'Newspg12.indd' by The Newscaster

Florida's shallow bays and estuaries provide important habitats for threatened and

endangered sea turtles. The Sunshine State accounts for 90 percent of sea turtle nests in the

continental United States and five of the world s seven beach-nesting species of sea turtles,

including the loggerhead, green turtle, leatherback, hawksbill and the rarest and most en-

dangered sea turtle - the Kemp's ridley.

"Sea turtles are part of Florida's unique and dynamic natural environment," said

Kevin Claridge, director of DEP s Florida Coastal Office. "They are a vibrant part of what

makes this state so special. We know people love turtles and every beach-goer can help

This week's featured picture is of Debbie Hamilton and her son with a large Cobia. Debbie

increase their survival rate during nesting and hatching season."

caught this Cobia with a pinfish out from the trout stake.

Residents are most likely to encounter the loggerhead sea turtle, named for its

Celebrate summer with safe boating

prominently featured block-like head. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commis-

 

sion report that the contiguous beaches from Brevard to Palm Beach counties are the most

Each year, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officers

beaches typically see

important loggerhead nesting sites in the Western Hemisphere. These

respond to far too many tragic boating accidents. Unfortunately, they have been to 236 ac-

15,000loggerheadsa can expect 40,000 to 60,000 sea turtle

 nesting  in  year. Overall, Florida

cidents so far this year, including 11 fatalities.

nests season'send. 

by  

Earlier this month, two officers were called to an accident near Brooks Bridge in

Adult female sea turtles can come from as far as the West Coast of Africa to breed

Fort Walton Beach. Two vessels collided, causing one of them to capsize, leaving three



and nest on Florida beaches. A typical female may lay 85-120 ping-pong sized eggs in one

people stranded in the water. Fortunately, the people only suffered minor injuries and were

sittingthisup eight times nesting season.Once deposited, incu-

 and repeat  process to  in one   

able to swim to shore. Some are not that lucky. Out of last year's 62 boating fatalities, 38

bation lasts for approximately two months. To minimize disturbance to nesting sea turtles,

were due to drowning.

residents and visitors are advised to heed the following tips:

There are some basic things you can do to keep yourself safe and have a fun day

Use sea turtle friendly lighting. Use low-power and low-frequency lighting angled

on the water. First and foremost is to pay attention! Boat operators need to keep an eye on

downward to the ground. Residents and establishments close to the beach should pay spe-

their surroundings, including weather, waves, wildlife and objects like waterway markers,

cial attention to cover fixtures as much as possible and keep them off when not needed; Re-

docks and other boats. The FWC reports that boat operators failing to pay attention remains

frain from fire/fireworks. For more information read the full story at thenewscaster.com.

the leading cause for boating accidents.

Captains Cove Outfitters

BUDDY & FRED'S HARDWARE



39 W. Hwy. 40 · Inglis, FL · (352) 447-5610



More Than A Bait Store

    



Even though we have a great bait selection!



  

4th Anniversary Special

Serving Inglis, River Homosassa

  Yankeetown, Dunnellon, Hernando, Crystal  &



FREE Aluminum pliers with each

pair of Costa Sunglasses!

Captains Cove Outfitters

5093 S. Orwell Pt., Homosassa, Florida 34446

Phone (352) 489-4588 Fax (727) 362-4788

Visit our Website, www.thenewscaster.com M-Sa

5:45-6pm Sun. 5:45-5pm



Email (Tom Russell, Publisher) thenewscaster1@gmail.com

SHIMANO Top Shelf Dealer

Email (Debbie Russell, Editor) debbienewscaster@gmail.com

 

Costa 580 P Dealer



All Our Staff are Fishermen

Local Guides Available

start  March We 2014 issue. Family Friendly Atmosphere

to  in our Wednesday,

Ad Proof for Business Card Ad

26, have a Clean

Top Quality rods & reels for beginners



to experts. Large selection of Saltwater Tackle

Inglis Super Stop Restaurant



Cafe-Deli Open 5 am - 8 pm



BUDDY & FRED'S HARDWARE

Subs and Fried Chicken



44 Hwy. 19 N. · Inglis, FL · 352-447-2600

Stop a visit the "Beer Cave"

    

 

Store open 5 a.m. - 10pm.



              



                    

                      