PALM COAST, Fla. – It was a happy day indeed for the Verhagens as the cover was lifted and “Hetty” was unveiled to the world. Designed in collaboration with artist Bettie Eubanks, the Dutch inspired windmill scene on the shell of the loggerhead turtle was breathtakingly received by onlookers during the ceremony Thursday morning.
As part of the 22 feature Flagler County Turtle Trail overseen by the Flagler County Cultural Council, Hetty replaces the stolen “Quilty”, who was number six on the turtle trail route throughout Flagler County.
Sponsored by Bill and Pat Verhagen, the couple revealed that Quilty had been patterned after a special quilt Pat had crafted for Bill.
Stolen from her location on Waterfront Drive in 2022, the theft was a shock to the arts community. A reward of up to $5,000 was offered and remains available in conjunction with the Northeast Florida Crime Stoppers for a tip that leads to an arrest of the turtle napper.
The Verhagens would just be happy to have the missing Quilty returned, no questioned asked and even offered his business office, just steps from where she was stolen, as a drop off point.
Until then, Hetty, aka “Quilty 6.1” is resting comfortably in the park at the corner of Waterfront Drive and Colbert Lane, for all to enjoy.
Nationally recognized artist Bettie Eubanks said she falls in love with the turtle when she gets to the turtle’s face and makes a deep connection with the artwork.
Eubanks worked on both Quilty and Hetty, and took her time researching the history behind the blue and white Dutch pottery known as “Delft” that inspired Hetty’s look.
“I too had to fall into understanding history and it’s always been beautiful to understand the history behind what you’re doing so that it’s more meaningful,” she said.
“I sealed it with the color of the pottery that is done in the Netherlands, before I started to paint. It took two layers to actually get that there because I wanted that to come up through that white. I was trying to be as authentic as possible and trying to express as much care as I could.”
She was more than happy to share her talents for the art in public places project that has become a tourist attraction as visitors take part in a scavenger hunt-like adventure to visit all 22 turtles.
“My inspiration is the community,” said Eubanks. “I truly want them to have something they can enjoy as far as art. It takes a long time to get people to understand that it’s for everyone.”
Based on the works of Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer, Hetty is a nod to Bill Verhagen’s Dutch heritage and a beloved family member of the same name.
“It’s just incredible to work with Bettie again. She just did a fantastic job in taking a totally different artistic concept and putting it to work,” said Bill Verhagen.
A coffee table book featuring all the turtles and their history will be available through the Flagler County Cultural Council in October 2025.
To see a map of the Flagler County Turtle Trail, visit www.FlaglerArtsandCulture.org.
