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NewsMySuncoast / WWSB (ABC Sarasota)August 14, 2026Sarasota County

Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch issues light pollution warnings after 55 hatchlings found dead

Conservationists are urging coastal residents and businesses to turn off artificial lights at night after 55 disoriented baby sea turtles were found dead on an Anna Maria Island roadway. Artificial lighting misleads hatchlings away from the ocean, contributing to a total of over 140 confirmed hatchling deaths in the area so far in 2026.

environmentwildlifeconservationAnna Maria Island
Read the full story at MySuncoast / WWSB (ABC Sarasota)

Why It Matters

Residents and business owners in coastal areas are being asked to modify lighting habits to prevent further sea turtle during the remainder of the nesting season, which runs through October 31.

Key Facts

  • 55 baby sea turtles were found dead on an Anna Maria Island roadway this week.
  • Artificial lights from homes and businesses are identified as the primary cause of hatchling disorientation.
  • Over 3,000 disoriented hatchlings have been recorded in the area during 2026.
  • More than 140 hatchling deaths have been confirmed in the area so far in 2026.
  • There are over 250 sea turtle nests remaining on the beach to hatch this season.
  • Peak nesting season for sea turtles in this area is May 1 through October 31.
  • As of August 13, 2024, there were 2,548 reported disorientation events statewide according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
  • Florida beaches host approximately 90% of all sea turtle nests in the United States.
  • The Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch operates a 24/7 hotline for reporting disoriented hatchlings.

Who's Mentioned

organizationAnna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring“Local conservation group monitoring sea turtle nests and hatchlings”personKristen Mazzarella“Executive Director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring”locationAnna Maria Island“Primary location of the reported incidents”organizationFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission“State agency that tracks sea turtle disorientation events”