ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. — A pair of nesting ospreys have made it difficult for the city of St. Pete Beach to complete a project to replace the lighting system at the Lazarillo Park tennis courts, as concerned residents advocate for the protected birds.

“The way I see it, that’s their home,” said resident Marcus Lahtovirta, 56. “In my opinion, they should be left alone.”

Public Services Director Camden Mills said in preparation for the project, the city proactively relocated the osprey nest last year from a pole inside the courts to a new perch platform just outside the area.

Lahtovirta said after Hurricane Helene hit last September, the ospreys moved back to their original location.

“I'm not against this platform. I thought it was a good idea,” he said. “But obviously the osprey don't think so.”

Lahtovirta said he became concerned about the fate of the osprey nest when he saw heavy construction equipment move into the park on Monday. The city has begun replacing the tennis court lights with a new LED system and will remove the poles inside the courts.

“The new lighting system will be installed around the perimeter of the courts, outside the fencing,” stated Mills. “Rather than within the courts as it is currently.”

Mills said because the active osprey nest contains young birds, it’ll remain in place and undisturbed for the time being.

“It will be removed or relocated after the nesting season concludes and the nest is empty,” he stated. “Likely in late July or early August, in coordination with wildlife guidelines.”

That’s welcome news to Lahtovirta and other concerned residents in the Don CeSar neighborhood.

“I kind of like to keep it that way,” he said. “Let nature take its course.”

The rest of the Lazarillo Park lighting system project is scheduled to be complete by Friday.