Suzi Fox Day is all about turtles

Kristen Mazzarella, executive director of Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, addresses attendees May 1 during the Suzi Fox Day celebration at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach. The event marked the May 1 start of turtle nesting season and honored the life of Suzi Fox, who died in 2022. Fox was the longtime director of AMITW, which monitors nesting on AMI beaches. Islander Photos: Robert Anderson

Ayla Sellers touches a green sea turtle shell held by Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch volunteer Joanie Derry as Ayla’s parents, Ray and Heather, look on May 1 during Suzi Fox Day at Coquina Beach Cafe.

May Day brings Suzi Fox Day Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch mascot Journey aka Lisa Piccano, hugs Xaiden Mackey, 3, May 1, as brother Daxdon, 8 months, enjoys the beach on Suzi Fox Day at Coquina Beach. The event marked the start of sea turtle nesting and honored the life of longtime AMITW director Suzi Fox, who died in 2022.

Scott Brenner holds his daughter, Gianna Brenner, 16 months, as they meet Journey the turtle May 1 at Coquina Beach in Bradenton Beach during the Suzi Fox Day celebration.

AMITW volunteer Danielle Kimberly, left, shows Adisyn Emery, 3, and her sister, Amelia, a sea turtle skull as their mother, Bethany, stands nearby May 1 at festivities for Suzi Fox Day at Coquina Beach Cafe.