There are multiple reports that beach cleanup efforts in the Florida panhandle are moving to nights because of the excessive heat and humidity in North Florida. Today’s Weather.com forecast for Pensacola predicts a heat index of 100 degrees or more from 11 am through 5 pm, and similar conditions in the area have persisted for at least a week. The Pensacola News Journal states that heat indices of 114 have regularly been observed on the beach there. It should not be surprising then, that with the health of cleanup workers in mind, the efforts are being moved to nighttime, when conditions are much more tolerable. Sadly, however, lighting Florida beaches at night is a huge mistake, because hatchling sea turtles orient towards the brightest part of the horizon. Sadder still, we are now at the time of year when these turtles are hatching and trying to return to the sea from the onshore nests where the eggs hatch.
Nighttime Beach Cleanup Will Be Deadly for Sea Turtle Hatchlings |
| By: Jim White Friday June 18, 2010 7:30 am |


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