First sea turtle nest of 2026 found at Barefoot Beach in Collier County

BAREFOOT BEACH, Fla. (WINK) — The Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Team recorded the first sea turtle nest of 2026 on Barefoot Beach.

The loggerhead nest has been staked by the team and will be monitored until the eggs hatch. The Transportation Engineering Department's Sea Turtle monitoring group started permit-required daily nest surveys on April 15.

The team patrols and records sea turtle emergences, including nests and false crawls, along 22.5 miles of Collier County beachfront daily. Sea turtle nesting season in this area runs from spring to the end of October each year.

Environmental Supervisor Mary Toro is asking everyone living on or near the beaches to follow simple guidelines to protect nesting sea turtles.

"Please remember to turn off or shade lights from illuminating the beach by 9 p.m. and remove all beach furniture from the beach by 9:30 p.m.," Toro said. "We are hopeful for a good nesting season, and with the public's help, we can make it a great season."

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission should be contacted immediately at (888) 404-3922 if anyone finds a dead or injured sea turtle. Residents can also report incidents through myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/sea-turtle/ or by dialing *FWC or #FWC from a cell phone between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Officials warn that movements and noises can easily frighten away a female turtle attempting to nest. Flashlights should not be used on the beach at night, as lights deter turtles from nesting.

Beachgoers should never stop a turtle returning to the water or interfere with hatchlings heading for the ocean, as this can weaken them and increase mortality. Anyone witnessing situations that may interfere with sea turtle activities should contact the FWC at (888) 404-3922.

Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Program.