Charlotte County Announces Winners of the Sea Turtle Lighting Recognition Program

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Oct. 27, 2025) - Charlotte County Natural Resources is proud to announce the winners of the inaugural Sea Turtle Lighting Recognition Program, a pilot initiative designed to honor the outstanding efforts of local beachfront property owners, businesses, and residents in protecting nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings.

"Staff has seen how hard everyone works every year during sea turtle nesting season to get their lighting compliant with Charlotte County Code and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) guidelines," said Coastal Environmental Specialist Alexandria Grant. "We wanted to do something to reward those who are setting an excellent example and showing true dedication to sea turtle conservation."

The Natural Resources Division has long partnered with beachfront communities to reduce lighting violations that can disorient nesting females and hatchlings. Through education and collaboration, Charlotte County continues to improve compliance with sea turtle lighting standards, helping more hatchlings safely reach the ocean each year.

This year, The Waverly Restaurant and Bar on Englewood Beach was recognized as the commercial property winner, and Pelican Landing Condominium on Manasota Key was recognized as the residential condominium winner for demonstrating exemplary compliance with sea turtle lighting requirements. Both properties are located within Charlotte County's designated lighting zone and were selected based on inspection and compliance records.

Pelican Landing Condominium also partnered with the Sea Turtle Conservancy to upgrade its lighting system through the conservancy's retrofit program, which provides funding and guidance to help beachfront properties install wildlife-friendly lighting. The Sea Turtle Conservancy's sponsorship of Pelican Landing's improvements reflects their continued support of local conservation efforts and community partnerships that protect nesting sea turtles.

Natural Resources hopes to expand the program to other barrier islands in the future. 

For information, contact Alexandria Grant at 941-613-3218 or [email protected].  

 ###