Nassau County commissioners unanimously approved stricter beach driving restrictions on Monday, responding to environmental concerns and an ongoing lawsuit over sea turtle protection.

The new rules limit beach driving and parking to between 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. during sea turtle nesting season, which the county defined as May 1 to November 1.

The change comes as the nonprofit Save Historic American Beach pursues legal action against the county under the Endangered Species Act.

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“This clarifies the board’s intent to abide by the Endangered Species Act,” Nassau County Attorney Denise May said during the commission meeting.

The ordinance establishes a Protected Species Management Pla

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