Keating Park Renovation & New Dog Park

Keating Park Renovation & New Dog Park

Keating Park

Keating Park Renovation & New Dog Park

Construction is anticipated to begin on Monday, February 3, 2025

Keating Park & Public Restrooms will be CLOSED for the duration of Construction

Keating Park Public Restrooms will NOT be Available During Construction

The Public Parking Lot will be OPEN During the Park’s Renovation

Pedestrian Access to the Beach through Magnolia Terrace

The Project will include renovating the existing restroom facility, structural renovations and the creation of a new Dog Park.

For more information, please contact the CRA Office: 954-924-2980

Community Updates

Community Updates

COMMUNITY UPDATES

Happy New Year!

I hope this newsletter finds you and your loved ones enjoying the New Year!
Newsletter Banners 10
 

Happy New Year!

 

promotion image20210323-10185-19enebj

I hope this newsletter finds you and your loved ones enjoying the New Year!

I am excited about so many things happening in 2025, especially the 100th anniversary of our City’s founding! Hollywood’s calendar is jam packed with centennial activities throughout the year to honor our past as well as to celebrate our bright future!

To see a list of events and learn more about Hollywood’s unique history, CLICK HERE.

 

***
Newsletter Banners 2
Document 2
IMG 5377

Also in 2025, it looks like Broward County Public Schools may finally move forward to convert Hollywood Central Elementary School (HCE) to a kindergarten-eighth (K-8) grade school. This is something we have been hoping for and working towards for years. For too long, despite being a terrific elementary school, HCE has been under enrolled. Converting it into a K-8 school will be wonderful for families in the community.

 

The tentative plan is to add a grade each year for the next three years. This school year, HCE welcomed a new principal, Christine Centrone. She and Assistant Principal Marc Horowitz are both so kind, smart and dynamic and I cannot think of a better team to lead HCE during such an exciting transformation. The plan is scheduled to come before the school board for a final vote on January 22nd. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for HCE!

 

***
Newsletter Banners
BSWA-Homepage-Image-Master-Plan-Coming-Soon-3-2

Something else I am looking forward to in 2025 is a big milestone for the Solid Waste Authority of Broward County (SWA). I serve on the SWA executive committee, and we have worked hard to bring forward a coordinated, regional solid waste management and recycling master plan.

Currently, each of the 31 cities within Broward County independently contracts for solid waste management services. This patchwork system is inefficient and excessively expensive.

With limited remaining landfill space in Broward, we cannot continue this way. We expect the initial draft of the master plan to come out in February. Until then, the SWA is collecting input from residents to assist with how best to move forward.

 

6354385435
***
Newsletter Banners
image2

What attracted Hollywood’s founder, Joseph Young back when he first arrived in the 1920’s most certainly was the area’s breathtaking beaches. Much has changed since Young arrived, but our magnificent beach is still Hollywood’s greatest attraction.

Below is my list of what’s happening at and about the beach for visitors and especially for City residents – as well as the easiest ways to get here.

 

image005

Beach Parking:Where to Park: Parking at the beach can be challenging, especially on a holiday or busy weekend. The City has metered street parking throughout the barrier island and there are several private lots and garages not controlled by the City. But your best bets are the two City owned garages: Garfield Garage at 300 Connecticut Street and the Nebraska Garage at 327 Nebraska Street. For more parking information, CLICK HERE.

 

image006

Cost Savings: To keep beach parking affordable for Hollywood residents, the City offers a “resident meter rate” that is 50% less than the non-resident rate. Residents must register their vehicle annually with the Parking Division to enjoy this hourly parking rate of $1.50 per hour Monday through Thursday and $2.00 per hour Friday through Sunday and on holidays. Simply CLICK HERE to get this discounted meter rate or stop by the City’s parking department in person.

 

***
Document

Transportation to the Beach Even better than the discounted beach meter rate, is not to pay for parking at all and avoid the hassle of trying to park at the beach all together! In addition to commercial services like Lyft and Uber, the City provides two easy ways to visit the beach without a car (plus you can always bike!)

