Full Notification

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to remind all beach front property owners and those close to the beach, that turtle nesting season is upon us. Turtle nesting season runs from March 1st to October 31st each year. During this time, please remember no artificial lighting should illuminate the beach and the sand should be free from potential obstructions (furniture, etc.)  Beach lighting compliance is an important factor in the conservation of sea turtles. It can be accomplished in many inexpensive ways without sacrificing the safety or security of beach front residents. Nighttime inspections will be conducted periodically throughout the summer to ensure that no artificial lighting is illuminating the beach. Please be aware of the current Town Ordinance #2017-295 that went into effect on July 11, 2017.
 
Some key points to the new ordinance are as follows:
 
• Exterior lights shall be positioned so that the point source of the light is not directly visible from
  the beach. Fixtures in line of sight of the beach shall be full cut-off fixtures.
• Low profile luminaries shall not directly or indirectly illuminate the beach.
• Floodlights, up-lights, or spotlights directly visible from the beach are prohibited.
• Motion detector lights are limited to 5 minutes.
• Light sources shall be 3000 kelvin or less and preferably red/amber LED.
• Glass sliders in line of sight of the beach shall be tinted with a light transmittance value of 45%   
  or less.
• Pool lights shall be designed for the safety of marine animals.
• Balcony lights shall be fitted with hoods so that lights shall not be visible from the beach.
• Any temporary structures be removed from the beach. Chairs are allowed to be stacked upside
  down and, in a way, to reduce the possibilities of entrapment.
 
Remember to please:
• Keep chairs and beach furniture stored away when not in use.
• Keep the beach clean from debris.
• When walking on the beach at night, use flashlights with red filters.
• Fill any holes that have been dug on the beach.
• Keep pets and children away from nest sites.
 
If anyone has questions regarding sea turtle season options, please contact us at the Town of Hillsboro Beach. As always, I encourage residents to please report any suspicious activity.
 
 
-Your Police Department