CEO CHATTER WITH JACK LIGHTON
On behalf of our entire team, please let me welcome you to the early part of August! I hope you enjoy this “Special Edition” of Marinelife Review, which will help us showcase a number of extra special events we are hosting in our community.
Palm Beach County is home to some of the most important sea turtle nesting grounds on our planet, and LMC’s research team continues to experience record nesting numbers out on our local beaches. Nesting season will continue through October 31. Now more than ever it is critical that we work together as a community to keep our local beaches clean and safe for nesting sea turtles and their beautiful hatchlings.
Later this month, children will return to school and our local area will start planning for our busy “social season.” LMC has a number of events now through October that I would like to highlight for you:
Our Go Blue Awards Luncheon, now in its eighth year, will again recognize the significant conservation accomplishments of individuals, businesses, volunteers, youth and even those who will be recognized for a lifetime achievement award. Please consider nominating an “Ocean Hero” for this year’s event, which will be held at PGA National Resort and Spa on Friday, October 28.
Back by popular demand! LMC goes mobile and takes over the Grand Court at the beautiful Gardens Mall on Saturday August 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring the whole family! We will have lots of interactive educational exhibits, photos with our lovable mascot Fletch and at noon we will recognize the winners of the Second Annual Juno Beach Pier Photo Contest! Don’t forget that our partners at The Gardens Mall are hosting a shop & share all day Saturday to support LMC. Purchase anything at any store at The Gardens Mall on Saturday, bring the receipt to the customer service counter in the Grand Court, and our friends at The Gardens Mall will donate a portion of each sale back to LMC! Additionally, the following retailers will also be hosting shop & shares that day: Bunulu, California Pizza Kitchen, J. McLaughlin, Lilly Pulitzer and Vineyard Vines. Thank you to our sponsors: The Gardens Mall and PNC Bank for supporting this event.
One of Palm Beach County’s hottest pre-season kick off parties will again return to The Grand Court in The Gardens Mall on Thursday, August 25! Co-hosted by the dashing Jay Cashmere (WPTV NBC Channel 5 & WFLX FOX 29) and beautiful Emily Pantelides (president of Pantelides Public Relations), local notable couples will strut the runway with the latest fashions from The Gardens Mall in support of the sea turtle hospital at LMC. Tickets are selling out fast, $50 general admission will offer guests full premium open bar and dinner by the bite. $100 VIP access includes, full premium open bar, dinner-by-the-bite, VIP viewing area and access to the private VIP champagne after-party in the Jimmy Choo Boutique. Thank you to our sponsors: The Gardens Mall, PNCBank, Sandy James Catering and Palm Beach Illustrated.
Thank you for your continued support in our mission of sea turtle and ocean conservation and education. We hope to see you on campus soon, at the Juno Beach Pier or at our partner facility, FPL’s beautiful Manatee Lagoon.
With Gratitude,
Jack E. Lighton
President & CEO
BEAR’S ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY
Bear, a sub-adult hawksbill sea turtle, was found in February with an internal body temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The turtle was “cold stunned’ and immune compromised. Bear recently developed a raspy breathing that radiographs showed to be pneumonia. To determine the cause of the pneumonia, it was necessary to collect samples directly from the lungs. Unfortunately, due to the unique anatomy of the hawksbill head and the small size of the epiglottis (a flap of tissue that covers the windpipe during swallowing), the endoscope purchased earlier this year could not accomplish this procedure. With the help of a generous donation, a new, small diameter endoscope just 2.7 millimeters in diameter (about the diameter of a ballpoint pen refill) was purchased. This allowed the rehabilitation team to obtain samples from the lungs that showed a concurrent bacterial and fungal infection causing the pneumonia. Those samples are currently being cultured to determine what drugs can be used effectively to eliminate both the bacteria and the fungus from the turtle’s respiratory system. Although the prognosis with fungal pneumonia is often not very good, we are hoping to use new technology to allow for nebulization treatment with anti-fungal agents that may prove successful for Bear.
