help from us. If you see one coming to shore, please keep your distance, remain quiet and watch nature at its finest. However, if you see bystanders crowding or harassing a nesting turtle, please call the FWC for assistance at 1-888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922).
Florida Sea Turtles
There are 5 species of sea turtles found along Florida's Beaches.
LOGGERHEADThe Loggerhead Turtle is the most common turtle on our beaches. She is named for her immense, block-like head and strong jaws.
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LEATHERBACKThe Leatherback Turtle is the largest turtle. She has a leathery shell, can reach up to 7 feet in length and weigh up to 1,500 pounds.
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GREENThe Green Turtle gets her name from the color of her fat. She is an herbivore, eating plants, sea grasses,
and algae. |
HAWKSBILLThe Hawksbill Turtle has a beautiful, distinct carapace (shell). It is tortoiseshell in color and has overlapping scutes (scales).
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KEMP'S RIDLEYThe Kemp's Ridley is the most endangered sea turtle in the world. She is relatively small, weighing less than 100 pounds.
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If you find a sick or injured sea turtle, please do not place it back in the water. It may need medical assistance. Call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922) or, from your cell phone, dial #FWC or *FWC .