The Sun Shuttle: For some time, Hollywood has offered its Sun Shuttle Service which is a point-to-point electric vehicle service through the “Ride Circuit” app, picking up throughout much of the City. The Sun Shuttle is a flat $2 fee (tipping the driver is appreciated as well).

 

image008

HollyGo Shuttle: HollyGo is a new free shuttle service with fixed routes within the City with relevant connections to other transportation options like Broward County Transit (BCT), the Sun Shuttle (see above), and more. To learn more about the Sun Shuttle and HollyGo, how they work and where they run, CLICK HERE.

 

***
place image-image-9d8d1d79-45e4-4257-bdea-66a53394841a

The Broadwalk: Hollywood is an amazing and unique beach because for much of it, there is no roadway between the sand and the adjacent commercial businesses and residences. Instead, in between is the historic Hollywood Broadwalk, a scenic, 2.5-mile oceanfront promenade dating back over 100 years! As you walk, jog, rollerblade or bike along the Broadwalk, you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, breweries, coffee shops and cafes. Many restaurants have outdoor seating with ocean views. Importantly, you will find public restrooms near the Broadwalk at Tyler, Fillmore, Johnson, Garfield, Taft, and Missouri Streets.

 

***
DAS-MargaritaVille-1 C5A6D515-ED56-4AA1-8BD7B42AE0CFAF24 6327ba60-7da8-4dac-83c15a153cd95168 1

Hollywood Beach Theater: Come hear some great music at our beach outdoor bandshell located at Johnson Street. Typically, there is excellent live music coordinated by Margaritaville on Wednesday through Sunday nights from 7 pm-9 pm.

 

***
publix hollywood

A New Publix: A brand new 30,000 square-foot Publix dockside grocery store recently opened on the Intracoastal Waterway at 3100 S. Ocean Drive. It’s a convenient walk for nearby residents and has ample garage parking for shoppers too. Uniquely, boaters can now dock their boats and walk inside to shop in the 3-story building with a pharmacy, deli, bakery, seating area and full grocery. In compliance with our barrier island ordinances, no plastic grocery bags are used – you’ll find paper grocery bags (better yet – bring your own reusable bags!)

 

***
Banner-Pool-Kids

The MEEC Center at the Carpenter House: 4414 Surf Rd. The Marine Environmental Education Center (MEEC) represents a partnership between Broward County Parks and Recreation and Nova Southeastern University (NSU). The facility is located on the historic grounds of the Carpenter House, built in 1941 by Hank Carpenter, at Hollywood North Beach Park in Hollywood. Broward County acquired the property from the Carpenter family and has honored the condition that it not be developed. The MEEC operates out of this historic property and is home to two green turtles living in the pool, and an interactive Interpretive Center with displays on sea turtle conservation and environmental stewardship.

For additional information on hours and programming CLICK HERE.

 

***
Dog Beach

The Hollywood Dog Beach: Though most of Hollywood beach has a prohibition against bringing pets (to the sand and Broadwalk), there is one special place you and Fido can ride the waves together! Located at Pershing and Custer Streets, our Dog Beach is open from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week.

Dog beach rules and details CLICK HERE.

 

***
hollywood-broadwalk-09

Hollywood/Dania North Beach Trail: Recently, Dania’s Mayor Joyce Davis and I worked together with our respective City’s parks departments to create a 5k run/walk loop that goes from North Beach Park in Hollywood to the Dania pier. The loop spans 1.55 miles one-way and 3.1 miles roundtrip. Along the way there are a number of fun stops including the historic Carpenter House, and Hollywood’s Dog Beach, each discussed above.

 

***
ZO9Jyd1

Swimming and Water Sports: There are so many great water activities and our incredible lifeguards are there to help keep you safe. Hollywood’s Beach Safety Division protects 4.5 miles of our beach 365 days a year, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. We are very fortunate to have them, so stop by to say hello and thanks when you visit.