ANNUAL FUND
The time is now. Our oceans and sea turtles desperately need your help. With your support, year-to-date we have:
- Removed 1,848 pounds of marine debris through the Responsible Pier Initiative
- Documented 27,453 sea turtle nests and false crawls on local beaches
- Responded to 21 sea turtle strandings and treated 31 patients in our hospital
- Taught 5,806 students from Palm Beach County schools
No amount is too small, please consider making a gift.
DO YOU KNOW AN OCEAN HERO?
Daily, individuals and businesses contribute to a “blue” lifestyle of ocean conservation. They have devoted countless hours to improving the health of our oceans. Help us recognize the conservation efforts of these ocean heroes and nominate them for our Eighth Annual Go Blue Awards. This event is a premier ocean conservation awards ceremony in Florida that annually awards four individuals and one business that have promoted, implemented or contributed to a “blue” lifestyle of ocean conservation. Nominations can be made beginning July 15 and end August 26. Finalists will be announced at the Blue Friends Society social at PGA National Resort & Spa on September 22. Best of all, nominations are open nationwide!
Marinelife Day
Marinelife Day at The Gardens Mall
Join LMC at The Gardens Mall for Marinelife Day 2016 on Saturday, August 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.! There will be hands-on 
children’s labs, crafts, shows and activities highlighting the conservation, rehabilitation and research carried out at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Join in on the fun with Vet for a Day, Living Beaches, Conservation Corner, Hatchling Tales and much more! Wait, the fun doesn’t stop there! At Marinelife Day you can contribute to Ocean Conservation and Sea Turtle Rehabilitation through a few ways:
Shop & Share
Be sure to shop at one or more of the stores that are participating in our “Shop & Share” – these stores will contribute directly to Loggerhead a percentage of sales in recognition of Marinelife Day. Thank you to Lily Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, and J. McLaughlin, and California Pizza Kitchen for participating in our “Shop & Share.”
To make it easier on you, we have attached each store flyer to its respective name and have provided the shop & share details below:
- The Gardens Mall– Please visit the information desk in the Gardens Mall to log your sales receipts on August 20. Five percent of all logged receipts will be donated to LMC (up to $100,00 in sales)
- Bunulu – 20% of total sales will be donated to LMC.
- California Pizza Kitchen– 20 percent of the day’s sales will be donated to LMC.
- J. McLaughlin– 15 percent of sales between 11 a.m to 4 p.m
- Lilly Pulitzer– 10 percent of sales between noon to 6 p.m.
- Vineyard Vines– Receive 10 percent off of your purchase and LMC will receive 10 percent of sales between noon and 4 p.m.
- *Please print and bring the respective flyer (attached to the store name) in order for your check to qualify for the donation. Marinelife Day is an important piece of our fundraising efforts – each donation enables us to educate visitors of all ages, promote ocean conservation and save our endangered sea turtle patients.
The contest is open now through August 14. Photos must showcase the iconic Juno Beach Pier in some way. All submissions will be uploaded to Facebook for an independent panel of judges to review and identify the winners. The most “liked” photo will be named the Facebook fan favorite. LMC will showcase and announce the grand prize winner and additional winners at Marinelife Day at The Gardens Mall at noon on August 20.
The grand prize winner of the photo contest will also have their photo featured as the Juno Beach Pier’s Facebook profile picture and win an LMC gift basket valued at $200 (including a personalized sea turtle adoption). Select photos will also appear on the official Juno Beach Pier Instagram. You can view past pictures on our Facebook page.
Contestants may submit one high-resolution photo (iPhone pictures accepted) to Hannah Deadman, LMC Public Relations & Communications Coordinator, at [email protected] by August 14 to be considered in the contest!
