Turtle Tracks Newsletter


October 2025

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Supporting the Next Generation of Ocean Advocates 🌊🐢

This month, two of our Save-A-Turtle board members had the honor of attending the College of the Florida Keys Scholarship Social, an inspiring event that recognizes those who make student scholarships possible.


Save-A-Turtle is proud to contribute to these programs and help future marine scientists pursue their academic dreams. These bright students are not only working hard in the classroom today—they are the ocean stewards of tomorrow. By supporting their education, we’re investing in a healthier future for our oceans, our sea turtles, and our planet.


We’re so proud to play a role in their journey and can’t wait to see the incredible impact they’ll have in the years to come!

Record number of baby sea turtles rescued in Florida after hurricanes Imelda and Humberto

Rough surf the last few days from Hurricanes Imelda and Humberto has resulted in dozens of baby sea turtles washing up along the shore in Volusia County.


The Marine Science Center has been caring for the hatchlings that got caught in the surf and seaweed. Hospital officials said the turtles, which are commonly called wash backs, get too weak and can’t make their way back out to sea.


They’re then brought to the hospital where they’re given fluids and food until they’re strong enough to go back out. On Wednesday, a group was taken by boat back out to the channels. This year the turtle hospital has cared for more than 100 wash backs.


READ MORE HERE


Bugs the Sea Turtle is Heading Home!

From Brevard Zoo...

It’s been a long, winding journey for Bugs, a juvenile green sea turtle who arrived at our Sea Turtle Healing Center in late April. But now, the little one is finally returning to their home in the ocean! 


When our partners at the Sea Turtle Preservation Society found Bugs washed ashore at Satellite Beach, the emaciated turtle was brought straight to our Zoo for a full examination. 


READ MORE HERE


🌅 Raffle Alert: Win “Sunrise Paradise” by Wyland!

We’re thrilled to share a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Save-A-Turtle is raffling off “Sunrise Paradise,” a breathtaking original by world-renowned marine artist Wyland. This piece was hand-enhanced in his personal studio and created exclusively for Save-A-Turtle.


🎟️ Only 400 tickets are available! Don’t miss your chance to take home this extraordinary artwork while making a real difference for endangered sea turtles.


Best of all—every single dollar goes directly to sea turtle conservation. No salaries. No overhead. Just passionate volunteers working to protect marine life. 💙🐢



DRAWING TAKES PLACE ON DECEMBER 1, 2025!

👉 GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

🌊 Shop With Purpose: Eco-Friendly Gear That Gives Back!

Upgrade your everyday essentials while making a difference for sea turtles! 🐢💙


✨ From ultra-soft tees and Pirani reusable cups that keep your drinks perfectly hot or cold, to our brand-new Save-A-Turtle eco totes by Recover, there’s something special for every ocean lover.


🌿 Our durable totes are made from 100% recycled and organic materials—perfect for beach trips, grocery runs, or daily adventures.


And here’s the best part: every purchase directly supports sea turtle conservation. No gimmicks, just gear that helps protect the oceans we love. 🌎💚


Shop today, feel great, and carry the mission with you—one eco-friendly item at a time.

CHECK OUT OUR NEW MERCH 👉 SHOP HERE!

🌊 Protecting Marine Life: Safe Boating Saves Lives

Boat strike victim that did not survive. Red arrow indicates start of strike wound.

Each year countless dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles are injured or killed by boat strikes. These accidents are devastating, but the good news is they’re also preventable. With a little extra care, every boater can help keep our waters safe for the wildlife that calls them home.


Here’s how you can make a big difference the next time you’re on the water:

👀 Be a Wildlife Watcher

Assign a “spotter” to keep an eye out for manatees, dolphins, or turtles surfacing ahead. One quick sighting could prevent an accident—and save an animal’s life.


🐢 Slow Your Roll

Always follow no-wake and slow-speed zones. These areas exist to protect wildlife in key feeding, resting, and travel zones. Slowing down protects animals and fellow boaters.


📞 Report Injuries or Strandings

If you see an injured or stranded marine animal, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline (888-404-FWCC / 3922) right away. Quick action gives rescue teams the best chance to save a life.


Every mindful decision on the water helps ensure dolphins keep leaping, manatees keep grazing, and sea turtles keep finding their way to the sea—for generations to come. 💙🐬🐢

Outreach poster developed by NOAA Fisheries and the Hawai'i Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation

Outreach poster developed by NOAA Fisheries and the Hawai'i Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation

October 2025 Board Meeting

Save-A-Turtle Board Meeting

(meeting link is static and good for each monthly meeting)

Monday, October 6th

6:30 - 8:30PM

Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 829 7023 2616

Passcode: 210787

One tap mobile

+13052241968,,82970232616#,,,,*210787# US

+16469313860,,82970232616#,,,,*210787# US


2025 Save-A-Turtle Board Members

President: Heather Skelley

Vice President: Dave Wiggins

Treasurer: Dawn Bowles

Secretary: Chelsea Oatman

Board Member: Harry Appel

Board Member: Jennifer DeMaria

Board Member: Alyssa Gruebele

Board Member: Betheny Rodden

Board Member: Jana Wiggins


Technical Advisor: Sue Schaf

🐢💚 Love Sea Turtles? Let’s Connect!

If sea turtles make your heart happy (they sure make ours!), you’ll love what we share online. From fun turtle facts and easy eco-friendly tips to behind-the-scenes peeks at our conservation work, there’s always something new to discover. 🌊✨


📱 Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay inspired, learn, and help spread the message of protecting sea turtles and our planet.


Together, we can make waves for wildlife—one share at a time! 🌍💙

10 Tremendous Turtle Facts

Report Sick, Injured or Dead Sea Turtles in Florida

Call FWCC at 888-404-FWCC (3922)

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