- November 6, 2024
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The 10th annual Turtle Fest held at Veterans Park in Flagler Beach on Saturday, April 8 brought out hundreds of curiosity-seekers over the course of the day. Some knew the difference between turtles and tortoises; others did not, but soon learned in hands-on displays and races between the reptiles.
One race between African spur thigh tortoises Thomas and Streaker seemed more like a wrestling match, with Turtle Fest volunteer Rob White calling the "neck in neck" race a tie.
A booth set up by Art Woolsey and other supporters of a local Save the Gopher Tortoise campaign educated visitors about the environmental dangers posed to the critters, particularly when their ecosystems are disturbed by development and construction.
The event is the primary fundraiser for the Volusia/Flagler Turtle Patrol, which helps in the rescue and rehabilitation of turtles and tortoises throughout the area.