#LMCFashBash
#LMCFashBash- A Night Powered by Champagne and Instagram
Join us on Thursday, August 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. for the Third Annual #LMCFashBash to benefit Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Dress to impress and mingle with local personalities at a fashion-fueled social event featuring this season’s latest looks available at The Gardens Mall. #LMCFashBash is the place to #SeeAndBeSeen. The #BestDressed male and female guests will receive a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne. Throughout the event, guests will have the opportunity to win luxury prizes through a #SeeAndBeSeen Luxury Raffle.
Tickets are $50 for general admission, which includes open bar and dinner-by-the-bite and $100 for VIP admission, which includes open bar, dinner-by-the-bite, a VIP gift bag and access to the VIP area and after-party. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities or general information, please contact Veronica Clinton at (561) 627-8280, ext. 103 or visit www.marinelife.org/lmcfashbash.
Vote on your favorite 2016 #LMCFashBash Fashionista Couple name on our event page:
#PalmBeachPrepsters: Richard Gaff and Danni Melita
#RadioRoyalty: Mo & Sally from KOOL 105.5 FM
#DesignerDestination: Laurie Herrick and Colin Clark
#Twinning: Heidi Schirm and Maggie Sturznickel
#StylishSassos: Ed Sasso and Carolyn Broadhead Sasso
#SuaveSocialites: Dina and Shane Turner
#MedicalMavens: Dr. Jeff and Mimi Vaughan
#VogueVecellios: Dr. Angela and Tripp Vecellio
#RunwayRockstars: Jett and Eve Beres
#CivicCouture: Denise-Marie Nieman and Todd Bonlarron
Sip, savor, and support LMC
Sip, Savor, and Support LMC at West Palm Beach’s hottest new craft kitchen and bar: City Tap House West Palm Beach. Join us on Thursday, August 18 as we celebrate the grand opening of CityPlace’s new craft restaurant & bar, City Tap House West Palm Beach. The suggested minimum donation for admission is $10 and includes amazing craft beer and craft food. Our good friends at City Tap have donated the space to LMC and we are honored to help them open their new venue. Get ready for fun, food, brews and all things sea turtles. Please RSVP to City Tap by calling: (561) 508-8525
Lionfish Festival
Join LMC as we “Eat ‘Em to Beat ‘Em!” On Sunday, August 14, come “bite back” and do your part in keeping our South Florida reefs native at REEF’s first annual Lionfish Festival at Loggerhead Marinelife Center. Top chefs in the industry will prepare dishes in a lionfish culinary cook-off throughout the afternoon. The best part? You get to sample! Lionfish ceviche will be available to all guests as well as Lagunita’s beer and soft drinks in our Tortuga Café. If you’re hungry to expand your palette, VIP bracelets are available for purchase to grant you exclusive access to sample each competition dish prior to the awards ceremony. For more information on the 2016 REEF Lionfish Derby & Festival, visit REEF.
SWIM Maui, Hawai’i ECO-TOUR RECAP
Serving the World’s Imperiled Marine life (SWIM) – Maui, Hawai’i
This past month, conservation-minded guests participated in the Serving the World’s Imperiled Marine life (SWIM) program with LMC staff and jetted to Maui, Hawai’i to assist in sea turtle rescue, research and conservation. SWIM participants explored both land and sea-based behavior of the Hawai’ian green sea turtle (honu) during snorkeling activities and nesting surveys while getting a chance to explore the beautiful island of Maui. Emily, when asked about her favorite part of the trip, said “Definitely Red Sand Beach, because of its remoteness and natural beauty. But I also really enjoyed each day being with turtle experts and a Maui “native” (Tommy Cutt, LMC’s chief conservation officer), and learning about both. And of course – the turtles! The last day, when we saw all the turtles swimming in the waves was pretty awesome. Plus the Haleakala sunrise and sunset, Leoda’s, shave ice and all the beaches. It’s hard to choose just one!” Too good to be true? We’ll let the pictures speak for themselves – take a sneak peak of SWIM Maui.
