Rare Sea Turtle Nests Along Panhandle Beach

(Destin, FL) -- A rare sea turtle has people excited in Okaloosa County. The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Sea Turtle Patrol says a Kemp's ridley sea turtle nested yesterday. The Kemp's ridley is the most endangered sea turtle species, and it's rare to see them nesting on Panhandle beaches. Patrol members say they were lucky to see it, especially as sea turtle nesting season doesn't officially start until Wednesday. The patrol says they'll be monitoring the beaches every day looking for sea turtle nests. They ask beach visitors to do their part to keep beaches safe by picking up trash, filling in holes, knocking down sandcastles and using only turtle-friendly flashlights at night.