Turtle Tracks Newsletter


May 2025

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🐢 Nesting Season Has Begun in the Florida Keys! 🌊

It’s that magical time of year again — sea turtle nesting season is officially underway, and our beaches are starting to see some very special visitors!


In just the past few days, a few mama sea turtles have made their way ashore, leaving behind both new nests and some unexpected beach art! One especially creative mama left a trail of unique track patterns across the sand that looked more like modern art than nesting activity — proof that nature always has surprises in store.


One of the nests even popped up right on a volleyball court! While the games are temporarily on hold, we think it’s a small price to pay to give these hatchlings a safe start in life. 💚🏐


Our volunteers have been busy marking off nest sites and making sure each location is protected as we prepare for a new generation of sea turtles to make their journey to the sea.


📸 Be sure to check out our latest nest photos — the tracks, the nests, and the turtle footprints tell a story that never gets old.


Want to help protect sea turtles this season?

  • Keep lights off on the beach at night
  • Don’t disturb marked nest sites
  • Pick up trash and beach gear
  • Fill in any holes


Thank you for continuing to support sea turtle conservation. Stay tuned for more nesting updates as the season unfolds — and get ready to meet the hatchlings in just a couple short months!

🐢 Sun, Smiles & Sea Turtles: A Day at Nautical Fun in the Sun! 🌞

We’re still glowing from all the sunshine and good vibes at this year’s Nautical Fun in the Sun Community Day at Marathon Community Park — and yes, it was every bit as fun as it sounds!


Save-A-Turtle was thrilled to join a fantastic lineup of vendors, nonprofits, and community organizations for a day filled with family fun, local love, and of course… turtle talk! 🐢💬 It was our very first time attending this event, and we couldn't have asked for a better welcome. We had the chance to meet some truly amazing folks — from curious kids to long-time locals — all eager to learn more about how they can help protect our precious sea turtles.


One of our favorite parts of the day? Seeing people of all ages light up when they learned something new about sea turtles — like how mama turtles return to the same beaches to nest, or why keeping beaches dark at night is so important for hatchlings. It's those “aha” moments that remind us just how powerful education can be in driving conservation.


👏 A huge thank-you goes out to Leadership Monroe County for organizing such a well-run, community-focused event. They brought the perfect blend of fun, education, and heart — and we’re already looking forward to next year!


Want to talk turtles with us in person?

We’d love to meet you! Keep an eye on our Facebook page for upcoming events, festivals, and opportunities to get involved.


Together, we can make waves for sea turtle conservation. 💚🌊

Local Love at the Key West Aquarium!

We had an unforgettable day on Sunday, April 6th at the Key West Aquarium as part of their monthly Locals Sunday celebration — and wow, what a turnout!


Families, kids, and ocean lovers of all ages stopped by our Save-A-Turtle table to learn all about our favorite flippered friends. It was heartwarming to see so many curious minds asking questions, sharing stories, and getting hands-on with conservation through one of our favorite activities: coloring reusable bags! 🎨🛍️


These bags weren’t just fun to decorate — they’re part of a bigger mission: to reduce single-use plastic and protect our sea turtles from ocean pollution. Watching kids proudly walk away with their colorful, eco-friendly creations was a highlight of the day!


A huge thank-you to the Key West Aquarium for inviting us to be part of this awesome event. Locals Sunday happens every first Sunday of the month and offers free admission for Monroe County residents to several iconic Key West spots — making it a perfect opportunity to explore, learn, and connect with the community.


If you missed us this time, don’t worry — we’ll be back! Keep an eye on our Facebook page for future event updates, volunteer opportunities, and ways you can help protect sea turtles in your own backyard.


Until next time — flippers up! 💚🐢

🐢 Win a Wyland Masterpiece & Help Save Sea Turtles! 💙

Dreaming of owning a one-of-a-kind artwork and making a real impact for sea turtle conservation? Here’s your chance!


🎨 Introducing “Sunrise Paradise” — an original Wyland piece, exclusively enhanced for Save-A-Turtle and framed to perfection.

What makes this artwork truly special?

✨ Custom framed with premium museum glass

🎨 Personally hand-enhanced by Wyland himself in his California studio

🌊 Inspired by the beauty we’re fighting to protect

And the best part? It could be yours!

🎟️ Only 400 tickets available — making this a rare opportunity to own something truly meaningful and breathtaking.

👉 Enter the raffle now before it's gone!

💯 100% of proceeds go to saving sea turtles and protecting marine life — not overhead or salaries. We’re fully volunteer-run, and every ticket helps us make waves in conservation.


Together, we can protect what we love.


Flippers up, friends — let’s do this! 🙌🐢💙

Cool merch, great cause... Help us Save-A-Turtle!

🐢 Look Good. Do Good. Save Turtles. 🌊


Looking for gear that makes a statement and a difference? Check out our Save-A-Turtle merch — it’s eco-friendly, stylish, and supports a great cause!


🛍️ Ultra-soft tees made sustainably

🥤 Pirani cups that keep your drinks just right — and help cut down on single-use waste.

💯 Every purchase supports sea turtle conservation and helps us protect these incredible creatures.


👉 SHOP HERE!

🚤 Be a Hero on the Water — Help Prevent Boat Strikes! 🐬🐢

Recent boat strike victim! Red arrow indicates start of strike wound.

Every year, far too many dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles are injured or killed by boat strikes — a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy we hear about far too often.

But here’s the good news: you can make a difference every time you hit the water.


🌊 Be a Wildlife Watcher

Designate someone on your boat as a marine animal spotter — a second pair of eyes constantly scanning for wildlife in your path. It’s a simple step that can save lives.


🕊️ Obey No-Wake and Slow-Speed Zones

These signs are there for a reason — to protect both wildlife and boaters. Slowing down gives you more time to react and helps reduce underwater noise and injury risks.


📞 See Something? Say Something.

If you encounter an injured or distressed marine animal, whether you're on a boat or walking the beach, please contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline immediately at 888-404-FWCC (3922).


Our waterways are shared with incredible marine life. Let’s protect them by being responsible stewards every time we set sail.


💚 Together, we can keep Florida’s waters safe for everyone who calls them home — flippers, fins, and all.

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

May 2025 Board Meeting

Save-A-Turtle Board Meeting

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

Monday, May 5th

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?


If you like learning new things about sea turtles you should like, follow and share our social media platforms! We are on Facebook and Instagram! Follow along all year to learn some cool facts about turtles but also what you can do for the environment that we all share!
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Report Sick, Injured or Dead Sea Turtles in Florida

Call FWCC at 888-404-FWCC (3922)

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