Sea turtle nesting season
Turtle nesting season starts Tuesday, May 1, which means hundreds of sea turtles will be emerging from the surf to lay eggs on the beach in the next few months. Residents and visitors can also help save sea turtle lives by following these tips on the beach:
Do not touch or disturb sea turtles or their nests. It is important that hatchlings make their own way to the ocean.
Do not disturb the dune system or plants. Use designated beach access points and do not walk on the dunes.
When driving at the beach, use the designated traffic lanes and parking areas. Beach driving access hours are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the season, tide permitting.
Do not use flash photography or cellphones to light your way at night.
Use only red LED flashlights; they are less visible to turtles.
After a day at the beach, flatten sandcastles, fill in holes, and take your chairs and equipment with you. This is an easy way you can help lessen obstacles encountered by turtles.
Dispose of trash and recyclables in proper receptacles. Trash left on the beach can attract predators.
Do not use fireworks. They are prohibited on the beach at all times and are disruptive to the turtles.
If you see a nesting adult sea turtle or hatchlings making their way to the ocean, admire them from a distance. Stand far away, remain calm and quietly watch this miracle unfold. If a turtle appears to be in immediate danger, notify a lifeguard or beach safety officer or call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 888-404-3922.
Annual Wild Game Feast
The 27th annual Wild Game Feast will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 3, in the Tommy Lawrence Arena at the Volusia County Fairgrounds, 3150 E. New York Ave., DeLand. The event is a fundraiser for local charities and is conducted by the DeLand Breakfast Rotary with support by Rotary Club of DeLand and Rotary Club of Downtown DeLand. For information, visit wildgamefeast.org.
Democratic Club of Southwest Volusia to meet
The Democratic Club of Southwest Volusia County will meet 7 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at IHOP, 320 Dirksen Drive, DeBary. Arrive early for dinner from 5:30 to 6 p.m. and ask to be seated in the meeting room. For information, call 301-346-8822.
Gardener to address pruning
Master Gardener Howard Jeffries will demonstrate pruning techniques and discuss reasons for pruning 1 p.m. Thursday, May 3, in DeBary Hall Historic Site’s stable, 198 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary. Participants are encouraged to bring their pruning tools for hands-on experience. For information, call DeBary Hall at 386-668-3840.
Learn how to grow macadamias for profit
The University of Florida/Volusia County Extension will present Florida Macadamia Field Day from 9 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at Brackins Macadamia Orchard, 828 E. State Road 60, Plant City. The $20 charge includes lunch. Register by mailing a $20 check, made payable to the University of Florida, to Karen Stauderman at the University of Florida/Volusia County Extension, 3100 E. New York Ave., DeLand, FL 32724-6497. Registration is also available at uffloridamacadamiafieldday.eventbrite.com; EventBrite charges a $3.50 processing fee for credit cards. For information, contact Stauderman at 386-822-5778 or kstauderman@ufl.edu.
Our Lady of Lourdes Italian festival
Our Lady of Lourdes Italian Festival will be from Thursday, May 3, to Sunday, May 6, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1014 N. Halifax Ave., Daytona Beach. The festival will be from 5 to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. The festival will include Italian food, live entertainment, rides, games, arts and crafts and more. For information, visit ourladyoflourdesdaytona.com.
Sanddollar Embroidery Guild to meet
The Sanddollar Embroidery Guild will meet 10 a.m. Thursday, May 3, at 3223 S. Peninsula Drive, Daytona Beach Shores. For information, call 386-788-1508.
Southeast Volusia Democratic Club to meet
The Southeast Volusia Democratic Club will meet 7 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at the Elks Lodge, 820 West Park Ave., Edgewater. Speakers will be Democratic candidates, Nancy Soderberg (Congressional District 6), Ron Durham (County Council At Large) and Katie Tripp (Florida House District 25). Please arrive early at 6:30 p.m. for socializing, snacks and drinks. For information, email mumbuck@cfl.rr.com.
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