The city of Hollywood is dimming the lights at the beach to protect sea turtles.
The city commission last week passed an ordinance that would require lights along the beach to be dimmed, replaced, hooded or retrofitted by 2015.
State and federal officials have told the city that it won't receive permits to replenish its beach if it fails to protect the turtles.
Newly hatched sea turtles instinctually head toward the brightest light they see. Sometimes instead of moonlight reflected on the ocean, the turtles head toward artificial lights and end up in sewers, under cars or exposed to predators.
Hollywood and Dania Beach are the only two Broward County cities that have not complied with a 2002 county mandate for turtle-friendly lighting.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
