"Alligator Harbor is one of the world's largest feeding grounds for the Kemp's ridley turtle, which is the rarest and most endangered of all marine turtles. The area's abundance of blue crabs, jellyfish, shellfish and seagrass provide an important food source for all sea turtles. The unspoiled waters and beaches are valuable breeding and nesting grounds for marine sea turtles. Alligator Harbor, in addition to being a valuable natural resource, is also archeologically rich with several Miccosukee/Seminole Indian artifacts and burial mounds surrounding the harbor."
— Bill Wargo, Alligator Point Sea Turtle Patrol
Our community is proud to support the Alligator Point Sea Turtle Patrol (APSTP) — a dedicated group of volunteers working tirelessly to protect the sea turtles that call our beaches home.
Led by Director and resident Michelle Darpel, and assisted by 24 passionate volunteers, the APSTP operates under FWC Marine Turtle Permit 151 (MTP 151).
“To monitor, evaluate, protect, and record nesting marine sea turtles and hatchlings.”
— Michelle Darpel, Director
From May 1 through October 31, patrollers head out at dawn each morning to walk the entire length of Alligator Point’s beaches in search of turtle crawls.
When a crawl is found, it’s carefully marked for protection and monitored until the hatchlings emerge — usually 60–65 days later.
Rescue and care for stranded turtles – Patrollers are FWC-trained to safely evaluate and transport injured or stranded sea turtles.
Educate and inform – Volunteers provide turtle-related information and outreach to schools, organizations, news media, and the public.
Promote conservation – The APSTP works closely with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), whose sea turtle program is one of the most successful wildlife conservation efforts in the world.
Loggerheads are the most common nesting turtles on Alligator Point.
Kemp’s Ridley turtles, the most endangered sea turtle species in the world, are also frequently found in our local waters.
Every hatchling that crawls across our sand imprints the exact location of its birthplace before heading to the Sargasso Sea, where it will live and grow for 25–30 years. When mature, the turtle instinctively navigates back to Alligator Point to lay its own nest of 100 or more eggs — continuing this magnificent life cycle.
Adult sea turtles can live over 100 years and weigh more than 300 pounds — truly incredible creatures that we’re fortunate to share our home with!
The APSTP deeply appreciates the cooperation and support of our community.
If you see patrollers on the beach, please take a moment to thank them for their hard work and dedication.
To learn more:
Visit the “Local Interest” → “A.P. Sea Turtle Patrol” page on our website for volunteer names and more information.
Follow the [Alligator Point Sea Turtle Patrol Facebook page] to stay up to date on their amazing work.
Volunteers are always welcome!
Contact Michelle Darpel (859-797-8332) if you’d like to join the team.
ALLIGATOR POINT SEA TURTLE PATROL, INC.
Marine Turtle Permit 151
Name: Alligator Point Sea Turtle Patrol, Inc. (APSTP)
Address: 1529 Alligator Drive, Alligator Point, FL 32346
Telephone: 859-797-8332
Email: Michelle Darpel michelledwean@att.net
Web Site: https://www.facebook.com/AlligatorPointSeaTurtlePatrol