BARTOW, Fla. – Over the last several days, since the unfortunate death of a loggerhead turtle on Anna Maria Island, FDOT has been in communication with local wildlife advocates, and several municipal partners.  From these discussions, several short- and long-term solutions have been discussed and agreed upon.

FDOT and Longboat Key have agreed to temporarily turn off the overhead lighting at the crosswalks.

Lighting shields are being procured and will then be installed to block the light from the shoreline.

Conversations are continuing and FDOT and its partners are determined to do whatever is possible to protect nesting loggerheads and their hatchlings.

Those who travel on State Road 789 (Gulf Drive) are asked to be vigilant when traveling through this area while we try to make Gulf Drive safer for our road users and local wildlife.