The Captiva Erosion Prevention District recently released information for the island community regarding sea turtle nesting season and hurricane season, including guidance and resources.

NESTING SEASON

The CEPD reported that sea turtle nesting season takes place from May 1 through Oct. 3.

To help ensure that the turtles have a successful nesting season, it asked that the public take the following into consideration when visiting the beaches on Captiva:

– Turn off or shield all lights that are visible from the beach. Do not use flashlights or cell phone lights on the beach. If necessary, use amber or red LED bulbs.

– Do not disturb the screens covering nests. They prevent predators from eating the eggs and the hatchlings emerge through the holes without assistance.

– Remove all beach furniture and equipment from the beach at night.

– Dispose of fishing line properly to avoid wildlife entanglement.

– Fill in large holes that can trap hatchlings and nesting sea turtles.

– Do not disturb nesting turtles — please do not to get too close, shine lights on, or take flash photos of nesting sea turtles.

– Pick up litter.

For more information about sea turtles and what is being done to protect them, visit the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation at https://www.sccf.org/our-work/sea-turtles.

To report any issues with sea turtle nests, nesting turtles or hatchlings, contact the SCCF Sea Turtle Hotline at 978-728-3663.

HURRICANE SEASON

The CEPD reported that hurricane season began on June 1 and will continue through Nov. 30.

It strongly advised homeowners, business owners and visitors to have a plan. The CEPD noted that though many are still recovering from Hurricane Ian, it is important to be as prepared as possible.

It shared the following resources for hurricanes and hurricane preparedness:

– CAPTIVA ISLAND FIRE CONTROL DISTRICT

https://www.captivafire.com/emergency-management

– NOAA HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

https://www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep

– RED CROSS HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-foremergencies/types-of-emergencies/hurricane.html

– FLORIDA DISASTER PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST

https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hurricane-supplychecklist/

– 2024 HURRICANE NAMES

https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtml