By Kate Kimmell
The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners has scheduled a meeting for Monday, Aug. 11, to discuss proposed revisions to the county’s beach ordinance.
The proposed changes stem from an environmental assessment conducted by Coastal Conservation Group LLC and are intended, among other goals, to protect sea turtles during nesting season.
Key revisions include:
- Requiring all vehicles to be removed from beaches by 7:30 p.m. from May 1 through Oct. 31 each year.
- Prohibiting horseback riding between 7:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. from May 1 through Oct. 31
- Adopting a Protected Species Management Plan to enhance measures for all protected species on the beach.
- Clarifying language to affirm the board’s intent to comply with the federal Endangered Species Act.
The adjusted access hours for vehicles and horseback riding aim to reduce harm to wildlife. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission:
“The eggs and flightless young of beach-nesting birds can be virtually invisible, especially from a vehicle. Sea turtles coming ashore to nest may be scared away by vehicles, and hatchlings are vulnerable to being run over. Both adult and hatchling sea turtles can be disoriented by any form of artificial light, including headlights. Ruts made by vehicles can trap and disorient turtle hatchlings and baby birds.”
The public hearing will be held at 5 p.m. on Aug. 11 in the commission chambers at 96134 Nassau Place, Yulee, Fla.
The renourishment work needs to be scheduled well outside the turtle nesting window.