Happening at CMA
December 2009
Westlake Christian School 3rd Graders Bake Cookies for Winter 
When the 3rd graders at Westlake Christian in Palm Harbor had to vote on who to raise money for as part of an economics project, the students chose Winter. They baked pumpkin and chocolate chip cookies and then sold them to other students. Students raised a total of $146 from the cookie sale and the two classes recently visited CMA to donate the money and see their favorite dolphin, Winter. The kids recently read Winter’s Tail and took part in her virtual field trip back in October. Shown in this photo are CMA Director of Hospitality Michele Clary, 3rd Grader Billy Bennett (front) and 3rd Grader Braden Halladay.
September 2009
Ocean Trust Donates $5,000 to Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Last month, Bonefish Grill volunteers participated in a coastal clean-up effort for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Bonefish is a sponsor of Ocean Trust, an award-winning ocean conservation foundation building science, conservation and industry partnerships for the sustainability of our oceans. Ocean Trust presented CMA with a check for $5,000. Bonefish Grill is proud to take part in restoration projects and will continue to participate in projects similar to the coastal cleanup for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to help sustain our oceans and its species throughout North America. The money will be used toward the completion of CMA’s mammal and turtle stranding area.
Photo Caption: Bonefish volunteers cleaning up an island in Clearwater
Cooters Restaurant Donates Money to Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Cooters Restaurant in Clearwater recently donated $1,248 to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The restaurant held a special weekend promotion when a portion of its proceeds was donated to CMA. This is the third year the restaurant has hosted this promotion. Cooters has donated about $3,500 to CMA since 2007.
Photo Caption: CMA CEO David Yates, CMA Director of Development Lee Behensky, Cooters Owner Carol Mears and Cooters Manager Jeanie Roush.
PALM HARBOR GIRL RAISES MONEY FOR WINTER THE DOLPHIN
Clearwater, FL (September 1, 2009) – Seven-year-old Megan Ressler from Palm Harbor recently donated $130 to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium for Winter the dolphin. Instead of asking for presents for her birthday this year, Megan asked her friends and family to donate money to help Winter. “She is now even thinking about becoming a vet when she grows up,” Megan’s mom (Stephanie) said. “Sea animals are her favorite and Winter is her special favorite and her friend.”
After learning about Winter through a newspaper article, Megan’s first grade class decided to have a fundraiser and donate the proceeds to Winter. They threaded different colored beads representing character traits onto a jump ring and sold them to other students, parents and staff. The class took a field trip to CMA to deliver the proceeds and that’s when Megan first fell in love with Winter.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to marine life rescue, rehabilitation and release, and environmental education.
August 2009
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Released Loggerhead Sea Turtle Named Betsy
Thursday, August 27, Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) staff released a loggerhead sea turtle back into the wild. For the past three months, Betsy has been nursed back to health at CMA and is once again living in the wild. Progress Energy, a CMA partner, has supplied funding to assist in the rehabilitation of these turtles. Betsy was found at Ponce de Leon Park in Punta Gorda. The adult female was found in May 2009 lethargic, covered in brown algae and unresponsive to nearby boaters.
Since 2002, Clearwater Marine Aquarium has released 147 sea turtles. Last year alone, CMA rescued 79 sea turtles, rehabilitated 27 and released 18 of them. CMA is currently home to 13 turtles, including four different species (Kemp’s Ridley, Loggerhead, Green and Hawksbill). The Kemp’s Ridley is the most endangered of all sea turtles.
CMA oversees sea turtle nesting on Pinellas County beaches, locating and protecting Loggerhead nests, and ensuring the hatchlings make their way into the ocean. So far this year, 137 nests have been located. Sea turtle nesting season runs each year May through October.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a Florida non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to marine life rescue, rehabilitation and release, and environmental education.
Progress Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Progress Energy (NYSE: PGN), provides electricity and related services to more than 1.6 million customers in Florida. The company is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., and serves a territory encompassing more than 20,000 square miles including the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater, as well as the Central Florida area surrounding Orlando. Progress Energy Florida is pursuing a balanced approach to meeting the future energy needs of the region. That balance includes increased energy-efficiency programs, investments in renewable energy technologies and a state-of-the-art electricity system. For more information about Progress Energy, visit www.progress-energy.com.
