Leatherback Nest FB1 Excavation

Hello Turtle Lovers,
Here are pictures from the cleaning of FB1, our first wonderfully successful Leatherback nest for Flagler Beach in a long time. The debut of 4 live and healthy Leatherback hatchlings was more then I expected and hoped for. But there they were and it was the best. There was a total of 80 eggs in the clutch and there were 52 that hatched. 52 Flagler Beach Leatherbacks headed out to the big wide ocean. How Cool!!
Thank you everyone that came to help.Ramona, thanks for being the great photographer and taking all these wonderful pictures for me. Thank you to Dan, Theresa, Teresa, Thom, Catherine, Barb, Kelly, and Mark for digging to the depths while I deserted you to show off the babies. What a great team we have on our patrol. A big Thanks to everyone that came to help, watch, and be there for this. If you weren't able to make it and are getting these pictures, I am sorry you didn't get to be here but I hope you will enjoy the pictures.
Big Turtle Hugs to all of you guys!!!! Lori

Leatherback rescue on Mantanzas South beach

Monday morning the Turtle Patrol walking Summerhaven found Leatherback tracks coming up the beach, over the dunes, across old A1A and into the marsh. They could not find the outgoing tracks!!! So looking all around they finally spotted her in the little river between Old A1A and A1A. She was stranded in the flooded area and was heading towards A1A and the ICW. They stopped her from going across the highway and then we all got there and headed her back over the dunes and back to the ocean. The thought of her being in our skinny ICW with so many miles from an inlet and all that Memorial Day boat traffic was too much for us to not guide her back to the ocean. .She was just awesome. We named her Summer and wished her luck on her journey. Unfortunately, it was such a hectic time and we were all in the water up to our waists and necks,just thinking about her safety that we did not get a PIT scan done. She was not huge as leatherbacks go, maybe 700 lbs or so, but she was GREAT!! Took alot of convincing and pushing to get her to go to the ocean and not A1A. Her breathing will live in my heart forever! Great big sighs and great breaths. She was amazing!!That night we did have a new Leatherback nest about 10 miles south of where she was. We are calling it Summers nest !!It was just a most awesome rescue. I am thanking Turtle Mother and the Turtle Gods for letting us help her back and to safety!! Hope you enjoy the pictures!!
Lori

2nd Annual Turtle Fest

Our “Second Annual Turtle Fest” was held Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Veterans Memorial Park at the corner of A1A & SR 100 in Flagler Beach featuring food, live music from local musicians, environmental exhibits, kids activities, raffle prizes and the release of rehabilitated sea turtles.

This event will be our primary fundraiser for the Turtle Patrols this year and in coming years. We expect it to grow bigger and better each year. This year's event was a HUGE success! Thank you to all who volunteered, participated, donated & attended.

Thank You for your support!

Turtle Fest Sponsors 2009:

Anderson Rentals Inc.

Bahama Mamas

BJ Royster, Artist

Blue

Bob & Jan Shaw

Chicken by the Sea Restaurant

Chrismon’s Cycle Repair

Classic Bowling Supplies, LLC

Drummond Press

Emerald Shores Hotel

Fisherman’s Net

Flagler County Diagnostic Center Inc.

Flagler Fish Company

Flagler Pennysaver

GDS Communications, Inc.

High Jackers Restaurant

Houligans Restaurant

JMJ Tobacco Outlet Inc.

Life Safety Consultants of Michigan

Manny’s Pizza House

Marlene Ludlow

Martins Restaurant & Lounge

Osprey Fishing Charters,

Captain Rob Ottlein

Palm Coast Charters,

Captain Ralph Olivett

Physical Therapist Specialists

Pip’s Beachside Bar & Grill

Publix Super Markets Inc.

SAMS Club

Snyders of Hanover

Southeast Jewelry

Target, Palm Coast

The Seaside Shoppe

Tri City Cycles