By Grace Ann Russell
The month of May marked the return of many long-awaited events for South Walton; the end of school year, gentler breezes and a warmer gulf. Amidst the excitement of all-things-summer was the start of sea turtle nesting season. The season runs from May 1 through October 31 along Florida’s Gulf Coast, and local volunteers are already preparing for another season of education, awareness, and conservation
For the volunteers at Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles (FOSWST), nesting season is much more than a date on the calendar. It is months of community outreach, school education programs, beach ambassador efforts, and reminders to both locals and visitors that even the smallest actions can make a difference for these threatened marine animals.
Founded in 2015, FOSWST is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to sea turtle conservation through awareness and education. While South Walton Turtle Watch monitors and protects nests, FOSWST focuses on helping the public understand how human behavior impacts nesting turtles and hatchlings.
One of the organization’s most recognizable messages is the phrase “Clean. Dark. Flat.” Beachgoers are encouraged to remove trash and beach equipment before leaving for the night, keep beachfront lighting low and turtle-friendly, and flatten holes or sandcastles that could become obstacles for nesting turtles or hatchlings trying to reach the water.
These efforts matter. Female loggerhead, green, and leatherback sea turtles return to Florida beaches each year to lay their eggs, often depositing more than 100 eggs in a single nest. Yet survival remains difficult. Experts estimate that only about one in 1,000 hatchlings survives to adulthood.
Artificial lighting remains one of the greatest threats during nesting season. Hatchlings instinctively move toward the brightest horizon — historically the reflection of moonlight on the Gulf. Today, bright condo lights, flash photography, and beachfront activity can disorient them, sending them inland instead of toward the water.
That is why local education efforts have become so important in South Walton. Through beach ambassador programs, school visits, public events, and informational materials distributed throughout the community, FOSWST continues to build awareness one conversation at a time.
Protecting sea turtles starts with community awareness, and every small act of stewardship helps give the next generation of hatchlings a fighting chance. Theo the Turtle, a plush stuffed animal created to inspire conservation awareness, donates a portion of every purchase to Friends of South Walton Sea Turtles. Theo’s mission is to help sustain the sea turtle population along the Gulf Coast by encouraging children to connect with marine life in a tangible way.
You can find Theo in various shops along highway 30A, as well as surrounding area’s. Theo’s mission is a small example of how education, heightened awareness, and community engagement each play a vital role in achieving one common goal- protecting our precious marine life right here in the heart of Walton County.
