The Ponte Vedra Recorder | Page 48

48 Community News Ponte Vedra Recorder · October 29, 2015 Luke Gregoire, 3, from St. Augustine gives a high-five to “Barry” the sea turtle mascot. Turtle Continued from 43 Photos by Carrie Resch The treatment room: Steven Nelson, certified veterinary technician at the sea turtle hospital, answers visitors’ questions during the grand opening celebration. using the center’s sea water system or it can be self-contained for quarantined sea turtles or for other special circumstances, for example, if red tide is present in the area. The sea turtle center fills a void we’ve had here in Northeast Florida, sea turtle founding trustee committee member, John Perkner articulated. Prior to the opening of this facility, injured or sick sea turtles found in Northeast Florida had to be transported miles away for treatment, the closest treatment and rehabilitation facility being the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island. The Sea Turtle Hospital at Whitney will also treat turtles affected by the Fibropapilloma virus, a mysterious disease that impacts the health and well-being of sea turtles. Through the Fibropapilloma research initiative. Faculty at the sea turtle hospital will also be researching the mysterious virus in order to better understand it. TURTLE continues on Page 49 St. Augustine’s Only Couture Fashion Boutique “Own Your Own Style”, let your imagination go Wild! New & Resale Women’s Casual & Formal Apparel, Accessories and lifestyle products to complete any woman’s wardrobe. • 200+ NEW Ursula of Switzerland Boutique items. MADE IN AMERICA. • Christe Tu Couture Collection, high quality clothing and accessories made of natural fibers from America, Europe and Canada. • Daily Sales & Value, Best Customer Service in the Oldest City! 904.808.1235 • www.christeblue.com 1035 Anastasia Blvd. - Just South of the Alligator Farm Mon - Fri10AM - 6PM • Sat 10AM - 5PM