Lighting disorientations lead to loss of sea turtle hatchlings
The Town of Fort Myers Beach and Turte Time announced that there was a loss of loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings this past week due to disorientations near two nests on the southern end of the island. According to Turtle Time, the disorientations were caused by lights in violation of the town’s sea turtle lighting ordinance which restricts visible lights from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
All blinders and curtains are required to be closed at night through Oct. 31. Outdoor lights must be shielded amber LED lights in order to avoid deadly disorientations of hatchlings as well as the disorientations of nesting sea turtles.
According to Haverfield, the disorientations occurred between the 6500 block of Estero Boulevard and the 7300 block of Estero Blvd.
To reach Nathan Mayberg, please email nmayberg@breezenewspapers.com