For more details on beach safety, beach activities and even renting a paddleboard from a kiosk on the beach, CLICK HERE.

 

***
127608

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Hollywood has a natural reef system with several great locations to snorkel and scuba. Divers can also find 20 ocean-friendly artificial reefs about 1 mile offshore. The structures were originally deployed in 2022 and feature artistic sculptures such as mermaids, a swim-up selfie mermaid tail, and an industrial diver suit. These reefs are accessible to certified, skilled divers by boat and were made possible via a partnership with the Ocean Rescue Alliance, 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). In early 2025, an additional 48 artificial reef units are set to be deployed in near shore locations from North Beach to Keating Park. These structures will include 12 artistic custom reef modules and 36 habitat modules with a “Guardians of the Reef” theme to bring awareness to our Florida coral reefs. An underwater camera is also in the works!

For reef locations and additional details and updates, CLICK HERE.

 

***
Document

Parks: In addition to the nearly 7 miles of Hollywood beach overseen by Hollywood’s Parks Department, there are several additional parks along the Broadwalk and beach that are terrific places to play, including Charnow Park, Fillmore Street Playground, Harry Berry Park and Keating Park.

For more details about each, CLICK HERE.

 

***
images

Dunes: When visiting the beach, you will see beautiful dunes in many locations. Dunes provide natural coastal protection against storm surge as well as providing important ecological habitat. They also act as sand storage areas, supplying sand to eroded beaches. The City is working to expand dunes along the entire length of Hollywood Beach. If you are interested in adopting one of our dunes or helping to plant one, we often have projects in the pipeline that need volunteers.

Reach out to me or Adopt-a-Dune for more information.

 

***
Hollywood-Beach-Ocean-scaled

Surf Conditions and Webcams: If all of this sounds great to you, but you’re unsure about the beach weather or crowds on a given day, you can check our webcams before heading out! Both the beach/Broadwalk cam and the bandshell cam (plus the newest webcam at the Hollywood Marina) can be found on YouTube. CLICK HERE. You can also check surf conditions ahead of your visit HERE or once you’re at the beach, simply scan the QR code on any lifeguard stand to take you to the same site.

 

***
Document 1

A Safe, Clean, Plastic-free Beach: There are important restrictions to note when visiting the beach, like no pets on the Broadwalk or beach (except the Dog Beach), only human power for bicycles, limitations on coolers, tents and more.

For a full listing of beach and Broadwalk rules CLICK HERE.

 

IMG 9211

Also, the City’s plastic ordinance prohibits the use of polystyrene (“Styrofoam”) and single-use plastic on all City property including our beaches and Broadwalk. Please keep plastic bottles, utensils, lids, plates, bowls, cups, straws, bags or other packaging and all similar articles used for transporting or consuming prepared food or drinks off of the beach. When you’re ready to head home, leave nothing behind but your footsteps.

Here are some other ways to help keep our beach clean: The Hollywood Beach Sweep Clean-Up Event is held on the second Saturday of every month from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteers meet at Charnow Park to collect litter and cigarette butts from Hollywood Beach. For more details, CLICK HERE.

Also, you can grab one of the litter buckets from Hollywood’s Bucket Stations on Hollywood’s central beach any time the mood hits. After properly disposing of the collected debris, simply return the bucket to the station for others to use.

 

***
Document 1

Security: Our Hollywood Police Department does an excellent job monitoring the Broadwalk and beach. HPD recently added several sworn officers to the beach unit and set up a small satellite office adjacent to Charnow Park. In addition, you will see security guards along the Broadwalk in brightly colored shirts to assist and help visitors.

 

***

I hope all of this information makes your next visit to Hollywood beach easier and more enjoyable!

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2025!

Please reach out if you need assistance with City matters or have any questions / comments please contact me at cshuham@hollywoodfl.org or (954) 921-3321.

