A Milestone Worth Celebrating!
Record Number of Sea Turtle Nests in Volusia County
July 28, 2026
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As we reach the midpoint of another sea turtle nesting season, there's exciting news to celebrate! Volusia County has officially set a new all-time sea turtle nesting record. The county documented its 1,517th nest of the 2026 season in Daytona Beach Shores recently, breaking the previous record of 1,516 nests set in 2023. With nesting season continuing through October 31, we expect even more nests to be laid in the months ahead.

This milestone underscores the importance of Volusia County's beaches as critical nesting habitat for several threatened and endangered sea turtle species. It is also a testament to the dedication of the many volunteers, beachgoers, and community members who work together to protect these incredible animals.
Each morning starting around sunrise, Turtle Patrol volunteers cover miles of beach documenting nesting activity, protecting nests, collecting valuable scientific data, and responding to reports of stranded or disoriented turtles. Their commitment—along with the support of our community—plays an important role in the conservation of sea turtles.
While we celebrate this historic achievement, our work is far from over. Hatchlings will continue emerging from nests through the fall. These tiny turtles face many challenges on their journey to the ocean, and they need our help.
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Every nest protected and every hatchling that reaches the ocean represents another step toward the recovery of these remarkable animals.

Thank you for being part of Turtle Patrol's mission. Together, we're helping ensure that Volusia County remains one of the most important sea turtle nesting beaches in the world. We look forward to a successful remainder of the nesting season and many more hatchlings making their incredible journey safely to the sea.
~ The Volusia Turtle Patrol Team
You can make a difference by remembering to:
  • Turn off or shield lights visible from the beach after sunset.
  • Fill in holes and knock down sandcastles before leaving the beach.
  • Remove all beach furniture, tents, toys, and trash each evening.
  • Give nesting turtles and marked nests plenty of space.
  • ​Never use flash photography or shine lights on nesting turtles or hatchlings.​​​
For the latest Turtle Patrol news and photos all year long,
 follow us, "Turtle Patrol Volusia" on Facebook

Florida Sea Turtles

There are 5 species of sea turtles found along Florida's Beaches.

LOGGERHEAD

The Loggerhead Turtle is the most common turtle on  our beaches. She is named for her immense, block-like head and strong jaws.

LEATHERBACK

The 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.

GREEN

The Green Turtle gets her name from the color of her fat. She is an herbivore, eating plants, sea grasses,
​ and algae.

HAWKSBILL

The Hawksbill Turtle has a beautiful, distinct carapace (shell). It is  tortoiseshell in color and has overlapping scutes (scales). 

KEMP'S RIDLEY

The Kemp's Ridley is the most endangered sea turtle in the world. She is relatively small, weighing less than 100 pounds.
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 .