Longboat Key Turtle Watch Donates $10,500 to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

The spirit of giving shines brightly on Longboat Key as the Longboat Key Turtle Watch continues its longstanding tradition of supporting Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. This year, the organization raised $10,500 through donations, marking over 15 years of partnership between the two groups.

The funds were allocated to various initiatives, reflecting the Turtle Watch’s commitment to education, conservation, and honoring its founders. Nearly $2,350 of the donation supports Mote’s educational programs, including a scholarship for a child to attend Mote’s summer camp in honor of Orville Clayton, one of the founding members of the Turtle Watch.

The largest portion of the contribution, $4,900, was directed to Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program. This donation is dedicated to the memory of Freda Perrotta, a longtime Turtle Watch member affectionately known as the “turtle lady.” Perrotta, who passed away in September 2023, was instrumental in developing the organization and introducing beloved programs like “Name the Nest,” which continues to engage the community in turtle conservation efforts.

During the turtle nesting season, Longboat Key Turtle Watch volunteers patrol the beaches daily, marking and tracking turtle nests. They share their data with Mote’s Sea Turtle Conservation and Research team, ensuring seamless collaboration between the two organizations.

This year’s donation also addressed Mote’s urgent needs following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. One priority was funding a new freezer for the adult sea turtle hospital, replacing one lost during the storms.

Longboat Key Turtle Watch sustains its mission through year-round fundraising efforts, including the sale of shirts and the popular “Name a Nest” and “Adopt a Nest” programs. These initiatives enable the group to contribute meaningfully to Mote while fostering community engagement and awareness about sea turtle conservation.

For more information about Longboat Key Turtle Watch and its programs, visit LBKTurtleWatch.com.