Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida

Protecting wildlife in urban environments

Located on Florida’s southeast coast, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a vibrant oceanfront town known for its walkable downtown, fishing pier, and proximity to coral reefs. As part of the city’s Downtown Enhancement Project, pedestrian safety and aesthetic improvements were prioritized, including a new lighting solution to meet environmental protection standards specific to this coastal region. Florida law now mandates that new commercial lighting near nesting beaches comply with sea turtle-safe regulations. Conventional 4000 K street and pathway lighting emits high levels of blue light, which can disorient nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings by mimicking moonlight and drawing them away from the ocean. To address this, the town implemented WE-EF’s WILD-LIGHT™ Advanced system – a time-based adaptive lighting solution that enables dynamic control of color temperature.

Adapting to seasonal needs

A total of 26 WE-EF ASP530 luminaires were installed throughout Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Each is equipped with WILD-LIGHT™ Advanced technology, enabling time-based switching between True Amber and 4000 K white light to balance wildlife protection with pedestrian safety. From March to October, during sea turtle nesting season, the luminaires operate in narrow-bandwidth amber mode to reduce the risk of disorienting turtles. Outside the nesting period, the system automatically shifts to 4000 K lighting, providing enhanced visibility and a greater sense of safety for residents and visitors.

Custom luminaires for a distinctive coastal identity

In addition to its unique lighting technology, the ASP530 luminaires were finished in a custom RAL5015 “Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Blue” to match the town’s vibrant, signature color palette. The luminaires are equipped with [R65] optics and are mounted using DS1-500 (single) and DS2-500 (double) brackets.

Balancing compliance, safety, and aesthetics

The project reflects the town’s commitment to environmental stewardship while maintaining a welcoming, well-lit public space. By integrating WILD-LIGHT™ technology into its streetscape, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea demonstrates how infrastructure enhancements can work harmoniously with the natural environment, supporting community life and coastal wildlife.

Credits

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida Completed: December 2023 Client: Town of Lauderdale by the Sea Sales Partner: Sesco Lighting, Ft Lauderdale Office Landscape Architect: Architectural Alliance Landscape Photography: Rachel Rojo, 2025 Drone Videography: Estiven Rojo, 2025 Specifier: Architectural Alliance Landscape WE-EF Products: ASP530 [R65] luminaires with WILD-LIGHT™ Advanced (True Amber & 4000 K Switching) lighting technology