TURTLE HOSPITAL THANKS COASTIES IN ANNUAL APPRECIATION DAY

From an impressive spread catered by Lazy Days to activities for the little ones and friendly competitions, the Turtle Hospital’s Coast Guard Appreciation Day provided well-deserved relaxation. Photos by ALEX RICKERT/Keys Weekly

Marathon’s Turtle Hospital paid tribute to one of the Florida Keys’ most crucial animal rescue partnerships, inviting the men and women from all Keys U.S. Coast Guard stations to the hospital’s annual Coast Guard Appreciation Day on Aug. 4. Following a tour of the hospital, attendees and their families were treated to a day of food and games, including a tug-of-war match that pitted the Coast Guard against the Turtle Hospital’s finest.

Alex Rickert
Alex Rickert made the perfectly natural career progression from dolphin trainer to newspaper editor in 2021 after freelancing for Keys Weekly while working full time at Dolphin Research Center. A resident of Marathon since 2015, he fell in love with the Florida Keys community by helping multiple organizations and friends rebuild in the wake of Hurricane Irma. An avid runner, actor, and spearfisherman, he spends as much of his time outside of work on or under the sea having civil disagreements with sharks.