CMA’s “Wedding of a Lifetime Contest” Wins Statewide Recognition
CMA’s Valentine’s Day “Wedding of a Lifetime Contest” captured five statewide public relations awards at the 2009 Golden Image Awards, an annual competition sponsored by the Florida Public Relations Association. CMA earned one of the competition’s biggest honors—a Grand Golden Image Award. Only three Grand Golden Image Awards are handed out each year and they are the top awards presented for public relations campaigns in the state. CMA also won a Golden Image Award, two Judge’s Awards and an Award of Distinction. In 2009, CMA has won 11 local and state awards for public relations programs.
On Valentine’s Day 2009, CMA made wedding dreams come true for Samantha Stahl and Kevin Freeland. They were one of 78 couples from across the United States who entered the free wedding contest. Local and national media stories from the announcement and subsequent attention resulted in more than 3 million impressions worldwide.
The competition recognizes companies that exhibit and employ comprehensive public relations projects that meet the highest standards of excellence in four components of PR programming: research, planning, execution and evaluation. A Golden Image Award is presented to the top-scoring entry in a respective category. A Judges’ Award is presented to an outstanding entry that achieves maximum results while using a minimum amount of money. Golden Image Award winners in each division are automatically considered for the Grand Golden Image Award, representing the finest examples of public relations programming in Florida. The awards were presented in conjunction with FPRA’s 71st annual conference, held Aug. 9-12 in Boca Raton.
July 2009
CMA BREAKS ALL-TIME MONTHLY ATTENDANCE RECORD
More People than Ever Visited CMA in July 2009
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is pleased to announce July 2009 was its busiest month ever. During the month of July, 23,583 people walked through the doors at CMA. This is an 84 percent increase over two years ago when 12,830 people came through the doors during the month of July. Our second busiest month ever was July 2008 with 20,756 people.
Other interesting facts of note:
· Due to our largely indoor facility, rain brings higher attendance to CMA. Despite a three-year drought and few rain days in July, CMA still broke its all-time attendance record.
· This past quarter (April, May and June), attendance was up 33 percent over the same quarter in 2008.
· For each of the past three years, CMA has broken its own annual attendance records.
· For 2006, CMA experienced zero growth. In 2007-2008, when Winter’s story was launched, CMA’s attendance growth rate was 26.5 percent in 2007 and 34 percent in 2008.o According to the Florida Attractions Association (FAA), attractions in our area experienced a 1 percent attendance reduction in 2008, and attendance at attractions Statewide through June of this year are down 2 percent.
“Our success can be attributed to the amazing and unique experience our team has waiting for our guests, and to the advertising support of two of our partners, Bright House Networks and Valpak” said CMA CEO David Yates. “Add to that the fame of Winter the Dolphin, and we have an experience people travel from around the world to enjoy.”
CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM LAUNCHES 41.4 DAY MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Join Now and Receive Three Months Free!
Have you ever wondered how much fish the four dolphins at Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) eat in one week? A whopping 414 whole pounds! To help feed and care for our dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, stingrays and more—we are launching a membership drive tomorrow, July 15. It will last for 41.4 days—through August 24, with a goal of 414 members. All sign-ups during the drive will receive three months free!
There has never been a more beneficial time to become a CMA member. In additional to all of the previous benefits, everyone who joins now will also receive, a $5 gift certificate to our gift shop and a special gift.
Other Benefits of Becoming a Member:
· Free general admission to CMA
· Free or discounted admission to area attractions (some listed below)
· Free admission to Mote Marine Laboratory, Tampa Museum of Art, G.WIZ-The Science Museum and Nashville Zoo
· 50% off admission to Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, Weeki Wachee Springs and Bok Tower Gardens
· Discounts on cruises, camps, birthday parties and other events
· Invitations to member only events
· 10% discount in the gift shop
· CMA “NewSplash” Newsletters
Annual Memberships Costs:
SENIOR – $35 (Members ages 55+) – Admits 2 (named member and a guest)
INDIVIDUAL – $40 – Admits 1 (named member)
COUPLE – $55 – Admits 2 (named member and a guest)
FAMILY – $85 – Admits 4 (named member and three guests)
For more information: Please call 727-441-1790 ext. 222 or e-mail members@cmaquarium.org.
