First sea turtle nest of 2026 in Collier County recorded on Barefoot Beach

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —

Collier County's first sea turtle nest of the year was found on Barefoot Beach, according to the Collier County Sea Turtle Protection Team.

The nest, a loggerhead sea turtle nest, has been staked by the team and will be monitored until the eggs hatch, the county adds.

Sea turtle nesting in the area runs from Spring to early October each year. The county says that there are some things that residents can do to keep the turtles and their nests safe during the season:

• If you find a dead or injured sea turtle, please immediately notify the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) at (888) 404-3922, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; or *FWC or #FWC from a cell phone.
• If you witness a turtle crawling out of the ocean or digging a nest, remain quiet and at a distance. Movements and noises can easily frighten away a female turtle.
• Don't use flashlights on the beach at night. Lights deter turtles attempting to nest.
• If you live near the beach, shield lights that face seaward or turn off unnecessary lighting.
• Never stop a turtle that is returning to the water.
• Please fill in any dug holes for public and environmental safety.
• Do not interfere with hatchlings heading for the water; this can weaken them and increase mortality. Contact the FWC (1-888-404-3922) if you witness any situation that may interfere with sea turtle activities.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.