The Tour de Turtles event at the start of the month was certainly a fun one for the books and those of us at TurtleLady.com; as well as a great start to August! If you have never attended a formal sea turtle release, you should put it on your bucket list. This one was perhaps a little more festive as there was an Kick Off Social event the night before at the Barrier Island Center in Melbourne Beach, Florida. This featured lots of tropical music served up with good food along with a great bar featuring Naked Turtle Rum drinks. Add to that a load of great silent auction items and enthusiastic bidders–hopefully it all added up to a great fund raising night to help fund more research and conservation efforts.

The following morning was an early one as the two turtles fitted with satellite trackers, Dash and Myrtle, were ready to get back in the water. Before their departure, interested folks were allowed a peek at the big ladies outfitted with their new gear. The folks from the STC also shared lots of facts and interesting information to all in attendance. It was great to see so many children and teens there as well as the adults. They are usually like little sponges that then spread the word of such importance to all who will listen.

Art helps spread the message

After the release, everyone was encouraged back to the Center for some refreshment and “refueling” and the children were allowed to explore some play time with the activities the Center had there for their continued fun and learning. The very talented and generous artist, Pasta Pastore, from Marathon in the Florida Keys was there to help the children paint on a mural he had laid out for them. He was all about them being creative. And they were!

 

 

 

I can’t express enough how proud I am of Saltwaterspurs.com being a local sponsor of this amazing event. From start to finish it was just a wonderful, entertaining and educational event that I hope everyone has an opportunity to attend a release at some point; whether they are local or visiting. A shout out of thanks to the STC and all the other sponsors and attendees; the sea turtles, both present and future, will thank you!