Atlantic Beach residents can now hunt for 24 sea turtle sculptures scattered across the city's parks, preserves and historic sites as part of a permanent public art installation called the Turtle Crawl.

Each fiberglass turtle is marked with a QR code that links to a mini lesson on local people and landmarks, making the hunt part scavenger game, part walking history tour. The project, created by the city's Arts, Recreation & Culture Committee, launched in late May to coincide with sea turtle nesting season, which runs through Oct. 31.

Recreation manager Jordan Leslie and city recreation associate Veronica Richard organized the installation and appeared on WJCT's First Coast Connect on Aug. 19 to discuss it. Leslie reported a positive community response at a June 9 Arts, Recreation & Culture Committee meeting, when the accompanying "Turtle Crawl Tuesday" social media campaign was in its second week.

How it works

Participants pick up a Turtle Crawl brochure at the Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd., or at City Hall. The city posts a new turtle clue every Tuesday and a follow-up hint every Thursday at 10 a.m. on its recreation Instagram page. Hunters who locate all 24 sculptures can stop by the Adele Grage Cultural Center during business hours to collect a prize.

There is no deadline. The city calls the Turtle Crawl a permanent initiative that participants can complete at their own pace.

The city's recreation department said in an Aug. 20 Instagram post that the initiative was created to encourage residents and visitors to explore Atlantic Beach's parks, preserves and community spaces.

Nesting season connection

The sculptures also highlight that sea turtle nesting season runs May through October on local beaches. During that window, residents and visitors are urged to keep beaches dark at night and avoid disturbing marked nests.

Turtle Crawl brochures are available at the Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd., or at City Hall.

Upcoming community events

  • Turtle Crawl Tuesday clues post weekly on the City of Atlantic Beach Recreation & Special Events Instagram page, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m.
  • Susanne Schuenke exhibit opens Friday, Aug. 28, at the Beaches Museum.
  • ESJ Beaches Campus free volleyball clinic, Wednesday, Sept. 16.