SWIM – Padre Ramos, Nicaragua – Eastern Pacific Sea Turtle Monitoring & Conservation
Travel with us to Estero Padre Ramos Natural Reserve in Nicaragua in our final 2016 SWIM destination eco-tour program. The Serving the World’s Imperiled Marine life (SWIM) program aims to help other conservation-minded organizations with central projects to aid in local and global conservation efforts. During this SWIM program, you will assist with in-water turtle monitoring, monitoring sea turtle hatcheries, mangrove reforestation, community-based tourism and educational activities in one of the most ecologically important natural areas for sea turtles in Nicaragua.
What you will get (and give):
- Assist conservation organizations with their day-to-day efforts and special projects
- Provide support for non-profit conservation organizations in need of volunteer and financial assistance
- Take an active role in global conservation efforts to help minimize the effects of human impacts on marine life
- Explore diverse ecosystems while learning about their ecological importance in local communities
To register for one of our 2016 SWIM Nicaragua experience, visit www.marinelife.org/SWIM. Spaces limited and reserved on a first come, first serve basis.
Summer camp Recap
As summer closes out and the school year comes around the corner, it’s sad to see our Junior Marine Biologists say goodbye after another fun-filled camp season. Aspiring scientists from all over the globe participated in our seasonal Junior Marine Biologist summer camp this year, totaling 477 children ages 6-17. Thank you to all of our generous supporters that help us empower the next generation of ocean conservationists through our seasonal programming!
If your camper missed out on this season, keep us in mind for next summer! Early-bird registration for the 2017 camp season is posted on February 1, 2017 at a discounted rate. Take a look at our 2016 camp blog and see what it’s like to be a Junior Marine Biologist.
Shout Out: Seasonal Camp Staff
As we wind down our summer camp season, we would like to take a minute to recognize our seasonal camp staff for their hard work and dedication this summer! W
e are proud to have had such a dynamic and enthusiastic group of lead counselors teaching over 450 campers throughout the summer. From plankton to sea turtles, our camp staff have introduced aspiring marine scientists to the fascinating wonders of the ocean using fun and engaging lessons. Transforming summer camp into an unforgettable camper experience is no walk on the beach, but our counselors made it feel like a breeze! A big THANK YOU goes out for all their dedication and commitment to environmental education!
Shout Out: Counselors-in-Training
As we wind down our summer ca
mp season, we would like to take a minute to recognize our Counselors-in-Training (CITs) for a tremendous job well done! Each of our CITs commit a minimum of 120 volunteer hours participating in our Junior Marine Biologist summer camp, assisting our camp staff to facilitate a fun and educational learning environment for our campers. Without the dedication of our volunteer counselors, JMB camp would be a slightly less cool, hip and fun place to learn marine science! A big THANK YOU for all you do!
Marine Science Academy
Educator Open House
Pier FIshing ProgramS
Kid’s Pier Fishing Program: Do you know an aspiring young an
gler? Join us for a Kid’s Fishing Program at the Juno Beach Pier! Programs will be held on August 27, September 4, and September 24 from 8-11 a.m. Participants will learn basic techniques including knot tying, casting, species identification and proper release protocols in addition to conservation measures such as habitat protection, sea turtle rescue, and the importance of collecting and recycling monofilament fishing line. Participants will leave with the knowledge and experience necessary to serve as responsible anglers. The cost is $10 per angler. To reserve a spot in a fishing program, please contact Demi at (561) 627-8280 ext. 107 or [email protected]. Space is limited.
Private Fishing Lessons: Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s Juno Beach Pier staff are now offering private fishing lessons for adults and kids, ages eight and up! If you’d like to learn fishing techniques and how you can help protect and restore the marine environment from expert anglers, please contact Demi at [email protected]. One-hour lessons will be held on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7 a.m., 8 a.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Sea Turtle Nesting Report
In July, the loggerhead sea turtles came ashore in full force this year! We have officially broken our previous record of 11,525 loggerhead nests in 2012. As of August 3, we have recorded 1
4,536 loggerhead nests within our survey area. Our busiest night of nesting was on July 3 this year, when 382 loggerhead nests were recorded in a single night! We anticipate the loggerheads to continue nesting through August, with their season typically coming to an end by September.
