VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Months after hurricanes ripped through Florida, residents on the Volusia Coast are still dealing with the aftermath, and many people haven’t been able to get permits to rebuild their seawalls that were wiped out during last year’s hurricanes.
And with turtle nesting season fast approaching, residents are concerned that nesting season could continue to delay construction.
Now, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) staff are working closely with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to protect properties in Volusia County from storms during turtle nesting season.
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While some property owners have installed temporary protection, others have not been able to start or complete the permit process. To ensure construction work can continue into turtle nesting season, FWC staff has developed specific conditions for DEP-permitted shoreline protection.
Marine turtle nesting season in Volusia County starts on May 1, peaking in June and July. According to a news release, property owners with DEP permits issued prior to May 1 and ongoing construction work can continue according to marine turtle protection conditions.
Those with permits issued before May 1 but unable to start work can start site preparation after contacting FWC to ensure no marine turtle nests are present.
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Property owners with DEP permits issued after May 1 can also begin site preparation work after confirmation from FWC that no nests are present.
Temporary construction fencing can be installed within the approved construction are. Site preparation must be conducted by a contractor identified in the permit.
All work past May 1st should continue uninterrupted until completed. FWC staff have discussed these options with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and are working with Volusia County to implement them.
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The construction work will be monitored closely to ensure that marine turtle nesting and hatchlings are not disturbed.
The FWC and DEP have urged property owners and contractors to be mindful of the impact of their work on marine turtles, which are protected under state and federal laws.
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