In an effort to provide residents and their families with a safe and enjoyable activity to take part in while socially distancing, the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (BACVB) is launching a Turtle Trail throughout the destination.

In partnership with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch & Shorebird Monitoring, the BACVB is encouraging residents and businessowners to put stuffed animals, figurines, statues, photos or illustrations of sea turtles in windows, on mailboxes or in other visible places for families to search for while out on walks together. For those in need of a turtle to display, the BACVB has created a printable coloring page that can be downloaded at https://www.bradentongulfislands.com/turtle-trail.

“Children everywhere now find themselves at home, unable to see family members or attend school with friends, and parents are looking for fun ways to keep them engaged while also following guidelines and remaining safe,” said BACVB Director of Communications Kelly Clark. “Our Turtle Trail is a simple idea designed to raise awareness of the animals we share our shores with and provide an entertaining activity for all. We hope many consider putting a turtle up on display and also heading out to track them down.”

Clark also hopes the initiative will shine a light on the many Bradenton Area non-profits continuing to press on with limited resources during this time.

“AMI Turtle Watch is one of the many non-profit organizations that continues to do all it can to achieve its mission, even during this time of uncertainty. Much like our hotel, attraction and restaurant partners, we must remember to support these groups in order to ensure they too are in a position to continue their good work long after this crisis has passed,” added Clark.

Those who take part by putting a sea turtle on display or heading out with family to follow the trail are also encouraged to share images of their turtles or those they find on Instagram using #BradentonAreaTurtleTrail. Donations to Turtle Watch can also be made at https://www.islandturtlewatch.com/

Click here to download the coloring page.