MARINELAND, Fla. – It’s been almost 10 years since the Sea Turtle Hospital at UF Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience opened its doors. Seeing more than a thousand patients since that day in October, the facility overseen by Sea Turtle Program Manager Catherine Eastman has undoubtedly outgrown it’s home.
A new, sprawling location that will provide expanded services is underway and set to tentatively open doors in May or June 2025. Until then, Eastman and her team are working tirelessly to maintain the modest hospital which not only cares for sick and injured sea turtles, but studies the virus that hampers their well-being when their immune systems are compromised or overworked.
Getting help from the community, private donors and community fundraisers like Flagler Broadcasting’s annual Taste of the FUN Coast, which in partnership with the Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa has raised more than $50,000 since inception, help offset the costs of caring for the hospital’s most vulnerable patients.
“We are so grateful to the community and for the partners hosting another great Taste of the Fun Coast event. With community support and events like this, our Sea Turtle Hospital at UF Whitney Lab can continue the important conservation, research, and education efforts that are core to our mission,” said Eastman.
It’s been a very busy year for the hospital and Eastman says they are feeling the strain.
“The hospital was met early 2024 with an onslaught of patients. More patients in three months than we usually receive all year. That put us in dire need for additional financial support,” she said.
“We are diligently applying for grants to help offset our critical care costs, but we are always in need of financial assistance.”
Ever optimistic, Eastman and her creative team of caretakers offer ways for the public to get involved and help the sea turtles, knowing the community’s dedication to their care and survival.
“We have great opportunities for the public to help us with our conservation efforts. Right now, we have an adopt a wash back campaign that runs through October 31 and our ever-popular Sponsor the Care of a Patient. We are always open to discussions of in-kind donations (medical equipment—in the market for a new digital x-ray) as well as financial support,” she said.
Supporters are encouraged to reach out to the Director of Advancement Ellie Padgett (elliepadgett@whitney.ufl.edu) for gift opportunities.
