Sea Turtle Patrol seeks funding for virtual‑reality outreach after major nesting season

Amber Keune, manager of Sea Turtle Patrol, described the nonprofit’s volunteer‑run conservation and public education work and asked the ATAX committee to consider funding to expand virtual‑reality outreach and sea‑turtle‑friendly resort programming.

Keune said the patrol partners with hotels and rental managers to embed stewardship messaging in rooms and reported strong volunteer engagement. “Sea turtle patrol has been the catalyst for all 3 ordinances that have been produced for the beach,” she said, noting the group’s role in local lighting and beach‑protection policy changes. Keune described plans for expanded VR mask content and broader distribution through the Chamber’s outreach to meeting planners to attract eco‑tourism and group business.

Committee members asked about measurement and brick‑and‑mortar progress; Keune said she expects an operational change in coming months and is exploring grant and private funding to scale VR production and educational capacity.