ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – St. Johns County Coastal Management will start beach tilling on April 3 to help maintain sea turtle nesting habitats.
Beachgoers are asked to be cautious and considerate as they make their way across these areas.
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“The beach tilling involves heavy machinery that plows the beach sand, making it more compatible for successful sea turtle nesting to occur,” said Sloane Stephens, Coastal Environment Project Manager. “Tilling is part of the permit monitoring requirements following beach restoration projects. For each area, the tilling will begin at daybreak, and spotters will be utilized to ensure the safety of the public.”
Here are the locations where tiling will occur (dates are subject to change):
- St. Augustine (Pope Rpad to A Street): April 3-4 and April 7 Mobilizing Via Pope Road Access (TEMPORARILY CLOSED) The Pope Road Beach Access will be temporarily closed starting Wednesday, April 2, at dusk, and will remain closed until Thursday, April 3, in the afternoon.
- Vilano (Serenata to 3200 Coastal Highway): April 7-8 Mobilizing via Surfside Park (NO CLOSURE)
- South Ponte Vedra (2539 SPV Blvd to Serenata): April 9-10 Mobilizing via 2700 South PV Blvd (NO CLOSURE)
- Ponte Vedra (51 PV Blvd to 1461 PV Blvd): April 10-11 Mobilizing via Micklers (NO CLOSURE)
In the past five years, St. Johns County recorded nearly 5,000 sea turtle nests.
In 2023, the county recorded triple-digit green sea turtle nests on its beaches at 133.
“This process helps sea turtles successfully dig their nest chambers and strengthens our ecosystem,” said Ashley Raybould, Environmental Supervisor of the County’s Habitat Conservation Program.