 

***
facebook instagram twitter youtube
 
 

©2025 City of Hollywood Commissioner Caryl Shuham | 2600 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood, FL 33020

  Powered by GoDaddy Email Marketing ®
Hurricane Milton Update

Hurricane Milton Update

Hurricane Milton Update

A Flood Watch is in effect for Hollywood as of 11 a.m. on Sunday, October 6th. Periods of heavy rainfall are expected to continue for the next several days and up to 10 inches of rain are expected in Hollywood through Thursday, with higher amounts possible.

  • Please take time to review your storm plan.
  • To help speed recovery, secure your grey and blue garbage and recycling carts on your property. Take a moment to mark your carts with your address so it can be quickly returned to you.
  • Consider moving your vehicle to one of the four city-operated parking garages if your parking area is prone to flooding. Parking fees are waived for residents until further notice, details below.
  • Call 911 if floodwater impacts your home and creates an emergency situation such as a fire.
  • Use caution with electrical appliances, electrical cords and outlets if floodwaters have entered your home.
  • Residents should notify their homeowner’s insurance providers if they experience flood damage and seek their advice on documenting the damage and drying out your home. The same applies for contacting your vehicle insurance provider if you find your vehicle has been damaged.
  • Residents should not wade in standing flood water, which can contain contaminants.
  • Children and pets should not be allowed to play in flood water.
  • Motorists should not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Remember, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” If you must be out on the roadways, please use caution and drive slowly. Avoid pushing standing water into neighboring homes.

South Florida is currently not in the cone for Hurricane Milton in the Gulf, however we continue to closely monitor the storm track. It is expected to make landfall over the southwest Florida coast as a major hurricane on Wednesday. Localized flooding is expected for South Florida as this system moves across the Florida peninsula. Be sure to monitor a trusted news source, like the US National Weather Service Miami Florida for the latest storm information.

Parking Fees Waived in City-operated Garages

Beginning at 8 a.m. Sunday, October 6th

To assist Hollywood residents who live in low-lying areas, beginning at 8 a.m. tomorrow October 6th, parking fees will be waived in all four City-operated parking garages until further notice. Hollywood residents may park their personal vehicles in the garages on a first-come, first-served basis. Proof of Hollywood residency will be required.  Hollywood residents may park their personal vehicles in the garages on a first-come, first-served basis. Proof of Hollywood residency will be required. No commercial trucks or fleet vehicles will be allowed. All vehicles must be parked legally in marked spaces. Any vehicles parked illegally or blocking other vehicles will be ticketed and could be towed. The City-operated parking garages are located here:

Hollywood Beach

  • Garfield Garage – 300 Connecticut St.
  • Nebraska Garage – 327 Nebraska St.

Downtown Hollywood

  • Van Buren Garage – 251 S 20th Ave.
  • Radius Garage – 251 N 19th Ave.

Free Resident Self-Service Sand Distribution

Sand is available on a first come, first served basis for Hollywood residents to create their own sandbags. Sand is available at the following locations:

  • Jefferson Park, 1501 Jefferson Street
  • Rotary Park, 3150 Taft Street
  • Driftwood Community Center, 3000 N. 69th Avenue

Residents must bring their own shovel for self-service, and their own bags if they have them. Sand will be available from dawn to dusk, while supplies last. For those who need bags, empty bags can be picked up at the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Administrative office, 1405 S. 28th Avenue each Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Bags will be distributed while supplies last. 10 bag limit per household.

Flood Safety Reminders

  • Call 911 if floodwater impacts your home and creates an emergency situation such as a fire.
  • Motorists should not attempt to drive through flooded areas. Remember, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
  • Use caution with electrical appliances, electrical cords and outlets if floodwaters have entered your home.
  • Residents should not wade in standing flood water, which can contain contaminants. Following a heavy storm, sharp debris and other items from overturned garbage bins could be hidden in the water and cause injury. Standing water also may contain harmful bacteria that could cause infection. Children and pets should not be allowed to play in flood water.
  • Residents should prepare to notify their homeowner’s insurance providers if they experience flood damage and seek their advice on documenting the damage and drying out your home. The same applies for contacting your vehicle insurance provider if you find your vehicle has been damaged.

