NewsWFLA News TampaAugust 14, 2026Hillsborough
55 loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings die after artificial light leads them to road on Anna Maria Island
Fifty-five loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings died after being disoriented by artificial light from nearby homes and businesses, causing them to crawl toward a road instead of the Gulf of Mexico. Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch is urging residents and visitors to turn off lights and close blinds at night to prevent future incidents.
Read the full story at WFLA News TampaWhy It Matters
The incident highlights the impact of light pollution on endangered sea turtle , which rely on natural light cues to reach the ocean, and underscores local calls for voluntary light management to protect wildlife.
Key Facts
- 55 loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings were found dead along Gulf Drive on Anna Maria Island.
- The hatchlings were only hours old when they died.
- Artificial light from nearby homes and businesses disoriented the hatchlings, leading them toward the road instead of the Gulf.
- Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch advises residents to turn off lights and close blinds at night to prevent disorientation.
- The organization recommends using red or amber spectrum lights if lighting is necessary.
- A 24-hour hotline (941-301-8434) is available for reporting distressed hatchlings.
Who's Mentioned
other55“Number of deceased loggerhead hatchlings.”personAudrey Phillips“Visitor from Indiana who discovered a hatchling.”personJoe Sellitto“Local resident.”personKristen Mazzarella“Executive Director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch.”other941-301-8434“24-hour hotline for reporting distressed hatchlings.”locationAnna Maria Island“Location where the incident occurred.”organizationAnna Maria Island Turtle Watch“Local organization monitoring turtle safety.”