Pensacola Beach’s First Sea Turtle Nest of the Season Has Hatched
The protected dune nest produced 123 hatchlings, all of which reached the Gulf, as local officials ask beach visitors to help remaining nests.
Pensacola Beach has recorded its first sea turtle hatch of the 2026 season, and the nest produced 123 hatchlings that successfully crawled into the Gulf.
Escambia County Sea Turtle Patrol reported an 89% hatch success rate. The nest was positioned on a dune ridge, which helped protect it from the overwash that affected other nests when Tropical Storm Bertha crossed the Gulf in July.
Why this nest survived the storm
Bertha flooded several local sea turtle nests, slowing incubation and likely causing some egg loss. Marine Resources staff expect other nests to hatch later than usual and potentially produce fewer hatchlings because of that flooding.
The first successful nest was laid high enough on the dune to avoid the storm’s overwash. After a nest hatches, authorized patrol members assess it to document the number of hatched and unhatched eggs.
Sea Turtle Patrol teams survey county-managed beaches on Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key during nesting season, which runs through October 31.
How beach lights affect hatchlings
Newly hatched turtles normally use natural light reflected from the water to orient themselves toward the Gulf. Artificial lights from buildings, flashlights and phones can overpower those natural cues and send turtles toward roads, parking lots and other dangerous areas.
Escambia County reported that about 60% of hatchlings on county beaches become disoriented by artificial lighting.
At night, beachgoers should avoid white flashlights, phone lights, flash photography and lanterns near the sand. Beach-facing exterior lights should be turned off, while curtains and blinds should be closed when interior lights are visible from the beach.
What visitors should do on the sand
Beach visitors can help the remaining nests by taking these steps:
Remove chairs, tents, toys and other belongings at the end of the day.
Fill holes and flatten sandcastles before leaving.
Place trash and discarded fishing line in proper containers.
Keep a respectful distance from marked nests, nesting turtles and hatchlings.
Never handle or attempt to redirect a hatchling.
Anyone who sees a nest hatching or encounters hatchlings should call Escambia County Marine Resources at 850-281-5904.
Injured, dead or harassed sea turtles can also be reported to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-3922.
The first hatch is encouraging, but many nests still face delayed incubation and storm-related losses. Pensacola Beach and Perdido Key visitors can improve their odds by keeping the beaches dark, flat and clean through the remainder of nesting season.
Support the Cause: Free Stickers, Real Impact
To raise awareness and support for sea turtle conservation, Must Do Pensacola is offering free stickers. These Gulf Coast designs are available at no cost at local businesses—though a donation is encouraged. Money raised goes directly to the Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center to support their efforts in protecting turtles and their habitat.
Whether you're a local beachgoer or a vacationing visitor, your awareness and small actions make a massive difference. Let's keep Pensacola’s beaches a safe haven for these amazing creatures.