Pinellas County Welcomes First Sea Turtle Hatchlings of the Season – CMA sea turtle nesting staff announce the arrival of the first sea turtle hatchlings of the year. On Thursday, July 9, two sea turtle nests hatched on Indian Rocks Beach. Ninety-eight hatchlings from nest #1 and 83 hatchlings from nest #2 safely made it to the water late last night. As of July 14, 116 nests have been located. We have already surpassed last year’s total number of nests of 108.
CMA Congratulates Independence Day Contest Winners – During CMA’s Fourth of July Celebration, winners from our Independence Day contest got to read their entries about what makes the Fourth of July special to them. Pictured from left to right are Brenna Jenkins (age 9), Hannah Foster (age 14), Zoe Gallagher (age 6) and grand prize winner Sierra Klein (age 11). Winners not pictured are Lauren Poulin (age 15) and Jesse Perdomo (age 12).
Winners received a Winter the dolphin stuffed animal and got to even have their picture taken with Winter the dolphin! Thanks to everyone who entered our contest and attended our special holiday event.
Kids and adults enjoyed face painting, caricatures, live music, food and more. Nicholas is shown here jumping high in the air to attempt to reach a red, white and blue ball. Even the dolphins enjoyed the festive day at CMA.
June 2009
CMA Welcomes Shriners Patients – CMA and Winter the dolphin recently welcomed some very special visitors. Local Shriners Hospital patients visited the Aquarium as part of the “Winter’s Team Program.” Kids got to interact with Winter and throw her some fish. The kids also enjoyed holding Winter’s one-of-a-kind prosthetic tail.
McKennaTexas Girl Gives Back to Winter – This year, instead of asking for birthday presents, 10-year-old McKenna McGough asked her friends and family to donate money so she could buy toys for Winter the dolphin. She took the money and bought items for Winter to play with in her pool. McKenna took the $100 she collected and bought Winter a ball, two hula hoops, several dive rings, a kickboard, non-toxic bubbles and paints for Winter to paint. After donating the toys, CMA staff surprised McKenna by allowing her to see Winter up close and personal.
Blossom School Get Special Visit with Winter the Dolphin Students from Blossom Montessori School for the Deaf recently took a special field trip to CMA. During their visit, they officially became part of “Winter’s Team.” The program brings kids with life challenges in to the Aquarium to learn about what makes Winter so special. During their visit, the 18 students got to create special toys for Winter to play with. They even got to feed Winter a fish!
Founded in 2003, the school educates not only deaf and hard of hearing students, but children with deaf family members as well. Blossom is the only deaf Montessori school in Florida and one of only two in the United States. It’s a prototype for a new standard of deaf education for children ages three through 15. Instead of grade levels, children are grouped by ages. Teachers and students communicate through American Sign Language and spoke English. Tampa Bay is home to the fourth largest deaf population in the United States.
CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM NAMED A NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR
Award Presented by Tampa Bay Business Journal in “Environment & Animals” Category
Tampa Bay Business Journal has named Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) a Nonprofit of the Year. These awards recognize Tampa Bay-based 501(c)(3), non-foundation community organizations benefiting residents of Greater Tampa Bay who are fiscally responsible and accountable with regard to program outcomes. More than 250 people gathered to honor 29 finalists and find out who the winners were in the six categories.
CMA won in the “Environment & Animals” Category. CMA was one of almost 100 nonprofit organizations nominated for the 2009 Nonprofit of the Year Awards and was chosen as a finalist and a winner based on its fiscal responsibility, management, mission, programming, and impact in the community. “We were honored to receive this prestigious award,” said Clearwater Marine Aquarium CEO David Yates. “It speaks volumes to the quality of our amazing staff and volunteers. We take a great deal of pride in what we do and work hard to fulfill our important mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release marine life.”
