In a significant milestone for local marine conservation, the Vero Beach nonprofit Coastal Connections recently celebrated the opening of its new headquarters on 14th Avenue in downtown Vero Beach. Founded in 2017 by Kendra Cope Bergman, the grassroots organization has become an integral part of the Indian River County community, fiercely dedicated to advancing sea turtle survival through public education and direct environmental action.
The organization’s footprint on the Treasure Coast continues to expand. During the bustling summer nesting season, Coastal Connections coordinates guided sea turtle walks, offering the public a rare, respectful glimpse of these magnificent creatures nesting along the local beaches. Beyond public outreach, the nonprofit’s staff and volunteers actively monitor nesting sites, evaluate the success rates of emerged hatchlings, and respond to reports of sick, injured, or deceased sea turtles found anywhere between the Sebastian and Fort Pierce inlets.
The new downtown Vero Beach facility serves as a critical three-to-five-year stepping-stone for Coastal Connections, providing much-needed space to coordinate coastal cleanups and educational programs while the board plans a future permanent rescue and rehabilitation center.
During the lively open house event, Bergman expressed immense gratitude to the community, her board of directors, dedicated volunteers, and local elected officials. She also highlighted the essential role of building sponsors who made the expansion possible. When the organization learned late last year that they needed to relocate, the new, significantly larger space came with a daunting price tag. Crucial support from community partners, including David Cox of Cox Consulting and Cox Pinson Environmental Services, alongside native plant landscaping provided by Digg Gardens, helped make the transition a reality.
The current 14th Avenue location will function as an incubator for the nonprofit’s ambitious future goals. Over the next few years, the team plans to lay the foundation for a permanent, forever home. This ultimate facility aims to house resident sea turtles that cannot be released back into the ocean, serving as conservation ambassadors, while also providing critical rehabilitation services for injured local marine life.
While preparing for that long-term vision, Coastal Connections remains heavily involved in daily environmental protection efforts across the region. Their ongoing community initiatives include:
The urgency of their mission is highlighted by impressive local nesting data. The sea turtle nesting season in Indian River County runs from March 1 through October 31. By late July of this year, the local beaches had already seen a staggering 10,728 total nests, comprising 67 leatherback, 1,775 green, and 8,886 loggerhead nests. As Coastal Connections settles into its new downtown hub, the organization is perfectly positioned to ensure these local nesting populations continue to be protected and celebrated for generations to come.
