BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A nonprofit dedicated to sea turtle conservation says an upcoming Brevard County proposal might put sea turtles at risk.

According to the Brevard County Commission meeting agenda, about 2,500 citizens signed a petition to ask commissioners to amend an ordinance that does not allow dogs on the beach from Sandy Shoes Resort to the Sebastian Inlet.

Sea Turtle Conservancy Coordinator, Sarah Rhodes-Ondi, says she's worried about the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge becoming dog-friendly for an 11-mile stretch of road.

“This is a magical sea turtle-nesting beach. It's the most important one in the entire U.S. for loggerheads,” she said.

Citizens are requested to allow dogs on the beach before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m., but Rhodes-Ondi says this is prime sea turtle-nesting and hatchling times.

According to the Sea Turtle Conservancy, about 90 percent of sea turtles nest in Florida.

“We have about 20,000 nests already reported. Dogs are known to chase turtles, dig up their nests, and (identify) them,” Rhodes-Ondi said.

The Brevard County Commission meeting is at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6.