Concerns Tradewinds Islands Resort expansion could harm wildlife [Video]

Wildlife advocates are concerned about the resort’s potential harm to sea turtle hatchlings.

ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — St. Pete Beach city commissioners are discussing a plan to redevelop the Tradewinds Island Resort.

Some residents like Lisa Reich say they’re all for redevelopment but are concerned it would impact the coastal community on land and sea.

“I wish I wasn’t standing here. I wish that they had done all of the things that they have been informed of over the years ’cause we wouldn’t have to be here,” Reich said.

Reich is the founder of Coastal Wildlife Advocacy Group.

“I have over 13 years of patrolling the beaches in Pinellas County doing sea turtle conservation work. I’ve been on multiple marine permits,” Reich said.

Some of those projects are here on St. Pete beach. Reich recently filed a complaint with the city against Tradewinds and a nearby restaurant regarding its lighting.

“Which causes disorientation of not only hatchlings but females, and the …

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