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Martin County hosts early sea-turtle nesting season; hotlines, protections stressed
Summary
Hosts of the Martin County podcast reported the county's sea-turtle nesting season runs March 1–Oct. 31, cited 16,273 nests in the prior year (a 25% increase over 2023), and repeated guidance to avoid touching turtles and to call the Florida Fish and Wildlife hotline at (888) 404-3922 for disoriented animals.
Max, a podcast host, told listeners that Martin County’s sea-turtle nesting season runs March 1 through Oct. 31 and urged residents and visitors to avoid disturbing nests and hatchlings.
"They are protected by state and federal laws," Max said, stressing that well-intentioned attempts to move hatchlings can violate those protections. The hosts provided the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hotline number for disoriented turtles: (888) 404-3922, and said they would place the number in the episode’s show notes.
Courtney, a podcast host, cited county nest counts, saying the beach recorded 16,273 nests last year — a figure she described as about a 25% increase over 2023. She and Max advised beachgoers to fill in holes and knock down sandcastles before leaving the beach so nesting turtles are not obstructed or confused.
The hosts recommended that anyone who sees a stranded or disoriented turtle contact the FWC hotline rather than handle the animal directly. They also reminded listeners that lifeguards can explain flag warnings and other daily beach conditions.
The episode combined safety guidance (do not touch turtles or hatchlings; respect nesting sites) with local statistics and the hotline number so residents know where to report problems.
