Hurricane Hanks Sea Turtle Winnie Makes Waves in 2025 Conservation Efforts

Celebrating the Release of Winnie: A Symbol of Hope

On June 30th, 2025, the warm Gulf waters welcomed back a very special sea turtle named Winnie, who had just completed her rehabilitation and was released as part of this year’s Hurricane Hanks Sea Turtle Sponsorship. Her return to the sea marks more than just the end of her recovery—it’s a symbol of our commitment to marine conservation and our deep respect for the wildlife that calls Anna Maria Island home.

We at Hurricane Hanks are incredibly proud to support the efforts of the Sea Turtle Conservancy and the local heroes at Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring (AMITW). These organizations work tirelessly to monitor, protect, and rehabilitate sea turtles, and our sponsorship directly supports their work in collecting valuable migration data, performing health checkups, and raising public awareness.

Track Winnie’s Journey

One of the most exciting parts of this program is the ability for the public to track Winnie’s movements in real time as she explores the Gulf and beyond. This tracking provides scientists with crucial insights into sea turtle behavior and migratory patterns, while also offering locals and visitors a chance to feel more connected to this beautiful creature’s journey.

Track Winnie here and follow her as she glides through the open waters—hopefully healthy, thriving, and fulfilling her purpose in the wild.

Our Sea Turtle Conservation Commitment

Hurricane Hanks isn’t just about great food and good times—it’s also about giving back. We believe that preserving the natural beauty and wildlife of our coastal home is an essential part of being good neighbors and good stewards of the environment. Supporting sea turtle conservation isn’t a marketing gimmick for us—it’s a responsibility and a passion.

That’s why our annual Sea Turtle Sponsorship continues to grow. Through our partnership with the Sea Turtle Conservancy and AMITW, we help fund satellite transmitters, educational outreach, nest monitoring, and the rescue and rehabilitation of injured turtles. These programs are vital in protecting endangered and threatened species along our shoreline.

Looking Back: Henrietta’s Inspiring Journey in 2024

Winnie follows in the flipper prints of Henrietta, our sponsored sea turtle from 2024. Henrietta’s story touched so many hearts when she was released last summer. Like Winnie, she had overcome injury and was carefully rehabilitated before making her triumphant return to the sea.

Henrietta’s tracking data revealed a fascinating journey through the Gulf of Mexico, offering researchers valuable behavioral insights. She became an ambassador for awareness, inspiring hundreds of people to learn more about sea turtle conservation and the threats these creatures face from pollution, habitat loss, and climate change.

Our community followed Henrietta’s progress with pride, and many families shared stories of checking in on her location with their children. That type of engagement is what makes these sponsorships so impactful—it brings education, conservation, and local pride together.

Why Sea Turtle Conservation Matters

Sea turtles are ancient mariners, having swum Earth’s oceans for more than 100 million years. Today, they face unprecedented challenges due to human activity. All seven species of sea turtles are considered threatened or endangered. Their nests are vulnerable to predation and coastal development, and adult turtles often face entanglement in fishing gear, ingestion of plastic, and collisions with boats.

Protecting sea turtles means protecting the entire marine ecosystem. As they help maintain healthy seagrass beds and coral reefs, sea turtles play a key role in the balance of our oceans. That’s why organizations like the Sea Turtle Conservancy are critical to our planet’s health—and why local businesses like Hurricane Hanks are honored to play a part in that mission.

The Proud Tradition of Sea Turtle Conservation in Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida has long been a hub of sea turtle conservation. With miles of sandy beaches ideal for nesting, the region has become a vital area for loggerhead, green, and even Kemp’s ridley turtles. Groups like AMITW work sunrise to sunset during nesting season to mark nests, monitor hatchlings, and protect endangered species from harm.

Hurricane Hanks proudly joins a long line of community advocates committed to preserving our coastal wildlife. From beach cleanups to educational programs in local schools, our community continues to show up for our sea turtles year after year. It’s a heritage worth celebrating—and protecting.

What’s Next for Winnie?

While we can’t predict exactly where Winnie’s journey will lead, we know that she’s off to a strong start. Her satellite tag will continue to send signals to researchers for months, maybe even years, helping us all better understand the lives of these mysterious and beautiful creatures.

We invite you to become part of her story. Whether you’re a local or visiting Anna Maria Island for the first time, take a moment to track Winnie, learn about the challenges facing sea turtles, and find ways to get involved.

How You Can Help

• Turn out your lights: Beachfront lighting can disorient hatchlings. Use turtle-safe lighting or turn off lights during nesting season.
• Keep beaches clean: Remove trash, fill in holes, and take down beach equipment that may block a turtle’s path.
• Respect nest markings: Never disturb sea turtle nests or marked areas on the beach.
• Support conservation groups: Donate to or volunteer with groups like AMITW and the Sea Turtle Conservancy.

Join Us in Celebrating Winnie’s Journey

At Hurricane Hanks, we believe every small act of conservation adds up to big change. That’s why our annual sponsorship program is so close to our hearts. We are committed to supporting local wildlife, educating our community, and inspiring the next generation to care for the planet.

So raise a glass (and maybe a fork) and toast to Winnie, the little sea turtle making big waves this year! We are honored to be a part of her journey, and we’re grateful to everyone who joins us in celebrating and supporting sea turtle conservation on Anna Maria Island and beyond.

Don’t forget to track Winnie’s progress right here: https://conserveturtles.org/turtle/winnie/

Thank You for Supporting Conservation with Hurricane Hanks

We couldn’t do this without you—our loyal guests, our supportive community, and the dedicated teams at the Sea Turtle Conservancy and AMITW. Together, we’re building a better world for sea turtles and the ecosystems they represent.

Let’s continue to make Anna Maria Island not just a destination for travelers—but a sanctuary for sea life.

See you on the beach… and don’t forget to check in on Winnie!