Juno Beach, Fla.(March 9, 2023) – Celebrate 40 years of sea turtles and ocean conservation at the 18th Annual TurtleFest at Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC). The free community event will take place on Saturday, March 18, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Center and the surrounding Loggerhead Park in Juno Beach, Florida. More than 10,000 guests will come together to support the preservation of our marine ecosystem and enjoy educational exhibits and activities with community partners, marine life, live music, art, shopping, games, and other family-friendly activities.
This year’s TurtleFest theme is Respect the Locals. Check out LMC’s newly expanded facility, while participating in conservation activities, visiting sea turtle patients and other native marine life up close, and browsing local artists and merchants committed to ocean conservation. Enjoy food, craft beers, and cocktails from vendors, and listen to great local bands, including Tasty Vibrations, The Holidazed, and Jay Valor Band.
Kids can dive into the world of sea turtle conservation with fun, hands-on activities such as TurtleFest’s Junior Vet Lab. The 30-minute demonstration will educate children on the process of sea turtle rescue and release. They will come to the aid of a green sea turtle replica to learn about common injuries and illnesses that affect these endangered animals. Children can also Slide Over the Sea on LMC’s slide with an ocean view to race with friends or just for the fun of it!
Parking for TurtleFest is not on-site and will be located at 700 Universe Blvd. in Juno Beach, along U.S. Highway 1. Free shuttle buses will run every 15 minutes to and from the event. Loggerhead Marinelife Center is encouraging attendees to ride their bicycles to TurtleFest and will provide free bicycle valet service at the event entrance on Ocean Avenue. Each person who valets a bicycle will receive 25 percent off the purchase of a refillable water bottle.
TurtleFest remains free thanks to LMC’s sponsors and community partners, including Tampa General Hospital, Loggerhead Marinas, Florida Power & Light Company, Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa, and Tire Kingdom Service Centers.
Have a “turtle-ly” awesome time at Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s one-of-a-kind event!
For more information, please visit marinelife.org/turtlefest.
About Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC)
Loggerhead Marinelife Center, located in Loggerhead Park, Juno Beach, Fla., is a sea turtle research, rehabilitation, education, and conservation center. The Center also manages the Juno Beach Pier across the street from the park. Established in 1983, LMC seeks to promote conservation of ocean ecosystems with a special focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles. Its facilities include a sea turtle hospital, a research laboratory, and exhibit areas, including live sea turtles and other coastal creatures.