As we approach the end of summer, the number of green sea turtle nests recorded will surpass the number of loggerhead nests, as the loggerhead season comes to an end. Peak nesting for green sea turtles usually occurs in August. In July, we averaged about 10 new green turtle nests per night and have recorded a total of 433 green turtle nests as of August 3. This year was anticipated to be a low nesting year for the green turtles due to last year being a high nesting year. It is not known why the green turtles nest in a high to low year interval; however, it has been a fairly consistent trend over the past 10 years.
The leatherback nesting season has likely come to an end. The research team has recorded 160 leatherback nests this year. Our latest leatherback nest was recorded on July 18. It is unlikely that more will come ashore to nest, as most leatherbacks have already migrated out of this area and are heading to their winter foraging grounds.
Below is a graph showing the last 10 years of nesting counts along our survey area. All species of sea turtles and all three survey beaches have been combined in the graph. As of this month, this year is the second highest nesting season on record for LMC. We will likely not break last year’s record of 16,335 nests due to the low number of green turtles nesting; however, the continual upward trend in nesting is really positive.
SEA TURTLE SAFETY PSA: Our research team has noticed an increase of unfilled holes on our 9.5-mile stretch of beach. These holes are extremely dangerous to nesting and hatching sea turtles. Last week, a supporter came across a hole that was about five feet deep. Please fill in holes and knock down sand castles to make the beach a safer nesting and hatching environment for sea turtles. Unfilled holes can entrap hatchlings as they make their trek into the sea. Avoiding digging holes in the first place helps to increase sea turtles’ protection. Only a small portion of nests are visibly marked, therefore digging holes on the beach during nesting season can accidentally uncover a sea turtle nest.
The Fourth International Marine Conservation congress
This month, LMC’s conservati
on team attended the Fourth International Marine Conservation Congress in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Scientists, conservationists, and policy makers from around the world gathered to share their research and the methods they use to, ‘Make Marine Science Matter,’ creating change for marine species worldwide. Both the Responsible Pier Initiative and Project SHIELD were presented at the conference. Staff are inspired by everything they learned and are ready to bring new ideas to LMC.
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Lisa Golden! Lisa is a volunteer in the LMC Gift Store. Lisa started volunteering at LMC in September 2015 after moving to the area from Pennsylvania. In the last year, Lisa has volunteered for 175 hours. She volunteers each Saturday and helps at special events.
Mascot Corner: I NEED YOUR HELP!
Hello friends,
Fletch here, the loveable and huggable Loggerhead Marinelife Center mascot. I need 
your help on a very important issue -“Trash in my ocean home!” On any given day marine life are exposed to plastic bags, monofilament fishing line, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, disposable diapers, six-pack rings, tin cans, newspapers, foam containers and the list goes on. Trash in the environment is left by humans – not us reptiles, birds, fish or four-legged animals. Since trash has a very negative impact on my sea turtle and ocean friend’s home and quality of life, I must address this issue. So, what is trash? Webster’s dictionary states “It’s something worth little or nothing, waste, unwanted or undesired.” Now let’s take a closer look at the word TRASH, from a sea turtle’s perspective, one letter at a time:
Throw away the item don’t litter and when possible
Reuse or recycle the item
Accept Fletch’s challenge to live as part of your daily lifestyle his 4R’s&C:
- Reduce the amount of waste you produce
- Reuse something instead of throwing it away
- Recycle something old and make it into something new
- Respect the environment, don’t trash it, and
- Cleanup the environment where others have trashed it
Save the environment by respecting it, “don’t trash it” and cleanup where others have “trashed it”
Help save the ocean that my sea turtle and ocean friends call HOME
You can help save my ocean home by taking the “Marinelife Guardian Pledge” and sharing it with family, friends, teachers, classmates, co-workers and Facebook friends. Taking the pledge is simple: click on the link below, print it, sign it and live it as part of your daily lifestyle. Protecting the marine environment starts with U.
