Pictured on left, a mature Green Sea Turtle and on right, a hatchling.
Hatchling photo credit: Manuel Heinrich Emha
Today is good news Sunday and there is a double dose of it to share with all of you today!
The state of Florida is truly blessed to have over 1,100 miles of stunning coastline, making it number one in the Continental US, only Alaska has more shore line!
( This page has a wealth of information about the Sunshine State: Florida Quick Facts )
And because our coastal regions/ areas are so immense, it comes as no surprise that Sea Turtles and their annual nesting times here, are a very big deal with the state’s residents.
2013 was a banner year for Green Sea Turtle nesting and because it is one of our Endangered ones, there is cause for huge celebration.
The plethora of nests this year, are being credited in large part to human involvement, the residents in the affected Beach areas make sacrifices during the “nesting season” by turning off their lights every night, to avoid confusing or distracting the little ones, who after hatching, need to head directly to the water, not toward the houses.
The combined efforts of residents, scientists and volunteers all over the state, have helped to turn the downward trend around for this Endangered Sea Turtle and even though numbers are down for the others, the mood for now is positive, with gratitude for the great success at least for now, with this one.
Another positive note for the Florida Sea Turtle, is that their specialized Florida license plate is the third most popular one in the state, right behind the Gator Nation and FSU.
Knowing the huge popularity that these two teams and their fans represent, makes this an even more impressive statistic.
The money generated by the sale of these special plates, which this year was $1.4 million, goes directly towards research in turtle studies.
You may read more about the 2013 Green Sea Turtles dramatic nesting increases here:
Green Sea Turtle Nesting Doubles In Florida
New Pet Food Bank
The other good news story for this week, is about a new program in Orlando to raise awareness for what is becoming a more frequent need in the current economy, as well as to ask for donations of all kinds of pet foods for a new Pet Food Bank that is just starting up there.
The hope is that if those with pets who have, for one reason or another, found themselves having to choose between buying pet food or people food, can come to the Pet Food Bank and not have to give their pets up to a shelter, which is always a sad choice for any family to have to make.
Better for all concerned, is a pet staying with its loving family and this new Orlando Pet Food Bank plans to help do just that for those in need.
Do not have any more information about them yet, but will post it here when it becomes available.
Walking with the Alligators 
I love the licence plate idea it’s so fun and how all of the beach residents are pulling together to help. Thankfully lots of supermarkets in the UK have had pet food banks (where you buy some for your pet and one for the bank) for decades but now people food banks are also being bombarded with requests from families :0/
We would dearly love to have one of the turtle plates, but they do not allow them on a handicapped plate.
And Walkingfox must have it for when he goes to the VA Hospital without without us.
Ah that’s a shame!
Thank you for this heartwarming news
You are so very welcome.
It is “good news” Sunday and it is a requirement for the day!
I so love the turtles : ) I remember being a young medical student surfing in Ft. Lauderdale. I found a massive Momma Turtle laying her eggs. I went and got the beach patrol so she could be roped off so no one disturbed her. What a beautiful sight to witness. When I was in Daytona this May they had a whole bunch roped and fenced off so no one disturbed them. What a beautiful sight it was for me in my 50’s to see they were still rescuing them. Beautiful Gatorwoman thanks for sharing 🙂 I have lots of baby and Momma turtles in my pond in New York. I never let anyone disturb them. They are all my babies : ) Hope you had a safe Halloween
So truly happy that you liked the Blog.
Because of our beloved Gopher Tortoise Harriet, we are more than just a little prejudiced toward all manner of Turtle/Tortoise~~
We had a terrific Halloween, although not as many little ones came this year~
Same here not to many little ones came this year. Got to see my Grandbabies all dressed though. That’s worth all to me : )
How wonderful that the beach residents are working together to save these turtles. It’s so cool that the simple act of turning off lights can make such an impact on their lives. I wish it were so easy for other endangered creatures.
It is as they say, the little things mean a lot.
The Endangered Species in this state need all of the help that they can get
and little by little things are improving, for most of them.
Reblogged this on Freedom for Cetaceans.
Thank you as ever Dear Adam!
you are always welcome 🙂
Helo Gator Woman…my name is Brett Corley and I am writing a research paper for my College Marine Biology Class. I am refrencing your blog and I noticed that you had a few picts on your page that would be awesome for my paper. Can I please have your permission to use the photos? They will only be used for my paper and will not be used for any other purpose. Thanks.
Please tell me which pictures?
Great news, Gator Woman! (I have to stop calling you “GW.” The initials remind me of someone else . . .)
I always appreciate all of your blog entries.
Thank you so much.
And you could call me Donna~
The gator-woman name was a connection to my web site and was unavoidable when I signed up for WP.
Reblogged this on Spike's Corner.
This is most appreciated. Thank you so much.
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I’ll be donating to the food bank myself. If people can keep their pets instead of giving them up, it helps everyone.
Thank you so much Gary for your kind loving heart. They appreciate you more than you know~