Giant turtle lays eggs on Jacksonville Beach

Turtle on Jacksonville Beach (WJXT)

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – A massive turtle was seen laying eggs Monday night on Jacksonville Beach near the Red Cross Lifeguard Station.

News4Jax received calls and emails about the turtle. One person who messaged us estimated the turtle was about 600 pounds, but it’s unclear exactly how much it weighs.

Several beachgoers strolling by stopped to watch, including one family who saw the turtle come out of the water.

According to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, on average, sea turtles lay 110 eggs in a nest, and average between two to eight nests a season.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says the main nesting months for sea turtles run from May to October.


About the Author:

Corley Peel is a Texas native and Texas Tech graduate who covered big stories in Joplin, Missouri, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jacksonville, Florida before returning to the Lone Star State. When not reporting, Corley enjoys hot yoga, Tech Football, and finding the best tacos in town.