A new setback is washing ashore in the ongoing effort to rebuild the Flagler Beach Pier.

Two newly discovered sea turtle nests near the construction zone are forcing crews to pause work for at least two months, city officials said.

This week, caution tape was installed around both of the nests just feet away from the construction site.

The discovery comes after the pier has already been closed for three years due to hurricane damage.

Palm Coast resident Ralph Corales says while delays are frustrating, protecting the turtles is the right call.

“You have to protect the turtles,” Corales said. “You have to stop the construction. It happens.”

City engineer Bill Freeman said the nests sit directly in the path of a large trestle currently under construction. Rerouting the trestle would be

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