New beach rules are now in effect on Anna Maria Island, targeting a growing problem: dangerously deep holes dug in the sand.

Manatee County has passed an ordinance prohibiting holes deeper than one foot, banning steel shovels for digging, and requiring all holes to be filled in before visitors leave the beach.

Kristen Mazzarella of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch says these deep pits pose a serious threat to sea turtles.

“Adult turtles can fall in and get trapped, especially when they’re trying to nest,” Mazzarella told WTSP. “They can roll over, get stuck on their backs and die. Hatchlings are even more vulnerable — they’re too small to climb out if they fall in.”

Longtime beachgoer and county beach operations worker Mark Taylor has seen firsthand how extreme digging can get.

“Some holes are bigger than this tractor — deeper than it is tall,” Taylor said, standing beside the large John Deere machine he uses to maintain the beach. “Spring breakers show up with snow shovels and go wild.”

Taylor supports the ordinance and says signs will be posted to inform beach visitors of the new rules. Nearby cities — Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach — are also drafting similar ordinances modeled after the county’s.

The goal is to protect wildlife, improve beach safety, and prevent costly damage to maintenance equipment.

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(Image credit: City of Holmes Beach)

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