Beaches Sea Turtle Patrol, Inc.

BSTP News Archive: 2007

• [November 3]: The recent stranded turtles did not survive.
• Come learn about BSTP and sea turtles at Marshfest 2007 on 11/17 at Dutton Island Preserve in Atlantic Beach. Hours are from 9 until 4.
• [October 24]: Locally, two turtles have become stranded recently because of the red tide. You can read an update here.
• Thanks to all who volunteered on International Coastal Clean Up Day, Saturday Sept. 15. We had over 200 helpers on our beach and picked up more than 250 bags of trash!
• [September 22]: We were hoping to get through the season with no disturbances but unfortunately that has not happened. We have recorded three animal predations, two of which were by dogs in south Jax Beach digging into the nests. At least 17 eggs were destroyed. There has also been one instance of human disturbance, also in south Jax Beach. The warning signs on the nests mean what they say! Please do not put the hatchlings in harm's way by disturbing the nest in any manner, by you or your dog. This includes sticking your fingers in the sand anywhere within the nest perimeter. It's illegal and just plain wrong. This also includes allowing your dog to dig at the outside of the nest and urinating anywhere on the nest. Volunteers have to do a nest inventory and would prefer not to touch dog urine. Thank you.
• BSTP maintained an educational display at the September 5th Art Walk. Our sponsor was Shugar Shack Chocolatier, who donated a generous portion of the evening's proceeds from their special sea turtle candies to help support our efforts. Please visit Shugar Shack to get your sea turtle candy.
• Thanks to all who joined BSTP for our annual 5th of July Beach Clean Up. This event has been a BSTP tradition since the 1980s. Our partner is Clean It Up, Green It Up.
• Buy stuff and donate: Giveline – a new way to support BEACHES SEA TURTLE PATROL, INC. when you shop online. Giveline has over a million bestselling products, and every purchase you make generates a significant donation. Shop now to get FREE SHIPPING!. (Use discount code NCD07 during checkout.) Please note these donations are of the "spare change" variety intended to augment, not replace, the normal membership & nest adoption fees.
• Arbus Magazine publishes excellent article about BSTP and the First Street Gallery exhibit in the May/June issue. Please pick up your free copy which is distributed at most locations around town. The article is not available on their website.
• Sea Turtle art exhibit and sale was held at First Street Gallery to benefit BSTP. You can also buy our Supporter t-shirts at the Gallery.
• BSTP volunteers had a great time at the Opening of the Beaches Parade. Thanks to all who cheered our entry.
• Please visit the Jacksonville Humane Society website to help them recover from the devastating fire on April 7.
• Attention Atlantic Beach beachfront residents: If you have questions or concerns about the letter you received from the City of Atlantic Beach regarding your lights, please contact Jim Hanson, City Manager, directly at (904) 247-5805. BSTP was not involved in any way with the lighting survey referenced in this letter. We are therefore unable respond to your inquiries concerning the matter. However, we will be happy to work with you to ensure that your lights are turtle-friendly. Many low and no-cost options are available. These lighting solutions are available to all beachfront residents, not just those in Atlantic Beach. See the "Florida" section of the links page for more details.
• [March 28]: Local company, Shugar Shack Chocolatier, announces partnership with Omni hotel to sell chocolate-pecan sea turtle candy. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to BSTP. Please visit the Shugar Shack at the Jacksonville Landing to get your own chocolate turtle.
• [March 23]: Pre-season letter mailed out to supporters.
• [February 19]: New website debuts. Have a look around and send us your comments.
• New beach vehicle: Our familiar red Kawasaki Mule ATV has been replaced by a green Yamaha Rhino.