Stakeholders prepare for early sea turtle nesting season
May 3, 2025 - The Clearwater Marine Aquarium will begin its sea turtle nesting patrol along a 21-mile stretch of Pinellas County beaches April 15 - two weeks earlier than in previous years. The change is due to updated guidance from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and a 30-year nesting trend analysis. The area is primarily home to loggerheads, with occasional appearances by leatherbacks, green sea turtles, Kemp's ridleys, and hawksbills. All five species are threatened or endangered.