Sea Turtle Center Expansion Project

The Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center is a 501c non profit created for one mission and that is to promote, 'Conservation & protection of threatened and endangered sea turtles through community education programs and partnered research.'

The center has taken that mission head on and since 2016 it has welcomed over 20,000 people from all over the globe. We are incredibly thankful for all of the support and generosity the center has received. Throughout our journey, we have come to recognize that we are quickly outgrowing our intimate center walls. We have an IMMEDIATE NEED for expansion.

We are located on beautiful Navarre Beach.  Our building space is 2,010 sq. ft.

We received our non-profit status in 2013.  We did not have a physical location for our sea turtle center, but we were working with Santa Rosa County to find a good fit.

We had our name, Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, and we had our mission statement, “Conservation and protection of threatened and endangered sea turtles through community education programs and partnered research.”

So, we went forth, to schools K-college, civic and private organizations, public events and festivals.  We were on the beach and at fishing piers.  We held FT at pavilions.

We covered Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Escambia counties. During that time, we reached over 8,000 people;  an amazing beginning for a small sea turtle center.

In late 2014 we found our building and started renovations to include an addition with a large pool and also started our Florida Fish and Wildlife sea turtle permitting process. Then, in 2016, we opened the sea turtle center and visitation skyrocketed!

In 2017 we had close to 15,00 visitors from 50 states and 5 countries.   

Requests for field trips were pouring in and continue to do so on a weekly basis- for large groups, up to145 children, along with tour buses.

This year we hosted diplomats from Bolivia through the US Department of State.  Our busiest day this year was 417 visitors in a 6 hour period.  Visitation numbers will far exceed 2017.

What a remarkable opportunity to spread our conservation message.

Unfortunately, due to our limited space we are not able to accommodate large numbers and we had to turn away multiple groups.

Our Under the Sail Mobile Expansion Project will provide the space we need. 

Our Under the Sail Mobile Expansion Project will be on the north side of our existing building facing Santa Rosa Sound. 

It will include a 1,600 sq. ft. shade cloth covered area, misting systems, picnic tables and interpretive signage.

This area will be used as an outdoor classroom, special events and waiting area, when our inside capacity is reached.   

It will allow us to engage an additional 110 visitors.  

We plan for tropical storms, hurricanes and even thunderstorms with high winds.

Our Under the Sail Mobile Expansion Project can easily be broken down and removed in the event of storms which extends the life of the project.

If the sea turtle center relocates this mobile expansion project will come with us and will be used again as an outdoor classroom.    This will open up the possibility for more residents, as well as new interactive and educational areas for our visitors.

The intent of this campaign is to help us with plans for portable expansion that would allow us to continue to raise awareness on the importance of marine conservation initiatives. With your help we can give sea turtle more tomorrows !! Visit our website at: navarrebeachseaturtles.org   and check out the great things happening at our center in 2018. 

Want to show off your support ?
A donation of $10 or more will receive a Logo Sticker sent to you!
A donation of 250.00 or more will receive a giant plush sea turtle!