Sea turtle nesting season begins in one week, and St. Johns county officials are asking residents, visitors and businesses to protect the turtles’ natural habitat.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Sea turtle nesting season is upon us and state wildlife officials are reminding Floridians to keep our beaches clear of trash and bright lights that could be harmful to hatchlings. It’s recommended that they switch off lights or shut their curtains after dark to avoid confusing turtle hatchlings. Besides lighting, another concern for wildlife officials is trash left behind on the beach. Garbage and other discarded items can not only keep sea turtles from nesting, they can create obstacles for turtle hatchlings trying to reach the ocean when they eventually leave their nests. “As beachgoers, we can all do our part to help sea turtles survive,” Dr. Robbin Trindell, who heads the FWC sea turtle management program, said.