St. Johns County Launches Beach Tilling to Maintain Sea Turtle Nesting Habitats

1 April 2025
Category: SJC News Beaches Coastal Projects
Tags: 2025

The public is encouraged to enjoy the beaches with caution

St. Johns County Coastal Management will begin beach tilling on April 3 to help maintain sea turtle nesting habitats. Beachgoers are asked to be cautious and considerate as they traverse these working areas.

The specific locations and dates are subject to change:

St. Augustine (Pope Rd. to A Street): April 3-4 and April 7

Mobilizing Via Pope Road Access (TEMPORARILY CLOSED)
The Pope Road Beach Access will be temporarily closed starting Wednesday, April 2, at dusk, and will remain closed until Thursday, April 3, in the afternoon. This closure is due to the entry and exit of heavy machinery from the parking lot early Thursday morning, marking the commencement of the escarpment removal.

Vilano (Serenata to 3200 Coastal Highway): April 7-8

Mobilizing via Surfside Park (NO CLOSURE)

South Ponte Vedra (2539 SPV Blvd to Serenata): April 9-10

Mobilizing via 2700 South PV Blvd (NO CLOSURE)

Ponte Vedra (51 PV Blvd to 1461 PV Blvd): April 10-11

Mobilizing via Micklers (NO CLOSURE)

“The beach tilling involves heavy machinery that plows the beach sand, making it more compatible for successful sea turtle nesting to occur,” said Sloane Stephens, Coastal Environment Project Manager. “Tilling is part of the permit monitoring requirements following beach restoration projects. For each area, the tilling will begin at daybreak, and spotters will be utilized to ensure the safety of the public.”

In the past five years, St. Johns County has recorded nearly 5,000 sea turtle nests along its 42-mile coastline. In 2023, the County recorded triple-digit green sea turtle nests on its beaches for the first time, with a total of 133 nests. In 2024, the sea turtle nesting season included an exciting milestone in the presence of four rare Kemp’s ridley sea turtle nests on County beaches. “This process helps sea turtles successfully dig their nest chambers and strengthens our ecosystem,” said Ashley Raybould, Environmental Supervisor of the County’s Habitat Conservation Program.