Press Release submitted by the City of Fernandina Beach
May 7, 2014 1:00 a.m.
The City of Fernandina Beach has received $10,000 from the Sea Turtle Grant Program to modify and upgrade the lights at Dolphin Avenue and Main Beach parking lots. This grant will be augmented with funds up to $2,000 from the Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch for contingencies as necessary.
The goal of the project is to minimize the negative effects of light pollution on sea turtle nesting by reducing and eliminating disorientations of emerging sea turtle hatchlings. The scope of the grant includes lowering the light poles along with the installation of LED wildlife fixtures approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
This project will also reduce City energy costs and eliminate approximately 4.4 metric tons of greenhouse gases (GHG) a year.
The Sea Turtle Grant Program is funded by the sale of the Florida’s Helping Sea Turtles Survive specialty license plate (www.helpingseaturtles.org). Each year the Sea Turtle Grants Committee selects education, conservation and research proposals for funding. This year, the Committee awarded $305,219.27 to 22 different organizations and local governments.