City: Be a beach hero, protect wildlife this holiday
The city of Sanibel reminded the public for the Fourth of July that the possession and discharge of fireworks on the island is illegal, per city Ordinance.
“Please protect our wildlife and our sanctuary island,” officials said.
For more information or questions regarding fireworks prohibitions, contact the Sanibel Police Department (SPD) at 239-472-3111.
AFTER 9, IT’S TURTLE TIME!
The city reported that July and August are the height of sea turtle hatching season, so be especially aware of protecting sea turtles and all wildlife on Sanibel.
Every year hundreds of sea turtle nests are laid on the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva. Sea turtle hatchlings emerge after dark, using the light of the night sky over the sea to navigate to the water. Artificial light causes hatchlings to crawl away from the water and toward the light source, making them susceptible to predators, dehydration and exhaustion.
“Please do your part to protect sea turtles by keeping lights off or shielded and our beaches dark this weekend and all summer long,” officials said.
10 WAYS YOU CAN HELP
– Leave personal fireworks at home. Possession and discharge of fireworks is not only prohibited, but loud sounds and bright lights on Florida’s beaches can have devastating effects on protected wildlife species like sea turtle and shorebirds.
– Avoid using flashlights or illuminated cell phones and never shine light on nesting or hatchling sea turtles.
– No flash photography after dark.
– Respect posted areas for nesting sea turtles and shorebirds.
– Fill holes and level sandcastles before you leave the beach for the day and remove all beach furniture by 9 p.m. to prevent wildlife obstacles and entrapment.
– Never intentionally force birds to fly. When birds are chased or disturbed, they use energy they need to reserve for nesting and migration.
– Properly dispose of monofilament fishing line. For more information on how to reduce the impacts of monofilament and other fishing gear, visit www.mindyourline.org.
– Keep the beach clean and do not feed wildlife. Food scraps attract predators such as raccoons and crows to the beaches. Litter on beaches can entangle birds, sea turtles, and other wildlife.
– Obey the Leash Law. Dogs must always be on a short leash (less than 8 feet). Keep pets away from nesting areas.
– Spread the word! Encourage others to “Be a Beach Hero” and keep Sanibel’s beaches safe for wildlife.
Violations should be reported immediately to the SPD at 239-472-3111, Sanibel Code Enforcement at 239-472-4136 or Sanibel Natural Resources at 239-472-3700.
For questions about the city’s beachfront lighting regulations, email sandnr@mysanibel.com.