Longboat Key offering public information forums on sea turtle protections

Marine Turtle Protection Update & Information Sessions – Both virtual and in-person will be offered

The 2021 sea turtle nesting season is over. This was an active year for the Town of Longboat Key with 1,032 turtle nests, beach re-nourishment, and the updating of the Marine Turtle Protection Ordinance.

The Town’s recent updates (approved on July 2, 2021) to the Marine Turtle Protection Ordinance will go into effect on January 2, 2022 and will be applicable on May 1, 2022. Some of the updated regulations include:

• All lighting, direct or indirect, visible from the beach shall utilize turtle-friendly bulbs;
• A Recreational Use Agreement will be required for any upland property owner wanting to store furniture or recreational equipment on the beach at night;
• Prohibiting items placed or stored within five feet of a marked turtle nest;
• Prohibiting to abandon large holes in the sand; and
• Additional building inspection required for new construction of windows or exterior lighting.

The Town would like to make sure everyone is fully educated, and compliant, by the beginning of next sea turtle nesting season. One of the ways the Town will be working to share these updates is via a series of public forums for the community to learn more and ask questions. Information on those sessions is provided below:

• All three sessions below will be held at the Town Hall - Commission Chambers (501 Bay Isles Road, Longboat Key, FL 34228)
• Monday, December 20, 2021 at 1:00 pm (Note: This Session will also be available via Zoom. Information on joining via Zoom is available on the online Town Calendar)
• Friday, January 21, 2022 at 1:00 pm
• Monday, March 14, 2022 at 10:00 am

Please don’t hesitate to call the Planning, Zoning & Building Department at 941-316-1966 or email turtles@longboatkey.org if you have any questions or concerns.

Information on all of the Marine Turtle Protection requirements can be found on Longboat Key's website.