Protecting Today. Building for Tomorrow.
Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to expand sea turtle conservation, education, and future rescue and rehabilitation capacity across Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee Counties.
Building a dedicated rescue and rehabilitation facility for Southwest Florida’s sea turtles.
Southwest Florida’s Sea Turtles Need a Place to Heal
Southwest Florida’s sea turtles face increasing threats both in the water and along our coastline. Accidental fishing interactions, boat strikes, predators, artificial lighting, pollution, habitat loss, and climate change all impact the survival of these threatened and endangered animals.
When a sea turtle is injured, sick, or stranded, specialized rehabilitation may be necessary before it can return to the wild. SWFLSTR’s long-term goal is to expand regional capacity by developing a dedicated sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation resource serving communities throughout Southwest Florida.
Our goal is to help ensure that injured and stranded sea turtles can receive specialized care closer to the communities where they are found.
Five Pillars. One Mission.
Our work is built around five interconnected areas of impact.
Our Vision
A Home For Southwest Florida’s Sea Turtles
We envision a dedicated sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation facility where injured, sick, and stranded turtles can receive specialized care close to the communities where they are found.
The future facility will provide space for:
Sea Turtle Rehabilitation
Dedicated areas for the care and recovery of injured and ill turtles.
Recovery & Release
A safe environment where turtles can regain their strength before returning to the wild.
Education
Space for students, visitors, and community members to learn about sea turtles and conservation.
Conservation
A long-term resource supporting efforts to protect Southwest Florida’s sea turtles and their habitats.
Community Engagement
A place where the community can actively participate in sea turtle conservation.
From Vision to Action
Founded in 2025, Southwest Florida Sea Turtle Rescue is growing a community-based organization dedicated to sea turtle conservation and education while building toward future rescue and rehabilitation capabilities in Southwest Florida.
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