“There are so many worthy nonprofit organizations in the Tampa Bay area,” said Bridgette Mill, Tampa Bay Business Journal publisher, “and we are thrilled to present this awards event and special publication dedicated to recognizing the hardworking nonprofit organizations that are a part of making such a difference in our community.”
CMA TO HOST A SPECTACULAR FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
Share What Independence Day Means to Your Child for a Chance to Win a Part in a Dolphin Show or a Free Week at CMA’s Summer Camp
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) will host its first-ever 4th of July celebration Saturday, July 4, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. The family event will include food, live music, fun activities for kids and special Independence Day-themed dolphin shows. Join us for a fun and festive event!
Admission to CMA is $11 for adults, $9 for seniors (ages 60 and over) and $7.50 for kids (ages 3-12). Picnic fare will be available for purchase at an additional $5 for adults and $4 for kids.
May 2009
CMA a Finalist for Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2009 Nonprofit of the Year Awards – The Tampa Bay Business Journal has named CMA one of the finalists for the 2009 Nonprofit of the Year Awards. These awards recognize Tampa Bay-based 501(c)(3), non-foundation community organizations benefiting residents of Greater Tampa Bay who are fiscally responsible and accountable with regard to program outcomes.
CMA was one of almost 100 nonprofit organizations nominated for the 2009 Nonprofit of the Year Awards and was chosen as a finalist based on its fiscal responsibility, management, mission, programming, and impact in the community. “There are so many worthy nonprofit organizations in the Tampa Bay area,” said Bridgette Mill, Tampa Bay Business Journal publisher, “and we are thrilled to present this awards event and special publication dedicated to recognizing the hardworking nonprofit organizations that are a part of making such a difference in our community.” The Tampa Bay Business Journal launched the nomination process for the 2009 Nonprofit of the Year Awards in February and word spread quickly through direct mailings, e-mailings, phone calls, events, as well as advertisements in the paper and on the website. The awards luncheon, which is open to anyone who would like to attend, will be held on Thursday June 18th at The Embassy Suites Tampa-USF and will recognize CMA, along with the other finalists. The 2009 Nonprofit of the Year finalists will each be mentioned in a special section of the Tampa Bay Business Journal issued June 19. April 2009
CMA Releases Two Green Turtles – CMA staff recently released two young Green sea turtles back into their natural habitat at Honeymoon Island. The two were nursed back to health at CMA and are once again thriving in the wild. Progress Energy, a CMA partner, has supplied funding to assist in the rehabilitation of these turtles. Marty was found in January 2008 near Crystal River with possible cold stun and papillomas (which are non-cancerous tumors). Tatum was also found in January of 2008 in Bayport Park (in Hernando County) with cold stun and papillomas. Since 202, CMA has released 147 sea turtles. Last year alone, CMA rescued 79 sea turtles, rehabilitated 27 and released 18 of them. CMA is currently home to 19 turtles, including four different species (Kemp’s Ridley, Loggerhead, Green and Hawksbill).
March 2009
Jonah the Sea Turtle Returns to the Gulf – CMA staff released Jonah, a 134 pound Loggerhead sea turtle back into her natural habitat. She was found near Sand Key, emaciated and lethargic with a wound on her carapace, and covered with algae and barnacles last May. After being nursed back to health at CMA, Jonah was once again ready to thrive in the wild. She was released behind the Palm Pavilion restaurant on Clearwater Beach.
Since 2002, Clearwater Marine Aquarium has released 144 sea turtles. Last year alone, CMA rescued 79 sea turtles, rehabilitated 27 and released 18 of them. CMA is currently home to 17 turtles, including three different species (Kemp’s Ridley, Green and Hawksbill). The Kemp’s Ridley is the most endangered of all sea turtles. CMA oversees sea turtle nesting on Pinellas County beaches, locating and protecting nests, and ensuring the hatchlings make their way into the ocean. Sea turtle nesting season runs each year May through October.
