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Turtle Nesting Season in Volusia County – New Smyrna Beach and Ormond Beach

What is turtle nesting season?

Female sea turtles will emerge from the water between May and October to lay their eggs on the beach. This year, there were already nest sightings in early April! Since sea turtles are a protected species in Volusia County, there are many resources and monitoring groups dedicated to conserving their habitat. Sea turtle rangers identify, protect, and monitor the nests that are found on the beach.

Tips for keeping nesting sea turtles and hatchlings safe

How can you help?

Other than following the tips above, there are programs available for anyone to help during sea turtle nesting season. Volusia County has a “Washback Washers” program where volunteers are trained to find and rescue young sea turtles. For more information on the program you can contact the Environmental Management staff at (386) 238-4716.

If you are not trained and you see a sick or injured sea turtle, you should not attempt to put it in the water or capture it. Please contact the nearest Beach Safety officer, lifeguard, or call 1-888-404-FWCC.

Volusia County Turtle Resources

Volusia County has an abundance of additional information and resources on their website. Visit their nesting summary page for stats on which turtles nest in the area. Loggerhead turtles are the species with the most nests reported in the area!

Click Here for a list sea turtle programs and alliances.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner! The Florida Vacay Team got together some of our favorite Thanksgiving sides recipes to help plan your holiday dinner.

 

Creamy Corn Pudding

Ingredients

  • 1 stick of butter
  • 8oz sour cream
  • 1 can of creamed corn
  • 1 can of kernel corn
  • 1 package of corn muffin mix
  • 1/2 cup of cream
  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 2 eggs

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Mix together all ingredients.
  3. Place in an oven safe dish and bake for 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Harvest Vegetable Streusel

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • 2 medium baking potatoes
  • 2 large carrots
  • 2 large parsnips
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 ½ cups oatmeal cookie mix
  • ½ cup golden raisins

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Cut butter into small cubes and place in small bowl to soften.
  2. Peel potatoes, carrots, and parsnips and cut all into 1-inch cubes. Toss vegetables with oil, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Transfer to 13- x 9-inch baking dish; bake 1 1/4–1 1/2 hours or until tender.
  3. Add cookie mix to butter and blend with fork until crumbly. Remove vegetables from oven.
  4. Stir in raisins and top with cookie mixture. Bake 8–10 more minutes or until vegetables are tender and topping is golden. Serve.

Recipe courtesy of Publix Aprons

 

Cranberry Fruit Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 bag of cranberries
  • 1 large red apple diced
  • 1 large orange
  • 1 large green apple diced
  • 1/2 cup red grapes halved
  • 1/2 cup green grapes halved
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup dried pineapple
  • 1/2 cup halved pecans
Instructions

Two days before serving:

  1. Dice the cranberries in a food processor.
  2. Add in sugar and in juice and zest from the skin of the orange.
  3. Add the juice only from the diced pineapple.
  4. Place in a covered glass container and refrigerate.

Day of serving:

  1. Add the rest of the fruit.
  2. Sprinkle pecans just before serving. Enjoy!

 

Get more out of your vacation for less by booking a vacation rental! The benefits include more space, privacy, amenities, and overall savings. Private vacation homes are great for families with small children or for larger groups that want to stay together in one location.

 

Start your New Years resolution early! There are tons of ways to burn calories while on an East Coast Florida Beach. Eat that 350 calorie hamburger and don’t feel guilty sipping on a 245 calorie piña colada! You’ve earned it!

Need suggestions on where to refuel after a workout on the beach? Check out our “Things to Do” tab for local New Smyrna, Ormond, and Palm Coast restaurant recommendations.

 

The rates go down and temperatures stay up!
October is the “off season” meaning fewer crowds and lower rates. Take advantage of the sunny weather and visit the beach this October. (November is even better!!)

Create beachy Halloween crafts with the kidsMake your trip family-friendly with fun Halloween arts and crafts ideas including pineapple jack-o-lanterns, painted sea shells, and nautical themed carved pumpkins. Please send us pictures to Info@floridavacayrentals.com if you use any of our ideas!

Explore local Halloween eventsClick the links below to explore fun parties and events occurring during the Halloween season in the New Smyrna and Ormond Beach areas!

Need a Halloween condo rental? Visit our rentals page or call our office 321-221-7611 to secure a New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach, or Palm Coast rental.

You will always pay less. Large companies like Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO, Booking.com, etc. charge Florida Vacay a fee to advertise on their websites and also charge you, the traveler, a fee for booking on their sites. They do NOT own or manage the vacation rental properties. They are transaction sites only; that’s why you will see our properties listed on multiple sites.

When you book directly with Florida Vacay, it’s simple, you save money as you avoid the additional guest booking fees.