- April 29, 2024
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The Turtle Fest culminated in a the release of a juvenile green sea turtle. Photo by Sierra Williams.
A Turtle Patrol volunteer releases the juvenile green sea turtle back into sea. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Thomas was one of three tortoises available for viewing at the Turtle Fest. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Geri Cross and Gina Newmand of Blue Lotus World Dance performed at the Turtle Fest. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Geri Cross from Blue Lotus World Dance performs at Turtle Fest. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Gina Newman and Geri Cross from Blue Lotus World Dance perform at Turtle Fest. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Denise Ellis of Sweetwater Photography displays her photos. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Gianna Sharp, 4, paints at a craft table at Turtle Fest. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Hannah Maurice, 1, is more interested in splashing her hands in the pool than the turtles in the water. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Henry Row, 5, pets a turtle. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Henry Row, 5, pets a turtle. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Intoxicated Illuminations' owners Melissa and Bruce Daganhardt show off their merchandise at the Turtle Fest. Photo by Sierra Williams.
A Turtle Patrol volunteer reaches down to pet Thomas the tortoise. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Turtle Patrol volunteers watch as two tortoises face off. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Thomas and Streaker face off in the tortoise enclosure. Photo by Sierra Williams.
One table at the Turtle Fest have information on how litter and pollution are a damage to sea turtles. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Amy Herrington watches her son Maverick Seale play in the bounce-house. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Beach goers cheered as a Turtle Patrol volunteer walks a juvenile green sea turtle down to the ocean for release. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Beach goers lined the beach to see the juvenile sea turtle released. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Gina Newman, director of Blue Lotus World Dance, performs belly dance at the Turtle Fest. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Turtle Patrol volunteer Bambi Pro manned the litter and pollution information table at Turtle Fest. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Thomas the tortoise faces off against another tortoise while volunteers look on. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Turtle Fest had several turtle and tortoise enclosures for people to view. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Turtle Patrol volunteer Leah Groom mans a table craft table at Turtle Fest. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Leyton Gentry, 9, gets his face painted by Julie Buffington, a Flagler Turtle Patrol volunteer. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Olivia Arnett, 6, playing on the Turtle Fest bounce-houses. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Samantha Lilly with the Brown siblings, Karl, 2, Tina, 5, and Jeanette, 11, enjoy icees at Turtle Fest. Photo by Sierra Williams.
Mattie Block with merchandise from her craft business, Something to Craft About. Photo by Sierra Williams.
A turtle patrol volunteer carries a tortoise to the opposite side of the enclosure. Photo by Sierra Williams.
The 2023 Turtle Fest took over Veteran's Park in Flagler Beach on April 15.
The festival was hosted by the Volusia and Flagler Turtle Patrol from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the park. It was the 15th annual Turtle Fest, and finished with Turtle Patrol volunteers releasing a rescued juvenile green sea turtle back into the wild, cheered on by beach goers.
The festival hosted educational exhibits, bounce houses, food stands, live music and belly dance performances. The Turtle Patrol also set up three different enclosures with three different kinds of turtles and and tortoises for attendees to view, including a return of African spur thigh tortoises Thomas and Streaker.
Local artists and small business owners like Something to Craft About, All Washed Up and Sweetwater Photography were able to set up tables to display their crafts.
The festival took place just weeks in advance of turtle nesting season, which begins on May 1 and runs through Oct. 1.