Adopt a Catch Basin Program

Learn more about the importance of swales and how you can Adopt a Catch Basin to help control flooding in your neighborhood at  www.hollywoodfl.org/adoptacatchbasin.

Coastal Resiliency Phase IV Undergrounding of Overhead Utilities and Streetscape Project

Coastal Resiliency Phase IV Undergrounding of Overhead Utilities and Streetscape Project

Exciting news for our beach community!


The City of Hollywood is moving forward with updates to the Coastal Resiliency Plan, ensuring our roads will better handle drainage and businesses are protected for generations to come.


Want to know more?
Scan the QR code in the graphic to dive into the details and see how these efforts will impact our beloved coastal area!

Phase IV Undregrounding Project
Beach Renourishment Sand Tilling

Beach Renourishment Sand Tilling

Hollywood Beach
Beach Tiling

Monday, April 15 – Friday, April 19

7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

As part of the Army Corps of Engineers Beach Renourishment Project, the City of Hollywood Department of Design & Construction Management’s contractor, Continental Heavy Civil Corp (CHC), will be conducting tilling operations on the sandy beach on Monday, April 15th through Friday, April 19th from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. .

Your cooperation is needed; please avoid setting up beach chairs, umbrellas, blankets, personal items, and concessions within the designated work zone areas. Each day, work will begin after sea turtle surveyor inspections. The work zone area will reopen for public use at approximately 10:30 a.m. each day.

This note should be shared with building tenants and posted in a visible public area within your property. Your cooperation is appreciated during this important improvement project.

For additional questions, please contact the CHC Manager, Gus Przychodny, at 786.514.1961 or via email at (gus@chcivil.com)

Johnson Street is Closing Nights from August to December for I-95 Expansion

Johnson Street is Closing Nights from August to December for I-95 Expansion

construction

The FDOT widening of I-95 over Johnson Street begins on Wednesday, August 2nd and is expected to be completed by December 29, 2023.

Nighttime construction may require a full closure of Johnson Street.

These activities will typically be done Sunday Night through Friday Nights 10pm to 6am, with occasional Saturday Night activities form 10pm to 5:30am.

Vehicle traffic will be detoured around the closure via N 26 Ave and N Park Road to Taft Street.

FDOT crews will do everything possible to minimize noise from this construction zone.

Statement from Mayor Levy Regarding Shooting Incident on Hollywood Beach.

Statement from Mayor Levy Regarding Shooting Incident on Hollywood Beach.

Beach Investigation Leads to All Suspects Arrested.

A Message From : Josh Levy,  Mayor of Hollywood .

As you may have been relieved to hear on the news this morning, all five of the South Broward teenagers who were involved in the shooting that occurred on Memorial Day at Hollywood Beach have now been arrested by the Hollywood Police Department.  

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the community for assisting law enforcement and showing that we stand united in not tolerating such behavior in our cities and public spaces. 

The collaborative response that we saw from the public, law enforcement, good Samaritans, paramedics and medical professionals highlights the power of unity when we stand united against crime and come to the aid of those in need.

Moving forward, let us continue to support one another, remain vigilant against any form of criminal activity, and foster a culture of care and responsibility. 

While our law enforcement agencies are diligently working to address and prevent all forms of violence, it is essential to understand that targeted incidents such as this often arise from specific conflicts and underlying issues, which further emphasize the significance of early intervention and community support in preventing, identifying and resolving such disputes.

Remember the “See Something, Say Something” principle in maintaining the safety of our community. If you see something suspicious or know something, say something.

It is crucial that we instill in our youth the understanding that if they witness or hear about any situation that may pose harm to someone, their responsibility is to confide in a trusted adult, whether it be a teacher, a parent, police or any reliable person. Keeping our community safe requires the active participation of each and every one of us, and by empowering our youth with this knowledge, we are fostering a culture of care and vigilance.

