From August of 2001 through April of 2002, the Tampa Bay area was invaded by 98, larger-than-life fiberglass Loggerhead sea turtles. The turtles were part of The Tampa Bay Tour of Turtles, a unique community art/environmental awareness/fundraising campaign designed by Jay Goulde for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The Tour of Turtles followed the lead of other city’s successful projects such as Chicago’s “Cows on Parade,” Cincinnati’s “Big Pig Gig,” and New Orleans’ “Festival of Fins.” What differentiated the Tour of Turtles from the 60 some-odd projects that had been initiated around the county was the fact that Tour used an endangered animal, the Loggerhead sea turtle as it’s theme. This gave project organizers a chance to not only promote Tampa Bay artists but also promote awareness about the plight of the Loggerhead and the work done at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to rescue, rehabilitate and release them. The turtles were sponsored by local businesses and individuals and then decorated by artists of all ages, abilities and ethnic backgrounds. Participating artists included world renowned pop art icon Peter Max, “Blondie” creator Dean Young, locally renowned artists Theo Wujcik, Josette Urso, Michael Volbracht, Silas Beach, Hal Stowers and children representing over 20 Bay Area schools. At each sponsors request, the turtles were placed throughout both Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties. Turtles were seen at Bay Area malls, restaurants, retail businesses, restaurants …