Local News
Local News

Painted turtles return to Sandy Springs

After more than a decade’s hiatus, the famous painted turtles of Sandy Springs are back. The Sandy Springs Society is again making the fiberglass sculptures available for purchase, to raise funds for philanthropy. The first recipient was a graduating class of Heards Ferry Elementary School; the students, now in middle school, returned to Heards Ferry this spring to dedicate their turtle. SANDY SPRINGS SOCIETY
After more than a decade’s hiatus, the famous painted turtles of Sandy Springs are back. The Sandy Springs Society is again making the fiberglass sculptures available for purchase, to raise funds for philanthropy. The first recipient was a graduating class of Heards Ferry Elementary School; the students, now in middle school, returned to Heards Ferry this spring to dedicate their turtle. SANDY SPRINGS SOCIETY
By David Ibata
July 6, 2018

The turtles are returning to Sandy Springs.

Fourteen years after the Sandy Springs Society came up with the idea of creating and selling 75 custom-painted, fiberglass turtles, raising $750,000 for philanthropy, the nonprofit’s board has agreed to offer them again.

The 2016 graduating fifth-grade class of Heards Ferry Elementary School got the first new turtle, according to society spokeswoman Elizabeth Kelly. After working with the school PTA to raise more than $3,700, the students – now at Ridgeview Middle School – returned in May to dedicate the sculpture.

Turtles will be sold upon request to schools, organizations, businesses and individuals at a cost to be determined, split between the manufacturer and the society’s endowment fund.

Purchasers will be responsible for selecting an artist, whose design must be approved by the society; and painting, sealing, mounting and maintaining the sculptures. Each turtle stands 5 feet tall and weighs about 60 pounds (add 300 pounds for the base). Information: http://sandyspringssociety.org/

About the Author

David Ibata
More Stories

The Latest

Sonny Bharadia, who spent more than two decades behind bars for a 2001 crime he did not commit, is suing the small town of Thunderbolt and the two law enforcement officers who handled his case. (Courtesy of Georgia Innocence Project)

Credit: Georgia Innocence Project

Man locked up for 23 years despite evidence proving his innocence, lawsuit says

Rain, fog complicate trip back to Atlanta for holiday travelers

Gridlock Guy: Too much ‘holiday cheer’ can shatter silent night on the road

Featured

Inventor Lonnie Johnson stands with his Super Soaker water guns at JTEC Energy on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Atlanta. Johnson, a former NASA engineer, is currently working on a new energy technology through his company’s JTEC device that turns thermal heat into usable energy. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Earth needs more energy. Atlanta’s Super Soaker creator may have a solution.

The legendary inventor of the Super Soaker, Lonnie Johnson, is refining technology in Atlanta that he thinks could help the planet reduce energy waste.

Teen GOP activist steps down from party leadership post

Greene County native and University of North Georgia student Ja’Quon Stembridge, 19, had run on boosting youth involvement in the party.

2025 SEC championship game: Kickoff time, TV channel, participants, ticket info

The 2025 SEC Championship Game is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6. Below you can find information on game time, TV channel and particpants for the game.