Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol, Inc.

BSTP News Archive: 2008

• Many thanks to Tom & Betty Petway for their very generous donation of a 2006 Polaris Ranger. We'll be able to carry more materials and personnel which will significantly help our efforts.
• We are looking for a secure location in south Jax Beach to keep our second ATV next season. Please contact us if you can help.
• [9/25] All nests for the 2008 season have either hatched or been lost to the sea. Please continue to be watchful for small hatchlings that may be present on the beach. Follow instructions below if you find one in distress.
• [9/25] Last few days to buy sea turtle art to benefit BSTP.
• Thanks to the volunteers who braved the nasty weather to participate in the clean up.
• International Coastal Clean Up Day, Saturday 9/20, on the beach at Atlantic Blvd., Beach Blvd., and 16th Ave. S. from 7-9 a.m. View flyer.
• One Ocean to hold benefit spa treatments for BSTP from September 1 through November 30. Get their "Treasure of the Sea" spa treatment and feel good about feeling good! 10% proceeds of this treatment only will be donated during this time.
• TS Fay damage update: 4 nest markers were completely washed away. Each remaining nest needed some type of repair work. Hatch success is dependent on how long the nests were under water. One of the nests in south Jax Beach that lost markers was predated by a dog 8/23-24. Also, two rescued hatchlings were successfully released.
• Turtles and storms - What To Do: Hatchlings may be washed back to shore by the wind and strong surf. If you find a hatchling DO NOT put it back in the ocean. Place it in a small bucket on a layer of damp sand, cover with a towel and immediately call the BSTP emergency line at (904) 613-6081. We will pick up the hatchling and keep it properly contained until conditions improve. This applies only to hatchlings found at Atlantic, Neptune and Jacksonville Beaches. If you find a hatchling on any other beach please call the FWC Wildlife Alert line at 1-888-404-3922 for instructions. Please report any nest damage you observe to our emergency line or through our contact form.
• Come one, come all to the opening reception of the sea turtle art show/benefit at First Street Gallery on 8/8 from 7-9p. The show runs through 9/28. Just announced: Sea Turtle Show Special - 50% of proceeds from lighted sculptures will be donated to BSTP!
• Severe animal predation was discovered on 8/3 to a nest in south Jax Beach. A dog destroyed at least 10 eggs. Some of the attacked embryos were still moving but could not have survived. Dog owners who allow this to happen may be subject to prosecution. Please report all incidents to FWC at 1-888-404-3922.
• The art review committee for the Turtle Trails project has made their preliminary selections. Sponsors are still needed and Channel 4 is seeking an artist to design their turtle.
• Nest #5 in Atlantic Beach was dug into by a dog on 7/25-26 and then infested with ants. The nest was excavated and 2 very weak but live hatchlings were found. They are resting up to be released. The other hatchlings were either dead or the eggs unhatched. UPDATE: The 2 hatchlings were successfully released on 7/28.
• Nest adoptions still available. Get yours now!
• Several more minor incidents of vandalism have been noted in Neptune & Atlantic Beach (protective netting cut; stakes loosened in attempt to remove). Animal predation in South Jax Beach (dog & raccoon). Egg chamber not breached.
• Invitations have been sent for First Street Gallery's annual Sea Turtle Art Show which benefits BSTP. The show runs from 8/1-9/28. Opening Reception Friday 8/8, 7-9p. Meet some of the artists and BSTP volunteers while you sip some wine and enjoy music in the courtyard.


• Loggerhead sea turtle is new FL state symbol.
• [July 1] Another south Jax Beach nest was severely vandalized. The damage was documented by FL Fish & Wildlife. See below how to report illegal activity at nest sites.
• [June 24] Nest vandalized in south Jax Beach. Please report any suspicious activity at any nest site to the appropriate city police, or call FWC at 1-888-404-3922, then call BSTP's emergency number (904) 613-6081. It is a violation of state and federal law to interfere with any sea turtle nest.
• Join us for our annual 5th of July beach cleanup from 7-9 a.m. We provide gloves & trash bags. Sign up on the beach at Atlantic Blvd., Beach Blvd. or 16th Ave. S.
• June 21 is International Surf Day Cleanup. For more information visit First Coast Surfrider.
• Read key findings of the Ocean Conservancy's National Marine Debris Monitoring Program.
• June 6 is World Oceans Day. Seas The Day and Take Ocean Conservation Personally.
• Recommended reading: Nature Conservancy's "Does Extinction Really Matter?"
• May 16 is Endangered Species Day. Log in then and pledge to do your part.
• Just released: Totals from The Ocean Conservancy's 2007 International Coastal Cleanup Day.
• Remember, Sea Turtles dig the dark! How to help reduce beach lighting and why you should.
• 2007 Nesting Results: Atl-Nep-Jax /Statewide
• [April 24] "Turtle Trails" art project announced. Sea turtles follow the jaguars and manatees to take their places around town to benefit the Child Guidance Center.
• Cox Radio stations promoted BSTP and sea turtle conservation on five of their stations. To listen to the broadcast, right-click this link and select "Save Target As..." to save MP3 to your computer.
• [March 10] Annual newsletter mailed to supporters.
• New calendar event: BSTP will maintain an information booth at the Jacksonville Zoo on March 1 & 2 for the grand opening of Sting Ray Bay. (BSTP Gear not available at this event).
• Support the campaign to create a sea turtle postage stamp. Sign the petition.
• Important new video: Higher Ground: The Battle To Save Florida's Beaches
• First patrol meeting of the season will be April 3rd at 6:30p. See calendar for details.
• [Jan. 9] First documented stranding of the year: Rare Kemp's Ridley, Atlantic Beach, deceased.
• A1A Parrot Head Club's annual Polar Plunge which benefits BSTP will be held February 2, 2008.
• 2007 News Archive