Sea turtle nesting season is in full swing, and Beaches Energy Services, the City of Jacksonville Beach and the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol launched their 2021 public awareness campaign on World Sea Turtle Day, June 16, to ensure that as many turtles as possible succeed.
This is the second year for the collaboration. Called #CleanDarkFlat, the hashtag is an easy way to remember and share on social media what people can do to help the threatened species.
In order for sea turtles to successfully build nests, hatch and return to the ocean, their nesting grounds — the beaches — should be free of litter (including trash, chairs, umbrellas and other debris); free of artificial light; and free of holes or sandcastles that trap turtles.
“Beaches Energy is proud to continue our efforts to protect local sea turtles by supporting the Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol through this annual awareness campaign and efforts such as making streetlamps go dark during nesting season,” said Allen Putnam, director of Beaches Energy Services. “We hope by getting the word out about the simple steps we can all take to protect the sea turtles, it will encourage our neighbors and visitors alike to keep our beaches ‘#CleanDarkFlat.’”
Several Jacksonville Beach coffee shops are helping to spread the word with limited edition #CleanDarkFlat coffee mugs. With a $10 donation at participating coffee shops or the Beaches Energy Services office at City Hall, people can support the nonprofit Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol and receive a collectible mug that features a graphic design incorporating a colorful sea turtle. Stickers are also available at each coffee shop.
For a complete list of participating coffee shops and more details about #CleanDarkFlat, go to www.BeachesEnergy.com/CleanDarkFlat.
