ANNA MARIA ISLAND, Fla. (WWSB) - Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch reports a busy week on the beach, with an increase in disoriented turtles and installing barriers to help keep nesting turtles away from roadways.

“We had eight adult disorientations this week which is concerning,” Kristen Mazzarella, executive director of the group, said in a news release.

Tracks in the sand suggests mother turtles traveled long distances parallel to the water, likely toward a flashlight on the beach.

“We remind folks to not use lights of any kind on the beach and if you must use a light, use a red LED and point it directly at the ground,” the news release said. “Also, please turn off any outdoor lights and close drapes after dark to eliminate lights that are visible from the beach.”

The group’s stranding

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