There’s a small sign of life emerging from the sand on Pensacola Beach.
Escambia County’s Sea Turtle Patrol volunteers have recorded the first sea turtle hatch of the season.
The nest was laid on a dune ridge, where it was protected from the flooding caused by Tropical Storm Bertha in July.
And when the eggs finally hatched, 123 baby turtles made their way into the Gulf.
That’s an 89% hatch success rate.
It’s a welcome start to the season, especially because the storm flooded several other sea turtle nests along the coast.
County marine resources staff said those nests may have lower hatch rates, and the turtles could emerge later than usual because of the storm damage.
For the hatchlings that do make it out, though, the journey is just beginning.
The tiny turtles use the natural light reflected off the Gulf to find their way to the water.
But artificial light from homes, businesses, and even cell phones can pull them in the wrong direction.
Escambia County said about 60% of hatchlings on county beaches become disoriented by artificial light.
So beachgoers are being asked to keep beaches dark at night, fill in holes and flatten sandcastles, and remove chairs and other belongings before leaving the beach.
And if you happen to see a nest hatching or encounter baby turtles on the beach, keep your distance and call Escambia County Marine Resources at 850-281-5904.
