ANNA MARIA, Fla. — The streets lights on Gulf Dr. could soon go from a white to amber. Volunteers with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch are petitioning city leaders to change the streetlights near the beach because the white light is distracting baby sea turtles.
“Artificial lighting to a sea turtle is a magnet and they go away from the water,” said Turtle Watch Organizer Suzi Fox.
Fox said leaders in most of the Island cities seem to be on board with the plan. Florida Power and Light has to sign off on the lights first.
Bradenton Beach Mayor John Chappie said he is on board with the new amber lights, but he needs to make sure they are safe for pedestrians.
"We need to get a turtle light that works so the pedestrians are safe in the streets,” said Chappie.
The power company could okay the new lighting plan by the end of the year.
