Beach and Waterway Conservation
Low Lights are the Law: Let’s Protect the Turtles
Published on Blog: March 05th, 2024
March 1st marks the exciting return of sea turtle nesting season! Across our sandy beaches, female turtles will emerge from the ocean to laboriously dig their nests and deposit precious clutches of eggs before returning to the sea under the cover of darkness. This annual spectacle unfolds between March 1st and October 31st, reminding us of the resilience and wonder of these prehistoric creatures.
Artificial lights disorient hatchlings, so keeping our beaches dark is crucial. Filling in sand holes and removing obstacles allows them to navigate towards the ocean more safely. By practicing responsible beach behavior, we become guardians of this natural miracle, ensuring future generations can marvel at the magic of turtle nesting season.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection establishes guidelines for local government regulations which control beachfront lighting to protect hatching sea turtles. The City of Pompano Beach must follow those rules. And residents along the shore are reminded by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to keep light fixtures low, use only long wavelength lights, and keep fixtures/bulbs shielded. Learn more at https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/sea-turtle/lighting/.
Girl Scout Troop Donates Toy Library to Pompano Beach
Mayor Rex Hardin and Vice Mayor Andrea McGee were present for the ceremony and enjoyed meeting the girl scouts and their parents. The toy library was constructed by the girls using the wooden pallet which held the cartons of goodies from their annual cookie sale! The project truly highlights the recycling principals of repurposing and reusing. It will be maintained by the troop so that there will always be beach toys available for residents and visitors to use.
Adopt a Dune
Dunes are a natural asset and act as a sand bank to protect inland areas by preventing erosion caused by hurricanes, waves, and wind. They preserve threatened plant species, and provide a vibrant habitat for wildlife.
With the frequency and intensity of storm related events increasing, sea levels rising and the need to protect our resources, protecting our beaches is more important than ever. The City of Pompano Beach has set a goal to complete a continuous dune system along the entire coastline.
Dune Adoption Can:
- Combat the effects of sea level rise and storm surge
- Offer a meaningful way to promote a business or organization
- Allow for a unique way to honor a loved one
- Help support In-field Environmental Education
Seawalls and Flood Barriers
Chapter 151 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Pompano Beach defines the regulations for structures on waterways. In January 2022, the City implemented new standards pertaining to Seawalls and Tidal Flood Barriers. The brochure below intends to simplify what the homeowner needs to know if raising, repairing, replacing, or have been cited for a Tidal Flood Barrier violation.
