St. Johns County to Host 23rd Annual Turtletown USA Beach Cleanup
- 13 May 2026
- Category: Enhance Conservation Community Well-Being SJC News
- Tags: 2026
Community invited to help remove litter and debris ahead of sea turtle nesting season
Key Takeaways:
- Protecting Sea Turtles Through Direct Community Action: Volunteers help remove litter and debris from nesting beaches, creating a safer environment for sea turtles and their hatchlings during a critical time of year.
- A 23-Year Tradition of Environmental Stewardship: The Turtletown USA Beach Cleanup highlights St. Johns County’s long-standing commitment to conservation and supports Strategic Plan priorities of enhancing natural resources and community well-being.
- Easy, Family-Friendly Opportunity to Get Involved: No pre-registration is required—just show up, with supplies provided and all ages welcome, making it simple for anyone to make a meaningful impact.
St. Johns County’s Solid Waste Division will host the 23rd Annual Turtletown USA Beach Cleanup on Saturday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Community members are invited to volunteer to help remove litter and debris from local beaches during the sea turtle nesting season.
The annual cleanup is part of St. Johns County’s Get Hooked anti-litter initiative and supports ongoing efforts to protect sea turtles and their nesting habitats along St. Johns County beaches. Removing debris from the shoreline helps create a cleaner, safer environment for nesting sea turtles and hatchlings.
“We want to make our beaches as turtle-friendly as possible,” said Sloane Stephens, Coastal Management Project Manager for St. Johns County.
No pre-registration is required. Volunteers may participate at any of the following cleanup locations:
• Vilano Beach – 2750 Anahma Drive, St. Augustine
• 10th Street Beach Access – 510 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine
• Crescent Beach – 6930 A1A South, St. Augustine
Additional event details:
• Cleanup supplies will be provided
• Community service forms will be available
• Volunteers are encouraged to bring sunscreen, water, sunglasses, and wear closed-toe shoes
• All ages are welcome
• Participation is free
For more information, listen to the SJCenes podcast episode live on WSOS 103.9 FM and subscribe to The Curbside Times newsletter.
To learn more about St. Johns County’s efforts to protect sea turtles and coastal habitats, visit the Habitat Conservation section of the St. Johns County website. Now in its 23rd year, the Turtletown USA Beach Cleanup has grown into a longstanding St. Johns County tradition that brings together volunteers of all ages in support of cleaner beaches, healthier coastal habitats, and environmental stewardship. For more than two decades, community members have gathered each spring ahead of sea turtle nesting season to help protect one of the County’s most important natural resources. Events like this directly support the St. Johns County Strategic Plan priorities of Enhance Conservation and Community Well-Being.
Stay informed of more St. Johns County news by subscribing to our e-newsletters and learn how we’re shaping our community’s future by advancing the SJC Strategic Plan through the Office of Public Affairs.
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