I want to express my appreciation for the efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the Hollywood Police Department, FBI, FDLE and U.S. Marshals who worked tirelessly to bring these perpetrators to justice.  

Be sure that our city leadership is steadfast in its commitment to providing highly capable police and rescue services in Hollywood. We spare no expense investing in public safety, funding the highest levels of personnel possible and equipping them with advanced technologies such as CCTV surveillance cameras and other tools which aid in crime prevention, detection, and investigation. Leveraging these resources creates a safer environment for everyone in our community.  

Let us continue to build upon the strong foundation of trust and unity that we have cultivated in Hollywood. Together, we can create a future where criminals will know to avoid our city and where the well-being of our residents is shared value that we all care for and protect.

Thank you for being an integral part of our community and for your continued support. 

              Sincerely yours,   

              Josh Levy

              Mayor of Hollywood

CBS 4 Report on the Fifth and Final Arrest

I am deeply saddened and angered by the Memorial Day shooting in our city that resulted in injuries to innocent bystanders. Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families during this difficult time and our prayers for a speedy recovery. It is completely unacceptable that innocent people spending time with family on a holiday weekend have been affected by a shooting altercation between two groups who came into our city with guns and no regard for the safety of the law abiding public around them. 

Law enforcement agencies are fully engaged in their investigation, and I assure you that no stone will be left unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice. We will utilize every available resource to apprehend those responsible for these injuries. 

I want to emphasize that the safety and well-being of our residents and visitors is always our top priority. Hollywood Police has dozens of officers assigned to the beach on busy holiday weekends and that allowed for an immediate response that resulted in multiple persons detained for this incident. 

I am thankful for the many good samaritans and the paramedics of Hollywood Fire Rescue and Beach Safety who rendered quick emergency aid to the injured at the scene, and thankful for the emergency room doctors and nurses at Memorial Regional Hospital and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital for their life saving work year-round. 

I urge anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and cooperate with the authorities. It is vital that we all stand united against violence and work collectively to create a safer environment for everyone.In the wake of this event, let us remember that our community’s strength lies in its resilience and compassion. We must support one another, offer comfort to those affected, and work diligently to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Thank you, and together, let us strive for a safer and more peaceful country.

Sincerely,
Josh Levy
City of Hollywood Mayor 

Audrey Joynt 1937-2023

Audrey Joynt 1937-2023

Audrey Obituary

Hollywood Beach lost one of its true champions with the passing of Audrey Joynt in March. A native of Philadelphia, she is survived by her husband, Joe. Also surviving are children, Joanne Kowaluk, Jacqui Rowley and Marty and Brian Joynt as well as 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Audrey and Joe met on a moonlight cruise on the Potomac River, a meeting they sailed to 67-years of marriage. Audrey and Joe came to Hollywood in 1975 to help move Audrey’s mother. “We were looking to buy a duplex we could share with Audrey’s mother,” Joe recalled. “We saw an ad, ‘Beach Hotel For Sale’ with a phone number in the old Sun Tattler newspaper. We called and after the owner found we weren’t real estate agents, we met and he agreed to carry the mort­gage and suddenly we were in the motel business.”

Audrey and Joe lived in their beach bungalow home on Carolina Street, across from the old Howard Johnson Hotel (now the Marriott) just steps from the Atlantic Ocean. Their living room window was always open for view. “You knew when we were home,” Joe laughed. The home was remodeled from the old Aquarius Motel they bought long ago.

“She was the best Mom,” said daughter, Jacqui. “Just kind and good. We always had stray kids hanging around the house. Hollywood Beach meant everything to her, it was her world. It was hard when my folks had to move west into assisted living. They missed the beach so much.”

