Page 12 - The Islander - January '21

Page 12, The Islander

NortherN Notes

Gopher Tortoises

By Katie Roundtree, Finance Director, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District

Gopher tortoises are pooled after rainstorms, but most of their water needs are
one of five North American supplied from the plants that they eat.
tortoise species and is the Locally, there are large populations of gopher tortoises
only tortoise found naturally in preserves maintained by Northern within Abacoa
east of the Mississippi River. and Botanica. Some of Abacoa’s preserves have trails
It is a state-designated within them where you may catch a glimpse of a tortoise.
threatened species in Florida Because gopher tortoises are protected in Florida,
and is found in parts of all handling and relocation of gopher tortoises is an illegal
67 Florida counties. The activity unless conducted under a valid permit issued
gopher tortoise is about nine by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
to eleven inches long when (FWC). An FWC relocation permit must be obtained
fully grown and is a tan, before disturbing burrows and conducting construction
brown or gray color. Juveniles tend to be lighter brown and activities. One of Northern’s staff members has taken
yellow-orange in color. They are identifiable by their stumpy, courses and is certified as a Gopher Tortoise Authorized
elephant-like hind feet and flattened, shovel-like forearms Agent. As such, he is allowed by the FWC to survey, trap,
covered in thick scales. These shovel-like forearms are used transport and relocate tortoises as necessary.
to dig large burrows for homes. It is illegal to kill, harass or destroy gopher tortoises;
As their name insinuates, gopher tortoises spend almost however, if you see a tortoise crossing a busy road, FWC
80 percent of their time in burrows. Burrows average about grants permission to move the gopher tortoise across the
fifteen feet long and about six and a half feet deep. Gopher road, in the same direction as it was heading as long as
tortoises are ectotherms, meaning they depend on their Photo by Lucas Schaffer, NPBCID it is safe for you to do so. Do not move the tortoise to
environment to maintain their body temperature. Their another location or put it in a car as this constitutes illegal
burrows help to maintain a stable temperature and also Because of their burrowing needs, they prefer well- possession. If you see a sick or injured tortoise, contact
protect them from extreme temperatures and fire. Here in drained, sandy soils found in habitats such as longleaf a local wildlife rehabilitator, such as Busch Wildlife
south Florida, they are active all year round, where in colder pine sandhills, scrub, pine flatwoods, dry prairies and Sanctuary at (561) 575-3399 for assistance. Source:
parts of Florida, they remain in their burrows during cold coastal dunes. They are also found in urban areas, as myfwc.org
winter months. Gopher tortoises are considered keystone many of their natural habitats have been developed by NPDES Tip: Do not pile garbage, trash, leaves, limbs
species because their burrows provide shelter and serve as humans. A habitat with well-drained soil, abundant plants or garden debris in swales – this adds pollutants which can
refuge for more than 350 other species such as burrowing for foraging and open sunny areas is the ideal location wash into downstream waters. Do not park vehicles in the
owls, mice, indigo snakes, rabbits, opossums, foxes, gopher for gopher tortoises. Gopher tortoises are herbivorous swale – this compacts the soil so less runoff soaks in.
frogs and invertebrates. and feed on low growing plants. They may drink water

BusiNess spotlight

Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa

Receives Highest Honor From Visit Florida

Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort and umbrellas when our
& Spa was honored by Visit Florida during the 2020 beaches were closed due
Florida Tourism Hall of Fame and Flagler Awards. The to COVID-19,” said Roger
resort earned the highest accolade awarded each year, a Amidon, general manager
Henry Award. The resort was honored for its Sand Canvas of Palm Beach Marriott
campaign and is the only hotel in the state to receive Singer Island Beach Resort
recognition this year. & Spa. “I gave our team a
“Our resort is the proud recipient of the highly sought purpose every single day,
Henry Award. We won this award for our process of which was to go down to the
delivering messages in the sand using lounge chairs beach to create a message
for the world to enjoy. Fans
from around the globe were
able to enjoy our messages
daily via our resort’s beach-
facing webcam.”
Named for Henry
Flagler, the Flagler Awards
were established in 2000 Sean Rigotti, Tamra FitzGerald, Jon Peels, Roger Amidon
to recognize outstanding
tourism marketing in Florida. Each year, leaders in the hardest early on, including New York, New Jersey,
Florida tourism are chosen by selection committees to and Connecticut,” said Amidon. “It’s truly an honor to be
receive these prestigious awards. Palm Beach Marriott the only hotel in the state of Florida to receive a Henry
Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa was selected for the Award in 2020.”
top honor in the direct marketing category and used social Annually, the Flagler Awards honor many of the
media as their medium of choice during the campaign. countless individuals and organizations that help maintain
“We’re especially proud of the messages of hope we and improve Florida’s position as one of the world’s most
were able to share. We thanked everyone that we could popular travel destinations.
– first responders, teachers, truckers, the travel and Photo by Visit Florida
hospitality industry, we even thanked states that were hit