Sea turtles return to Sanibel after Elsa Published: July 12, 2021 5:04 PM EDT Updated: July 12, 2021 7:58 PM EDT Recommended Sea turtles are returning to Sanibel Island after Elsa moved through Southwest Florida. One turtle headed back to the Gulf after laying eggs in a new nest Monday morning. While we’re waiting on final numbers still, the group did tell WINK News that on Sanibel, 46 of the 85 nests that lost stakes still have eggs. Unfortunately, 39 of the nests washed away. The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has been working hard and keeping an eye on the nests. “It’s real natural. It’s not touristy. Keep it simple. We really liked it,” said Scott Erickson, property manager at Tropical Winds.