Sea Turtle's in Ponte Vedra Beach

Sea Turtle Conservation at Mickler’s Landing in Ponte Vedra Beach

Ponte Vedra Beach is known for its luxury homes and pristine shoreline, but it’s also one of the most active sea turtle nesting areas in North Florida. Every morning during nesting season, a dedicated team of volunteers patrols the beaches near Mickler’s Landing to document and protect sea turtle nests. In this episode of Discover Ponte Vedra, Lisa Barton and team member Sean Musarello join Lucas Meers, the state-permitted leader of the Mickler’s Landing Turtle Patrol, to learn how residents and visitors can support sea turtle conservation.

A High-Density Nesting Site

The beaches of Ponte Vedra are especially attractive to nesting sea turtles, with one of the highest nesting densities in North Florida. The Turtle Patrol, made up of 27 trained volunteers, documents nesting activity daily, carefully marking and protecting nests to help ensure hatchlings reach the ocean safely.

What to Do If You See a Nest or Turtle

Sea turtle nests are marked with orange stakes and tape. If you see one, take a moment to enjoy it from a distance, but do not touch or disturb the nest. If you happen to witness a female laying eggs or hatchlings making their way to the water, the best thing you can do is step back and let nature take its course.

All sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act, meaning it’s illegal to touch or interfere with turtles, hatchlings, or their nests. The Turtle Patrol is specially trained and permitted to assist if intervention is necessary.

Important Sea Turtle Tips for Beachfront Homeowners

If you live on the ocean in Ponte Vedra, there are several ways you can support sea turtle safety:

• Turn off or shield beachfront lighting during nesting and hatching season (May through October), as artificial light can disorient hatchlings.
• Redirect irrigation runoff and drainage away from the dunes and beach.
• Remove obstacles like furniture or trash that could block a turtle’s path.
  

These small steps make a big difference in preserving one of Ponte Vedra’s most precious coastal species.

How to Report Nesting Activity

If you notice signs of nesting or hatchlings, contact the Mickler’s Landing Turtle Patrol via their Facebook page or their website.

Living with Nature in Ponte Vedra

One of the things that makes Ponte Vedra Beach so special is the way natural beauty and modern living coexist. As Lisa Barton explains, beachfront living comes with the unique opportunity, and responsibility, of helping protect the ecosystem.

If you’re thinking about purchasing a beachfront home or have questions about conservation-friendly living, the Lisa Barton Team can help. For expert guidance on oceanfront real estate call us at 904-465-9139 or email us.