Turtle glass can go in existing homes

One month into turtle nesting season, beachfront residents are reminded to shield their interior and exterior lamps at night to prevent just-hatched baby sea turtles from waddling toward the artificial light rather than toward the moon and sea.

A specially designed impact-resistant glass sold by Rolsafe can help save baby sea turtles as well as provide a barrier against storms. Turtle glass is tinted green to reduce the amount of light projected toward the beach through windows and doors.

Turtle glass is required by law on all new beachfront construction, but it can also be installed in existing homes.

"Turtle glass is especially convenient for non-resident property owners because it eliminates the possibility that renters could mistakenly violate light restrictions intended to protect the hatchlings," says Rick Collins, president and CEO of Rolsafe, International, LLC. "Anyone replacing beachfront windows is required to install turtle glass, according to the Lee County Department of Environmental Science."

Turtle glass has a visible light transmittance of 45 percent or less in the visible spectrum of light. The Florida Department of Natural Resources adopted the Model Lighting Ordinance for Marine Turtle Protection in March of 1993. This statute requires local governments to establish guidelines to control beachfront lighting to protect hatching sea turtles.

Statewide, beachfront residents are required to close their drapes and blinds at 9 p.m. during turtle-nesting season, which runs from May 1- October 31. Turtle glass allows homeowners to keep their windows uncovered at night.