May 08th, 2017

The things I learn here.  A new thing is that from May 1st to October 31st is Sea Turtle Nesting Season!  That sounds very nature- y.  The sea turtle that generally chooses the Beaches of Venice Florida for nesting is the Loggerhead Sea Turtle and it is on the endangered species list so they are federally protected,

As I read up on them, I learned that the female only lays eggs every three years or so, which certainly keeps their numbers low and, as usual, humans and human encroachment are their worst enemies once they have reached adulthood.  So it's nice to see how well they are served here in Venice. There are official people who come out and search the beaches in the wee hours for indication that a sea turtle has again struggled up the beach in the darkness to lay her eggs on the our sandy shores. As I understand it, usually they can tell by her tracks in the sand, those little flipper marks are unmistakable.  Then as  faithful protectors, they clearly mark the area like so:

Marvel at the wonders of nature, be grateful that we live in a place where they believe in protecting endangered animals, enjoy your time here and then, follow the doggone rules, please!

Or beware the wrath of Sam!  Oh and pay a rather sizeable fine and possible some prison time.  Your choice, I suppose.