St. Johns County sea turtle patrol volunteers concerned about construction during nesting season

Micklers Landing Turtle Patrol volunteers found a sea turtle nest near Sawgrass this weekend. It's one of approximately 100 nests they expect to see this season.

Less than a mile south of the nest, a trench was dug during a beach renourishment project and remained uncovered for days.

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"It's about 15 feet wide and maybe 10 feet deep with sheer cliffs," Nancy ​Condron said. "If turtles fall into holes they can die. They can get trapped then die. It’s a very dangerous thing."

Condron wasn't the only person concerned about several projects going on during nesting season, which began May 1.

She posted video of the trench on Facebook and several people commented asking what could be done about it.

They were also surprised permits were issued for the projects.

"Usually during sea turtle nesting season there’s no construction allowed on the beach," Condron said. "We're not sure why they're allowing it now."

Action News Jax reached out to state and county leaders to find out why the project wasn't complete before nesting season.

A spokesperson for Florida Department of Environmental Protection​, which issued the permits, said the department is assisting homeowners in their recovery after the hurricanes.

She said in an email that a DEP inspector visited the work site Monday.

Action News Jax asked if any violations were found, and when the work is scheduled to be complete but has not yet heard back.

"There’s all kinds of things that have led to the near extinction of sea turtles, and all of them revolve around man," Condron said. "If you kill off the sea turtles you change the whole ecosystem of the ocean."

Condron ​said she'd like to see state agencies stop issuing permits for work during nesting season. She also had a message for homeowners.

"If you are a homeowner on the beach, I would ask you to understand that what is good for sea turtles is good for the dune, and what is good for the dune is good for your property," she said.

Cox Media Group