For Hometown News
MARTIN COUNTY --
Even though there is no snow, Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center's resident sea turtles feel like it is a "White Christmas" due to recent cold temperatures in the county.
Green sea turtles Turt, Hank and Annabelle spent the Christmas holiday in the warmer "turtle pool" of the 750,000 gallon lagoon. The "turtle pool" is under the newly constructed Turtle Pavilion that is scheduled to be open in January 2013 and is used to heat the rest of the lagoon.
"The cooler temperatures of winter can be harmful to our resident sea turtles since they are cold-blooded creatures", said Brittany Biber, aquarium and exhibit specialist at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center.
The sea turtles can be seen in the lagoon daily during the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center's hours of Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Closed major holidays. Admission: Adults - $10, Children (3-12) $5, Children younger than 3 and members, free.
The center is located at 890 N.E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart. For more information, call (772) 225-0505 or visitwww.floridaocean.org.