Franklin County to update 16 year old turtle lighting ordinance

Franklin County is going to review its turtle lighting ordinance to bring it in to the modern age.

Franklin County has an ordinance limiting the types of lights that can be used along Franklin County's beaches.

The ordinance was created in 1998 to protect nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings.

There have been a lot of changes since the ordinance was approved nearly 16 years ago – and county officials say the ordinance is just outdated.

County Administrative Director Alan Pierce said the biggest change has been in lighting technology, and many of the people who are being cited for violating the county lighting ordinance are using technology that is better than what the county requires.

County extension director Erik Lovestrand said that the other issue is that many of the agencies that are listed in the county ordinance are no longer the ones in charge of turtle protection, and that needs to be addressed too.

The county attorney has been asked to review the ordinance and bring it up to date.

Various state and federal agencies will also be brought in to the process.

The county will likely have to hold a public hearing on the changes once the updates are complete.

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