Grant: 21-014E
Project Title: Sea Turtle Educational and Interactive Exhibit
Project Manager: Jack Rudloe
Organization: Gulf Specimen Marine Lab (Non-Profit Organization)
Grant Amount: $23,042.73
Completion Date: 2022-12-05

Summary: The Gulf Specimen Marine Lab will develop and display educational signs on the sea turtles of Florida, enabling visitors to learn more about them and the threats that they face in the wild. A total of nine sign will replace the current signs funded by the Sea Turtle License Plate program in 2002, and were subsequently damaged by hurricanes and weathering. The nine signs will include an introduction, Florida’s sea turtle species profiles, rehabilitation efforts and threats. There will also be an interactive exhibit called the “Sea Turtle Survival Wheel of Fortune.” All of the species profiles will include information on average length and weight, diet, habitat, distribution, distinctive characteristics, nesting, and other interesting facts. Visitors can play an interactive game on the Sea Turtle Survival Wheel of Fortune. The signs and the wheel exhibit will be used to inform the public about the problems facing Florida’s ecosystems and their impact on Florida’s sea turtles. They will also give insight on sea turtle conservation and how people can help protect them.

Results: The Sea Turtle Educational and Interactive Exhibits are complete We have designed and installed eight 8-foot graphics signs (see image), designed and installed the Sea Turtle "Wheel of Fortune", refurbished nine kiosks, and designed and printed educational materials. The fabrication of the wheel provided many challenges including proper balance, smooth operation, and safety. We have received an abundance of positive feedback from the public on the new displays and signs. The children especially enjoy playing with the Wheel of Fortune.