Comments on: Shell Key Campfires Banned During Summer Nesting Season

By: cynthia chew

cynthia chew — Sat, 21 Nov 2015 00:24:42 +0000

Very considerate oversight measure to health and safety by the FWC! There should always be a 700 ft. buffer zone between carcinogenics from wood smoke and sea turtles or humans for that matter.

By: Stephanie Cain

Stephanie Cain — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 15:20:53 +0000

Actually, this is not a new regulation. FWC has always banned fires on all beaches during sea turtle nesting season (May 1 through October 31 on west coast beaches). The state only became aware last season that the regulation was not being enforced on Shell Key. Even the sea turtle nesting surveyors did not think twice about it (because campfires were the norm on Shell Key) until the issue came up, and then everyone said, “OH, that’s right…no fires…..”

By: Jack Coletti

Jack Coletti — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 15:08:05 +0000

In reply to Ashley Hutto. Ashley, We did not receive any notice at all from the county. I first heard about the ban from a newspaper reporter - who read it on a county press release issued after the new rule went into effect. The contact at the Pinellas County "Parks and Preserves" department is Pam Leisure.

By: Ashley Hutto

Ashley Hutto — Mon, 06 Apr 2015 14:52:37 +0000

Was there any opportunity for public input/comment before passing this new ban on fires? If so was it advertised/notice given to public? Was it a Pinellas Co. Parks & Conservation call or is another department responsible?