In 1999, Hollywood began the redevelopment of the beach Broadwalk and Audrey wanted to be sure local residents and business owners had a voice in the changes coming to her beloved home. Remem­ber, this was the time when the popular Broadwalk was black asphalt and most of the beachside businesses were in need of a facelift. With the help of Jimmy Fanning and Tony Provenzano, the Hollywood Beach Business Association (HBBA) was born with Audrey becoming the first President of an organization still going strong today. Many of Audrey’s and HBBA suggestions are part of the Hollywood Beach you see today. The HBBA is active in mak­ing for a safer, more attractive Hollywood Beach for businesses, residents and visitors.

Debra Case, former owner of Ocean Alley and Hollywood City Commissioner, learned the ins and outs of Hollywood Beach from Audrey. “I was a mountain girl from Vermont,” Case said. “Audrey taught me how to be a beach girl. She was my mentor and a great friend.” Case followed in Audrey’s footsteps as HBBA President.

The Cahoots cover that garnished the most attention was a 2010 story claiming that Audrey and Joe were the original models for Ken and Barbie and had escaped the entertainment hustle and bustle of the other Hollywood for a quite life on Florida’s Hol­lywood Beach. Audrey and Joe were great sports. I can still hear Audrey saying, “We’re In!” when I pitched them the silly idea.

Audrey, you are missed! Thanks for what you’ve done for the Beach you loved and loved you back. A life well lived.

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins March 1

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins March 1

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Begins March 1– Lighting ordinances to take effect on the County’s coastline –

BROWARD COUNTY, FL – March 1 marks the official start of sea turtle nesting season. The Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program (BCSTCP) documented a record-setting 3,650 nests on the County’s 24-mile coastline (including the Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park) in 2022. Three species of sea turtles typically nest on Broward’s beaches: leatherbacks, loggerheads and green turtles. Local nesting populations have increased since the BCSTCP began monitoring in 1981. 

Artificial lighting is one of the biggest threats to sea turtles in southeast Florida. Hatchlings use natural light from the moon and stars to locate the water after hatching, but artificial lighting near the beach can cause turtles to become disoriented forcing them to crawl toward a roadway and away from the ocean. To reduce the amount of artificial light reaching the beach, local coastal municipalities enforce lighting ordinances during sea turtle nesting season (March 1-October 31). Lighting near the beach should be “sea turtle-friendly” and follow all three criteria established by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC):

Keep it low

  • Fixtures should be mounted as low as possible to achieve their purpose
  • Fixtures/bulbs should produce the lowest lumens (light output) necessary for the task

Keep it shielded

  • The bulb, lamp or glowing lens should be shielded from the beach
  • Interior lights should not be visible from the beach
  • Close curtains, shades and blinds after sunset
  • Apply window tint of 15% inside to outside light transmittance

Keep it long (wavelength)

  • Fixtures/bulbs must produce long wavelength light (560 nm or longer) without filters, gels or lenses
  • Amber and red LEDs are good examples of these types of light

Lights from cell phones can also disturb nesting and hatchling sea turtles. If you visit the beach at night during nesting season, keep your cell phone safely stowed in your pocket or bag.

FWC provides a list of certified fixtures that can be safely installed near sea turtle nesting beaches. Alternatively, you can contact the BCSTCP for assistance with light retrofitting or additional information.

For turtle nesting updates throughout the season and other environmental news, follow @BrowardCountyEnvironment on Facebook and @BrowardEnv on Twitter and Instagram.

About Resilient Environment   
The mission of the Resilient Environment Department is to further the resilience of individuals, the built environment, natural resources and economy of Broward County. This is accomplished by providing climate mitigation and adaptation planning; natural resource planning, management and protection; planning for appropriate land use patterns and housing mix; enforcing environmental, development and construction regulations; delivering animal care protection and adoption services and providing for consumer protection. For more information call 954-519-1270, visit our website or follow us on Twitter.

February 27, 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Stephanie Roche, Environmental Project Coordinator         
Natural Resources Division
954-519-1255
sroche@broward.org

Sheridan Street Bridge is NOW OPEN!

Sheridan Street Bridge is NOW OPEN!

Sheridan Street Bridge

Sheridan Street Bridge is Renewed & Now Open!