February 2009
“Wedding of a Lifetime Contest” Winners Say “I Do” with Dolphins, Family and Friends – Samantha Stahl, 34, and Kevin Freeland, 32, got married on Valentine’s Day at CMA. The two were one of 78 couples who entered the contest. Contestants hailed from New York, Texas and Florida. More than 100 of their closest friends and family members attended the unique wedding. The two got married on a platform over the main dolphin pool on the most romantic day of the year. This was the first time a couple tied the knot in that location. Resident CMA dolphins Nicholas and Winter assisted in the nuptials.
January 2009
Winter the Dolphin Picks Super Bowl Winner – Winter correctly picked the winner of the biggest football game of the year! Retired Tampa Bay Buccaneer football player Mike Alstott and 11-year-old Brandon Saunders threw two footballs into the pool (representing the Cardinals and the Steelers) and Winter brought back the Steelers ball. This is the first time Winter has performed this behavior.
Local Elementary School Kids Raise $100 for Winter – Miss Wegelin’s firCypress Woods Elementary Schoolst grade class from Cypress Woods Elementary School in Palm Harbor raised $100 for Winter. To raise the money, students made beads representing various characteristic traits and sold them for 50 cents each. Thank you for your generosity!
December 2008
11-Year-Old Boy Raises $1,000 for Sea Turtles at CMA – Indian Rocks Beach resident Connor Krajnik donated $1,000 for the sea turtle program at CMA. Connor’s schoolmates accompanied him as he presented the money to CMA. He also got an opportunity to feed one of our resident sea turtles and see the turtle stretcher his generous donation purchased. This is the first custom-made sea turtle stretcher the Aquarium has ever had and will make it easier for staff to transfer and transport turtles.
CMA Releases First-Ever Documentary – In December 2008, almost 350 people attended the official premiere of “Winter, The Dolphin that Could” at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach. The special evening included food, fun and a presentation of the film. Guests in attendance included friends of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, local dignitaries, patients and executives from Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics, patients from Shriners Hospital, executives from All Children’s Hospital in Tampa, kids from Big Brothers Big Sisters and more. Click here for more information on the film.
CMA Staff Bring “Winter” Cheer to Shriners Hospital – Clearwater Marine Aquarium staff brought the spirit of Winter the dolphin to visit with children at Shriners Hospital in Tampa. CEO David Yates shared Winter’s story with kids at Shriners and talked about what makes her so special. Children even got to hold one of Winter’s tails. Director of Education Joe Malo talked about CMA’s sea turtle nesting program and passed around real turtle artifacts.
CMA Hosts Holiday Party for Big Brother Big Sisters –Almost 100 kids who are members of the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) program, along with their big brothers and sisters enjoyed a special holiday party at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Kids enjoyed dinner, a special dolphin show, crafts, cookie decorating and a clown who painted faces. They also were surprised with a special visit from Santa Claus! Click here for more information about BBBS
CMA Hosts Special Birthday Celebration – Wednesday, November 26, CMA hosted a very special birthday party for two of Winter’s biggest fans. Madeline Krater of Largo wanted nothing more than to celebrate her 102nd birthday at CMA. She has visited the Aquarium before and Winter has a special place in her heart as she also has a prosthetic leg. In addition, four-year-old Bailee Iorg of Knoxville, Tennessee who came to Clearwater to visit her family for Thanksgiving, saw Winter’s story on the news and wanted to come meet. Bailee has a prosthetic leg as well. CMA staff gave them both birthday celebrations to remember.
CMA Staff Members Visit 10 Local Schools in One Day -Wednesday, November 19, eight members of the CMA team traveled to 10 local schools to take part in the “Great American Teach In.” The annual event involves professionals from the community visiting classrooms to educate students about the companies they work for, their career background and what their jobs entail. Director of Media Relations Jeni Hatter spoke to first graders at Plumb Elementary in Clearwater.
Progress Energy Grant – CMA is pleased to announce a $35,000 grant from Progress Energy. Progress Energy is the sponsor of CMA’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Program, which includes the naming rights to our Progress Energy Turtle Bayou Exhibit. Progress Energy has been a strong supporter of the Aquarium for many years.
