Turtle Tracks Newsletter


September 2025

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Teamwork for Turtles: A Community Unites to Help an Injured Loggerhead

On August 11, Save-A-Turtle received a call from FWC dispatch regarding a severely injured Loggerhead sea turtle spotted in Jewfish Basin. The animal was reported to be “in distress and bleeding,” likely from a boat strike. The rescuer on scene transported the turtle by boat to Beach Weekend Marina, where SAT volunteers were asked to meet, assess the situation, and coordinate with FWC for potential transport to The Turtle Hospital.


Within minutes, a team was in motion. The Beach Weekend Marina crew and bystanders carefully transferred the large Loggerhead onto a dock cart and covered the injury with a wet towel. SAT volunteers, equipped with moving blankets, towels, and supplies, worked alongside the marina staff to stabilize the animal until further transport could be arranged.


FWC had already alerted The Turtle Hospital, and a plan was quickly set in place: SAT would meet their ambulance team at the CVS in Big Pine Key. Upon arrival, helpful bystanders assisted in lifting the turtle, and The Turtle Hospital’s rescue staff, Mattie and Isabelle, took over immediate care and transport.


This rescue was a true community effort—from FWC’s swift coordination, to the Beach Weekend Marina staff who stepped in without hesitation, to compassionate strangers lending their strength, and finally to The Turtle Hospital team, who provide critical care to injured sea turtles every day. Not all turtles make it but every effort is made to help them survive.



Moments like these are a reminder of the importance of working together to protect marine life, and of the strength and resilience of these incredible animals. Save-A-Turtle is proud to play a role in giving sea turtles the respect, dignity, and compassion they deserve.



📞 Report injured sea turtles to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

Volunteers Make a Difference 🌅🐢

Save-A-Turtle volunteers are the heart of our mission. Before most people are awake, they’re already on the beach conducting nest surveys and working tirelessly to keep nesting beaches safe for sea turtles and other wildlife.


Their dedication ensures that sea turtles have the best possible chance for survival, while also helping scientists and conservationists better understand these incredible creatures.


Interested in joining this passionate team? Learn more about volunteering opportunities at: www.save-a-turtle.org/volunteer.html

Win a One-of-a-Kind Masterpiece! 🐢🎨

We’re excited to announce a special raffle for “Sunrise Paradise,” a stunning work of art by world-renowned marine artist Wyland. This unique piece was customized exclusively for Save-A-Turtle and hand-enhanced in his personal studio.


🎟️ Only 400 tickets will be sold! Don’t miss your chance to own this extraordinary artwork while helping protect endangered sea turtles.

Best of all, every dollar supports sea turtle conservation. No salaries. No overhead. Just a dedicated team of volunteers working to safeguard marine life. 💙



👉 https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/wyland-original-art

Eco-Friendly Gear That Gives Back 🌿🐢

Say goodbye to the ordinary and hello to eco-friendly gear that gives back.


✨ From ultra-comfy tees and Pirani reusable cups that keep your drinks just right, to our brand-new SAT-branded eco totes made by Recover — there's something for every ocean lover.


🌿 These durable totes are crafted from 100% recycled or organic materials and perfect for beach days, errands, or everyday use!


🌊 And the best part? Every purchase directly supports sea turtle conservation.

Feel good, do good, and help protect our oceans—one item at a time. 🌎💚


CHECK OUT OUR NEW MERCH 👉 SHOP HERE!

Protecting Marine Life from Boat Strikes 🚤🐬🐢

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

Every year, countless dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles are injured or killed by collisions with boats. These accidents are heartbreaking—but they’re also preventable. With a little extra care and awareness, we can all play a role in keeping our waters safe for the incredible wildlife we share them with.



Here are a few simple but powerful ways you can make a difference the next time you head out on the water:


👀 Be a Wildlife Watcher

Designate a “spotter” on board to scan the water ahead for surfacing manatees, dolphins, or sea turtles. A quick sighting could save an animal’s life—and prevent damage to your vessel.


🐢 Slow Your Roll

Respect posted no-wake and slow-speed zones. These areas are carefully chosen to reduce the risk of collisions in places where marine animals are known to feed, rest, or travel. By slowing down, you protect both wildlife and boaters.


📞 Report Injuries or Strandings

If you encounter an injured or stranded animal, don’t hesitate—call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). Quick reporting gives rescue teams the best chance of saving a life.


Every safe passage matters. By taking these steps, we can ensure that dolphins keep leaping, manatees keep grazing, and sea turtles keep making their way to the ocean—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

September 2025 Board Meeting

Save-A-Turtle Board Meeting

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

Monday, September 8th

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

Like Learning about Sea Turtles?

10 Tremendous Turtle Facts



Love Sea Turtles? So Do We! 🐢💚


If you enjoy learning fun facts about sea turtles and want to discover simple ways to help the environment, be sure to like, follow, and share our pages!


📱 We’re on Facebook and Instagram — bringing you turtle facts, conservation tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at our efforts all year long.


Join us and help spread the word for the turtles and our planet! 🌍💙

Report Sick, Injured or Dead Sea Turtles in Florida

Call FWCC at 888-404-FWCC (3922)

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