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Gulfarium CARE Center gets $13,391 grant for sea turtle rescue vehicle

The grant, funded by Florida Sea Turtle License Plate proceeds, enables purchase of a utility task vehicle with specialized hoist to aid in rescuing sea turtles affected by fishing gear along the Emerald Coast.

Jared Williams

The Gulfarium CARE Center has strengthened its sea turtle rescue capabilities with a new utility task vehicle (UTV) funded by a $13,391.40 grant from the Florida Sea Turtle Grants Program.

The specialized vehicle, equipped with a custom hoist, will help staff respond to distressed sea turtles, particularly those affected by hook-and-line incidents near the Okaloosa Island Fishing Pier.

The upgrade comes at a crucial time, as the CARE Center has seen a significant rise in rescue calls. Staff responded to nearly 100 calls in 2023, with that number jumping to 168 calls already this year from the fishing pier alone.

Volunteers (Bob and Ralph) assisted in assembling the hoist for the UTV, which was fully funded through the Sea Turtle License Plate Grant.

The Florida Sea Turtle Grants Program, supported by proceeds from the Florida Sea Turtle License Plate sales, helps protect the state’s sea turtles and their habitats. Those interested in supporting sea turtle conservation can visit helpingseaturtles.org.

Anyone who spots a sea turtle in distress should contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922).

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