Thank you for your support!
Fletch
BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING
Well, it’s that time of the year again! Back to school! During this busy time of the year, 
Loggerhead staff hope to relieve some of the stress that back to school can cause. Stroll into the LMC Gift Shop, and you’ll find great items that will get your kids ready for whatever the new school year throws at them. Not only that, but you and your kids will be helping to support the turtles and the environment.
With our eco-friendly lunch totes, your child can carry their lunch in a beautiful blue bag with cute little turtles on the side. Not only that, but this lunch tote helps retain both hot and cold temperatures. Need something to put your food in? We also offer a great line of Bluewater Bento brand containers that are made of stainless steel and are equipped with a silicone lid. Not only is it water tight and dishwasher safe, but it is also 100% plastic-free and therefore unharmful to ocean ecosystems. Make sure to grab one our reusable water bottles while you’re at it, which display the words Loggerhead and of course a little sea turtle.
If you’re looking for some writing utensils, make sure to grab some of our scented pencils, colorful pens, and even some unique turtle wood pencils. Need something to write on? Grab one of our notebooks or journals with fun designs on the covers. As you can see, the LMC Gift Shop offers a variety of options for all your back to school needs! You can shop online in our Back to School section or stop by the store. Happy re-using!
Psychedelic Seas -VENDOR SPOTLIGHT WITH Alex Williams
Name: Alex Williams
Company: Alex Williams Exotic Art
Location: Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Dream superpower: Flying
Online product: Sea Turtle Decal
How long have you been making/creating paintings? When did you get into art?
My mom is an artist so I’ve always been doing art since I was a little kid. I never took art lessons or anything. I just decided to teach myself.
What is your inspiration for your work?
My inspiration is to always to something different; something no one has ever done before. I want to make someone see the beauty of the ocean and the beauty of its creatures, in a spiritual way, even. I’m definitely inspired by fish in the water and snorkeling and stuff like that.
What other artists have inspired you?
M.C. Escher and Alex Gray have inspired me!
What project are you working on now? What’s your style?
I wanted to do sculptures, but I haven’t done that before. That’s what I’m thinking of working on now. And I’d want it to be an alien. It’s psychedelic and fantasy.
What is your favorite thing you’ve ever created?
My favorite painting is one I did of the ocean called “Pumphouse.” I sold it already. I also am very proud of the surfboard I painted, too.
What is your favorite medium to work with? What medium would you like to try but haven’t yet?
Acrylics are my favorite. I like that acrylics dry fast.
Do you see yourself doing art for the rest of your life?
Yes, I love creativity. I love to come up with new things. Showing my individual style is fun. I want to inspire people too and show my art. I don’t plan my art, I just do it straight there on the spot.
What do you try to communicate with your art?
I want to show people how beautiful sea life is.
Where is your favorite place to see art?
I like seeing art at local art shows the most.
THANK YOU, OUR AMAZING SUPPORTERS
Thanks to Francesca Belden, who raised funds for Loggerhead and increased awareness of our mission at her bake sale in July. 
MANATEE LAGOON
Last February, Florida Power and Light opened Manatee Lagoon, an eco-discovery center that educates guests about the Florida manatee, easily seen in the wintertime just outside of the center. As a proud partner of the facility, LMC was selected to manage the gift store and café. With a multi-functional educational center, a manatee webcam, two levels of observation areas and so much more, LMC is grateful to partner with Manatee Lagoon and is excited to watch the center grow as a world-class educational facility in Palm Beach County. Together, we can continue to raise awareness about the sea turtle and the manatee, and help inspire our neighbors, friends and family to be leaders of ocean conservation. For more information on Manatee Lagoon’s programs and hours, please visit Manatee Lagoon’s website.