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Turtle deaths in Lake Ronkonkoma lead to call for turtle tunnel

Smithtown Boulevard has become a graveyard for turtles, according to Alexis Murray, a native of Lake Ronkonkoma, who says she's seen about a dozen dead turtles since the summer.

Cecilia Dowd

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Sep 30, 2026, 5:24 PM

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Alexis Murray said the number of dead turtles on Smithtown Boulevard is "heartbreaking."

She said she's seen about a dozen dead turtles that were hit by cars since the summer.

Murray said they cross from Lily Pond over toward the lake and vice versa.

She and others say they'd like to see the creation of a turtle tunnel, accompanied by fencing along the road, which would then force the turtles into the tunnel so they can safely cross.

"This was only recently brought to the attention of Suffolk County and potential actions are being explored to address the situation," said a spokesperson for Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine.

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