WINK Digital Team
•9/10/2026
NAPLES, Fla. (WINK)—Nearly 1 in 5 sea turtle nests on Naples city beaches have resulted in disoriented hatchlings this season, according to a city update released Sept. 10.
The city reported 70 disorientation events so far, representing 18% of all recorded hatches. The original goal was to keep disorientations under 30 for the season.
City officials said the percentage takes on greater significance when considering the many challenges sea turtles face before a hatchling ever reaches the water. Nests can be lost to high tides, severe weather and predation, and even in a successful nest, not every egg will produce a hatchling.
"When the odds are already stacked against them, every disorientation matters," the city said.
Naples beaches have recorded 556 nests this season, up 71 compared to this time last year. The city also reported 475 false crawls, down 21 from last year, and 393 hatches, up three from last year.
While there is some cause to celebrate with more nests overall and fewer false crawls, the number of disorientations is higher than officials had hoped. The city said the shores are facing a challenging combination of environmental conditions and elevated levels of artificial light.
City officials emphasized simple, effective solutions to help protect sea turtle hatchlings. Residents and visitors should switch off unnecessary lights, close window coverings after sunset and avoid using bright lights on the beach at night, including flashlights.
The city also recommends using turtle-safe lighting and leaving no trace on the beach. Beachgoers should dispose of trash properly, fill in any holes, flatten sandcastles and remove beach equipment.
Officials urge people to observe wildlife quietly from a distance and not disturb them. Distressed wildlife should be reported to the FWC at 888-404-3922 or online through Wildlife Alert.
Beachgoers should also stay on marked paths, as walking on dunes can destroy vegetation and speed up erosion. City officials said every covered window, light switched off and obstacle-free stretch of sand increases a hatchling's odds of survival.
