1. 2011 Top Selling Specialty Tags #1 University of Florida ( 104,308 ) #2 Sea Turtle Plate (66,261) #3 FSU (65,480) #4 Dolphin Plate (61,943) #5 Panther Plate (60,278) #6 Manatee Plate (52,985)

2. New Marketing Program Launched  Mailing inserts promoting specialty tags are being mailed with vehicle registration notices in some counties.  The program has produced an increase in turtle tag sales in the counties where the inserts are allowed.  We are working to add new counties to the program, especially in coastal regions.

3. Sea Turtle Grants Program Funding Summary Over $3 Million awarded to over 80 organizations, agencies & institutions representing over 220 projects since 2001. For the 2012-2013 funding cycle, over $930,000 in funding has been requested (48 proposals). We anticipate being able to award $320,000 this grant cycle. [$306K in 2011] Check www.helpingseaturtles.org for information about past grants and project results, along with details about applying.www.helpingseaturtles.org

4. Top Issues Impacting the Sea Turtle License Plate Technological issues driving design changes for license plates. Push to make all tags more readable to law enforcement and toll cameras. “Pilot program” will likely be authorized by the legislature this year to test different plate designs and technologies on government vehicles. The standard Florida tag likely will be redesigned. Not an immediate threat that the Turtle Tag will need to be redesigned, but it will come up in the future – and we need to make sure any required changes don’t compromise its attractiveness. Lawsuit by group that proposed a Confederate Plate opens door for specialty tag program to be declared unconstitutional if another tag is passed by legislature. Several are proposed for this year. Turtle tag may be safe. Specialty License Plate Association formed to represent the interests of the license plate community. Hired lobbyist and working together on marketing efforts.

5. Keep Informed about Issues Impacting Sea Turtles in Florida, sign up for STC’s Free E-Newsletter: www.conserveturtles.org 