Leatherback Lays Early Nest in New Smyrna Beach

Posted On: March 10, 2025

Although sea turtle nesting season doesn’t officially start until May 1 in northeast Florida, Volusia County managed beaches have already counted their first nest. A leatherback sea turtle got off to an early start on March 9, marking the earliest recorded sea turtle nest on County-managed beaches.

Finding this early nest was a rare treat for New Smyrna Beach Turtle Trackers volunteer Jackie Frymire, who was enjoying an early morning walk when she spotted the turtle covering her eggs on the beach. After the mother returned to the ocean, Frymire and other volunteers marked the nest with survey stakes and brightly colored ribbon. It will be monitored throughout its incubation period, which can take up to 70 days.

With water temperatures expected to warm up quickly in the next couple months, hundreds of sea turtles will emerge from the surf to lay eggs on the beach each night. Nesting season runs from May 1 through Oct. 31. On average, over 580 nests are laid in Volusia County. Last year’s season was higher than average with 902 nests counted. 

For more information about Volusia County’s sea turtle program, call 386-238-4716 or visit www.volusiaseaturtles.org. For questions about sea turtle-friendly lighting, call 386-238-4773.

Photos provided by New Smyrna Beach Turtle Trackers volunteer Jackie Frymire