Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center

Fishing Topsail Message Board
Topsail Area Charter Boats
2009 NC Recreational Coastal Waters Guide

TOPSAIL VOICE

By Connie Pletl

Published: Wednesday, May 26, 2010 9:49 AM EDT

SURF CITY – The new Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center became one step closer to reality last week as volunteers, community members and area officials gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony.

At the event on May 20, Executive Director Jean Beasley thanked everyone who had helped and supported the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, also known as the turtle hospital, throughout the years.
“This is a dream come true,” she said.

Beasley, along with members of the turtle hospital board, Surf City Town Council and those instrumental in getting the new turtle hospital off the ground, grabbed shovels and broke ground for the new facility.

Contractor Tom Baldwin of Baldwin Construction, engineer Gus Simmons of Cavanaugh Associates and Allen Sullivan, also participated in the event.

The Sullivan family donated four acres of land for the new facility.

Turtle hospital Director of Beach Operations Terry Meyer took a moment at the event to praise Beasley for all the work she had done.

“Thanks to Jean without whose efforts we all would not be here today,” said Meyer.

The turtle hospital is currently located in a small, garage-type building behind the town hall in Topsail Beach.

The new turtle hospital will be built behind the Surf City Community Center on the mainland in Surf City.

It was designed by and will be built by Baldwin Construction Services, Inc.

The new facility will be about 12,700 square feet and include a surgical wing as well as spacious housing for sick and injured sea turtles.

Beasley said the new turtle hospital should be completed before the end of the year.

“Let’s hope it’s soon,” said Beasley. “We’re coming out of the wall with turtles.”

Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit organization committed to the care and eventual release of sick and injured sea turtles.