Published: July 28, 2026
If you’re looking for something truly magical to mark the end of summer, South Florida is right in the heart of sea turtle hatching season. Through October – peaking in August – tiny hatchlings emerge from their nests and begin their remarkable journey to the ocean.
According to the Florida Department of State Parks, roughly 100 miles of beaches are protected as critical nesting habitats for sea turtles. Park staff and trained volunteers monitor “turtle crawls”– tracks in the sand that indicate nesting activity – helping scientists understand population trends. In high-traffic areas, nests are often marked so beachgoers can safely steer clear.
These extra precautions are essential. Hatchlings instinctively use the moon’s reflection on the water to guide them to the ocean, but artificial lighting from nearby homes and streets can disorient them. Add in natural predators, and it’s clear these tiny creatures face long odds from the very start.
For a closer look at sea turtle conservation, consider a visit to Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach. The center features an outdoor sea turtle hospital where families can meet current “patients,” learn how they were rescued and see the rehabilitation process up close before their eventual release back into the wild.
Source: Florida State Parks, Sea Turtle Nesting Season
Clean Beaches, Happy Turtles
If you’re inspired to help protect sea turtles this season, one of the simplest ways to make a difference is by keeping our beaches clean and free of debris. From special community events to ongoing volunteer opportunities, here are a few local ways to get involved:
41st Annual Coastal Cleanup
When: Saturday, September 19 | 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Cleanup sites throughout Broward County
Details: Join volunteers across Broward County as they remove litter from local coastal areas during the annual Coastal Cleanup. Participants should register in advance and bring gloves, sunscreen, water, a hat and a signed liability release form. Visit broward.org/coastalcleanup for locations, registration information and details.
Ongoing Beach Cleanups
Miami-Dade County
- Crandon Park (Biscayne Nature Center) – Third Saturday of every month, 9 a.m. to noon.
- Crandon Park (South Beach, Shelter B) – Fourth Saturday of every month, 9 to 11 a.m.
- Arch Creek Park – Second Saturday of every month, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Baynanza – Miami-Dade County’s signature environmental cleanup event typically takes place in the spring, with registration opening in late winter. Visit miamidade.gov for more information.
Broward County
- Parrot Beach – Third Saturday of every month, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Parrot Lounge, 911 Sunrise Lane, Fort Lauderdale.
- Fort Lauderdale Beach Sweep – Second Saturday of every month, 7 to 11 a.m. at The LOOP, 300 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale
- Deerfield and Pompano Beach Pier Cleanups – Annual cleanup hosted by DXDivers.
Please note that children often must be accompanied by an adult at many cleanups, and event dates may change. Always check the latest details online before attending. Visit the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s website at floridadep.gov to find more opportunities across the state.
https://floridadep.gov/rcp/coral/content/community-based-marine-debris-cleanups