FPL and community rallies to give rescued sea turtles a quicker ride to survival

• NextEra Energy Foundation and Florida Power & Light Company fuel grassroots efforts for life-saving rescue van.

• Sea turtle rescue van is game changer for volunteers

PENSACOLA, Fla. - When Gulf Coast Turtle Watch volunteers race against time to save an injured sea turtle, every minute counts. Now, thanks to powerful community collaboration, these ocean guardians have a game-changing tool: a specialized rescue van that could mean the difference between life and death for Northwest Florida's ancient mariners.

The Pensacola Beach-based nonprofit recently celebrated the formal reveal of its new rescue vehicle, made possible through grassroots fundraising boosted by essential support from the NextEra Energy Foundation (NEE Foundation), a corporate foundation of NextEra Energy Inc. and Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), and other community partners.

"This van is a game changer," said Wendy Hoeflich, founder and president of Gulf Coast Turtle Watch. "We've been working tirelessly for more than a year to make this happen. Before, we used personal vehicles to transport large, injured sea turtles - hard on our vehicles and volunteers. We would not be here today without FPL and our incredible community supporters."

A mobile conservation ambassador

The specialized vehicle does double duty. Beyond transporting even the largest sea turtles, it serves as a mobile conservation ambassador through an FPL employee Community Connectors donation that funded a custom wrap. Designed by local artist Steve Blair, who donated his time and talent, the stunning wrap artwork showcases regional marine life and transforms the rescue vehicle into a traveling symbol of wildlife protection and education.

The project was made possible through broad grassroots community support, including contributions from the Pensacola Beach Woman's Club, Pensacola Beach Advocates, Island Times, Paradise Bar & Grille, Gulf Breeze Will Do, GFWC-Santa Rosa Women's Club, Islander Beach Bar, The Islander, Krewe of Wrecks, Nauti Krewe, Positive Vibrations, Turtle Patrol and numerous individual donors.

Racing against time and threats

Gulf Coast Turtle Watch volunteers, along with conducting daily patrols to spot turtle nests and hatchings, respond to 30-40 sea turtle strandings annually between Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach. Navigating our Gulf waters for more than 100 million years, sea turtles face modern threats - boat strikes, habitat loss and fishing line entanglements that put them at risk of extinction.

Strategically positioned at Casino Beach, the new van will slash response times for the crucial hour-long transport to Gulfarium's Care Center in Fort Walton Beach, dramatically improving survival chances for rescue and rehabilitation.

"Although it's always unfortunate to encounter sea turtles in distress, I'm excited about this partnership that will help our staff and volunteers respond even more quickly," said Escambia County District 4 Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger. "Thank you to Gulf Coast Turtle Watch and everyone who made this possible, especially volunteers and Pensacola Beach Pier staff who give countless hours protecting our sea turtles."

Amplifying conservation impact

FPL's commitment to wildlife conservation extends beyond the rescue van. In August, the company through the NEE Foundation also supported Gulfarium's Care Center, which rehabilitates and releases sea turtles rescued from local beaches.

"We are honored to support Gulf Coast Turtle Watch and this essential vehicle, which demonstrates how partnerships deliver real, enduring benefits to wildlife and communities," said J.T. Young, FPL vice president and general manager Northwest region. "This project highlights the important role employee contributions play in supporting community partners and bringing our shared conservation goals to life."

About Florida Power & Light Company

Florida Power & Light Company is America's largest electric utility, delivering reliable power to more than 6 million customer accounts - serving approximately 12 million people across Florida. By leveraging a diverse energy mix, including nuclear, natural gas, solar and battery storage, FPL operates one of the most fuel- and cost-efficient power generation fleets in the U.S. and has earned the ReliabilityOne® National Reliability Award for seven of the last 10 years. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), which is one of the largest electric power and energy infrastructure companies in North America and is a leading provider of electricity to American homes and businesses. NextEra Energy is also the parent company of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is advancing America's energy future with one of the largest and most diverse portfolios of power generation and infrastructure solutions. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.