The official unveiling of Florida’s new sea turtle license plate took place on July 2, 1998 at Sea World in Orlando, with a concurrent ceremony at the Miami Seaquarium. Gabrielle Reece, a professional beach volleyball player and model, and CCC Executive Director David Godfrey introduced the specialty plate at Sea World, while Richie Moretti of the Sea Turtle Hospital addressed the audience at the Seaquarium. Gabby also volunteered her time to help produce television and radio public service announcements that will begin airing soon in Florida.
The plate is the result of a three year campaign coordinated by CCC’s Sea Turtle Survival League and will benefit Florida’s Marine Turtle Protection Program. “In addition to providing much needed funding for the state pro-gram, this plate will raise awareness about Florida’s importance as a sea turtle nesting ground,” said Godfrey. “And ultimately, this plate will help save sea turtles.”