ANNA MARIA ISLAND, FL — Our beaches took a beating after three hurricanes last year. And with sea turtle nesting season fast approaching, advocates have new safety concerns.
They caused a disruption on wildlife, including sea turtles.
"We lost about 200 nests during the storm," said Kristen Mazzarella, the executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch.
Every day from April 15th to October 31st, the Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch team patrols the beaches to look for tracks and mark sea turtle nests. But when the hurricanes hit, there was not much volunteers could do.
"Mother Nature has her plan," said Lisa Picciano, an AMI Turtle Watch volunteer. "Yeah, if she said, you know, 'Hey, go early, put your nest in, let's hatch, because I'm going to wreak havoc,' and they did."
There was already a record number of hatchlings before the hurricanes. Mazzarella said while there was loss, it turned out to be an average year.
"In the end, we actually got out about 20,600 hatchlings," said Mazzarella.
Dunes are one of the key players in helping protect sea turtles. Mazzarella said some dunes on Anna Maria Island went from about five feet high to about ankle high because of the hurricanes.
"So there are more lights that are being seen from the beach now because there aren't any dunes," said Mazzarella.
Mazzarella said this is concerning. Sea turtles use the light as a guide to move towards the horizon, but if there are lights on the beach, they will follow those instead.
To avoid this, Mazzarella said you should dim your lights or use amber lighting. She also encourages beach goers to throw away their trash, knock down sandcastles, and fill in holes.
"Remember only one hatchling in 1,000 will survive to adult maturity, so every single one that we can save will make a difference," said Karen Anderson, an AMI Turtle Watch volunteer.
For more resources on how to protect the sea turtles, you can visit AMI Turtle Watch's website.
"He was a great inspiration to all of us, but especially I would say those that are in the minorities"
Catholics across the Tampa Bay Area are remembering the life and legacy of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88. Father Len Plazewski, the Pastor of Christ the King Church in South Tampa, thinks his legacy will be one of joy.