Veterans and Military Members to Receive Free Admission to Clearwater Marine Aquarium on Veterans Day -Clearwater Beach, Fla. (November 10, 2008) – Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) invites veterans and members of the military to visit the Aquarium for free on Tuesday, November 11. In commemoration of Veterans Day, military members and individual veterans wearing their military medals will receive free admission.
According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, there are more than 23 million living veterans. Major national observances are scheduled at 33 sites in 20 states. A guide to these major activities is located at www.va.gov/vetsday/ .
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact: Jeni Hatter, 727-686-4827 or jhatter@CMAquarium.org
October 2008
Thanks to Everyone who Helped Us Celebrate Winter’s Birthday! – Winter had a Winter’s Birthday Wallwonderful birthday this year. Thanks to everyone who made birthday cards for her. Our wall near Stingray Beach had more than 100 birthday cards for Winter on it. Also, congratulations to McKenna McGough for winning the prize for raising the most money for Winter’s new home. She will receive a one-of-a-kind Winter painting for her efforts. Congratulations McKenna! Also, a special thank you to Stacy McGough’s fourth grade class in Garland, Texas for sending in Winter birthday cards from her entire class.
CMA Hosts Students on National Disability Mentoring Day – Wednesday, October 15, National Disabilities Dayeight students with disabilities visited CMA to learn about Winter’s and our work. The purpose of National Disability Mentoring Day (NDMD) is to connect students with local businesses. Sponsored by the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the day began in 1999 as part of a White House effort to increase the profile of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, celebrated every October. It is a national partnership between the AAPD and the US Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy. Visit http://www.floridadmd.org/ for more information.
10-year-old Girl Asks Friends for Birthday Gifts for CMA Animals – Instead of gifts this year, 10-year-old Miranda Sullivan asked her birthday party guests to bring gifts for the animals who live at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Donated items included everything from $200 cash to blankets and pinecones for the otters to noodles and toys for the dolphins. Birthday girl Miranda said, “I love dolphins and sea turtles and all marine animals and I wanted to do something nice for them. It’s really important to give back to the community.” Her birthday party also included a beach-clean up effort.
Winter Turns Three! – The Clearwater Marine Aquarium honored Winter on her 3rd birthday with a birthday celebration fit for a dolphin. Her favorite surprise was a new prosthetic tail, courtesy of Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics. The biggest change from Winter’s previous prosthetic is this one includes a smaller dynamic tail joint, which makes it her strongest and most accurate one yet. “This model is expected to provide enough force to actually allow Winter to move herself forward,” said Director of Animal Care Diane Young. “We have been working for 18 months to get her used to wearing a prosthetic tail, and this one is a huge technological advancement.” The joint is made out of 100 percent stainless steel and includes energy returning cables. During her birthday party, Winter was also presented with a frozen fish cake with candles for her to actually splash out. Mayor Frank Hibbard also named the day “Winter the Dolphin Day” in the City of Clearwater and a special “Proclamation” was presented in honor of that.
Special Group Visits CMA - The “Sunshine Girls” Clearwater chapter of the Red Hat Club took a special tour of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The group takes as many field trips together as they can. The Red Hat Club is for women, ages 55 and older, and their main goal is just to spend time together and have fun. These women had a lot of fun learning about CMA’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate and release marine animals back into their natural environment.
Sea Turtles Spur Friendly Baseball Rivalry – CMA recently became home to two young sea turtles who stranded. Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Manager Danielle O’Neil named the first one “Tek” after Boston Red Sox Pitcher Jason Varitek. Shortly after when the second turtle came in, Sea Turtle Nesting Manager Mike Anderson named that one “Kaz” in honor of Rays pitcher Scott Kazmir. With the Red Sox in town playing the Rays in a three-game series this week, the two baseball fans are enjoying a little friendly competition with their favorite teams.
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release animals back into the wild. In 2007, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium rescued 79 sea turtles and released 18.
CMA Under Construction – CMA has begun work on a new construction project to expand its facilities. “Due to CMA’s recent success, we are growing to enhance our animal care and provide guests with an even better experience,” said CMA CEO David Yates. Project highlights include:
• A newly refurbished, 145,000-gallon dolphin pool will become Winter’s new home. She and Panama (her adopted mother) will live in the new pool, but it will also double as a new quarantine pool when stranded marine mammals are brought in. Winter and Panama will be viewable to the public through underwater windows.
