SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX (KVEO NEWS CENTER 23) — We are just a few weeks away from Sea turtle nesting season on South Padre Island.
Jeff George with Sea Turtle Inc says right now the water is warming up and the sea turtles are mating.

"It’s time for mom to come up lay her eggs on South Padre Island, it's very exciting for us but we want our visitors to know if they see a big sea turtle on the beach she is a mom coming it to lay eggs, don't disturb her, call us and we will let you do a photo op when she is all done." said George.

George says there 3 different species of sea turtles that lay their eggs on South Padre Island but the Kemps Ridley is the most popular one.

"We are fond of the Kemps Ridley sea turtle because this is the only place in the world momma lays her eggs, so the Town of South Padre Island has named the Kemps Ridley sea turtle the official mascot of South Padre Island."

At the Padre Island Brewing Company head brewery Mark Haggenmiller has brewed a beer named after the famous sea turtle called the Kemps Ridley bock.

"I think 4 different kinds of malt in the beer and also Czechoslovakian and German hops traditional season beer, a bock beer." said Haggenmiller

For every pint of the Kemps Ridley bock sold, 25 cents go towards sea turtle Inc.

"Living here and seeing an organization like Sea Turtle Inc does its really humbling for somebody like us a small restaurant and brewery to partner with them."

George says they will put money raised to good use.

"We are really in need of an expansion this organization is growing and more and more sea turtles are injured as the population is growing, we are planning major expansion people can log onto our website and learn more out that but the funds are going to future construction." said George.

George says the future 3 million dollar facility will near the current facility.