• A new, USDA-certified quarantine and stranding area to support CMA’s mission of rescuing stranded and/or injured marine animals.
• An additional five sea turtle tubs and two fish quarantine tanks. This will bring CMA to a total of ten sea turtle tubs.
• Roof access for guests to see otters on the roof undergoing rehabilitation. This area has never before been accessible to the public.
• New stranding pool for animals. This will allow CMA to rehabilitate two separate stranded marine mammals at one time.
• New, refinished parking lot.
CMA Installs 12-Foot Long Wooden Manatee – Thursday, September 4, Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) welcomed its newest resident … a 12-foot-long manatee skeleton, hand-carved from reclaimed Indian Rosewood. The manatee carving, titled “Consequences,” weighs about 100 pounds and was created by local renowned artist Allison Swann-Ingram. For the next five years, Swann-Ingram’s masterpiece will greet CMA guests as they enter. The piece was originally made for the Outdoor Arts Foundation, a local non-profit community arts organization, best-known for its building-size murals and projects featuring artistically designed turtles, manatees and dog houses. The manatee was used in the organization’s “Manatee Menagerie” project in 2006 and was inspired by the huge dinosaur skeletons Swann-Ingram saw as a child at the Natural History Museum in London.
PHOTO CAPTION (l-r) CMA CEO David Yates, Artist Allison Swann-Ingram, CMA Director of Facilities Brad Philips
CMA Releases Three Sea Turtles – Thursday, August 28, CMA released three young sea turtles back into their natural habitats. CMA nursed Devin (a Green sea turtle), Frosty (a Green sea turtle) and Bruno (a Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle ) back to health and released them in the water at Honeymoon Island State Park. Since 2002, CMA has released 139 sea turtles. Last year alone, we rescued 79 sea turtles, rehabilitated 27 and released 18 of them.
Winter Gets a Visit from 101-Year-Old Woman – Monday, August 11, Winter received a special visit from one of her oldest fans, 101-year-old Madeline Krater. Madeline has a lot in common with Winter—she has a prosthetic leg. When the Largo resident heard about Winter, she wanted to come and meet her for herself. All smiles, Madeline enjoyed visiting with and learning about her new friend.
Cooter’s Bar & Restaurant Donates Money to CMA – Wednesday, August 7, Cooter’s Restaurant in Clearwater Beach donated $1026 to CMA. The money was raised during the restaurant’s recent 15th anniversary celebration that featured live music, raffles and more. The money will go directly to our turtle department to help take care of our sea turtles. A “Cooter” is another name for a snapping turtle.
Visit Cooter’s Restaurant online at www.cooters.com
Sea Turtle Madam Celebrates 20th BirthdayMadams Bday – CMA honored one of its resident sea turtles with a special birthday celebration on Wednesday, August 6. In honor of her birthday, Madam was treated to a special frozen fish cake and kids from CMA’s summer camp program sang her happy birthday. Madam, a Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle, is the only animal actually born at the facility. The other residents were all rescued. She was born in 1988 as part of a unique captive breeding program. She was one of only two sea turtles (Adam and Eve) that hatched at the Aquarium during the program. Eve died and Adam grew up to be a girl, hence the name “Madam.”
One-Hundred Sea Turtle Nests Found in Pinellas County Nest 100
Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Nest Patrol has located 100 sea turtle nests on Pinellas County beaches. So far this season, the group has guided more than 1,200 hatchings from 13 nests safely to the ocean. Sea turtle nesting season lasts each year from May through October.
Reality TV Star Visits CMA
Saturday, July 26, Prince Lorenzo Borghese visited CMA. You may remember him from the ABC television show, “The Bachelor.” Borghese is a member of an Italian noble family and is a cosmetics entrepreneur. He is the founder of the Royal Treatment Italian Pet
Spa, a pet products company for animals. He also created
www.NuzzlePlanet.com, an online community for pet lovers.
