A warm, happy welcome to all our blog readers today! As you may know, here at eTags, we do more than just tag and title your vehicle. Although we’re really good at that (it’s kind of our thing), we also feature an ongoing presentation that highlights something very dear to our hearts: charity. And we don’t just focus on one specific deserving cause. Rather, we explore and expound on many different opportunities to give back in the state of Florida.
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Kudos to you if you’ve guessed where we’re going with this (we suspect that our regular readers are nodding to themselves with a knowing smile), but if you haven’t a clue, let us introduce you to one of our favorite topics ever: the Florida Specialty Plate Spotlight Series.
In this continuous feature, we select one of the Sunshine State’s most popular Specialty Plates from their program, and give you the lowdown on its history, significance, and the foundation or organization behind its unique design. You see, each Specialty Plate is more than just a pretty face. Every motif represents a worthy cause that benefits directly from your purchase of the plate. Meaning, if you happen to purchase a Florida Specialty Plate, the proceeds from that upgrade go straight towards helping people, animals, and the environment of Florida.
Today’s center-stage feature is ranked the twelfth most popular Specialty Plate in the state, with 46,560 pieces in circulation currently. It is the Save Our Seas Specialty Plate, and here’s what happens when you choose this particular tag for your registration:
The Save Our Seas Specialty Plate is affiliated with Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation. Designed by artist Guy Harvey, the Save Our Seas plate supports the research and solution-finding efforts of Harbor Branch Scientists.
Their mission is to continuously investigate and address critical issues of coastal zones, oceans, and how they are related to human well-being.
Not limiting their research to the state of Florida or even the United States alone, the scientists approach this work from global standpoint, taking into consideration the diverse climates, ecosystems, and cultures around the world.
The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, one of the nation’s premier oceanographic centers, was founded in 1971 and has since been dedicated to exploring and researching marine environments across the coasts of Florida. In addition to studying various different marine animal species, their preservation and conservation, the nearly two hundred scientists at Harbor Branch focus much of their time and efforts on exploring the intricate and essential connection between humans and the planet’s vast oceans.
A few of Harbor Branch’s notable key programs include the following:
- Marine Ecosystem Conservation – cultivating an understanding of the delicate nature of coastal and oceanic ecosystems, with the knowledge that whatsoever affects our waters, affects our lives.
- Ocean Health: Human Health – building upon the above, recognizing that the oceans hold a plethora of cures and treatments for the many ailments that plagues humans today, and sustaining life in this environment is key to our survival.
- Aquaculture and Food Security – with over half of all our food originating in the ocean, with less than 1% coming from the United States, working to provide the research and technological advances that will allow this country to sustainably produce and adequate supply of safe, healthy, high-quality, domestic seafood.
- Technological Innovation and National Defense – partnering with major defense contractors and the U.S. Department of Defense on projects that assist with coastal security and support the U.S. Navy’s power to identity the presence of foreign enemies and any other potential threats from the ocean.
Now, taking into account all of the above, it becomes clear that when you opt for a Save Our Seas plate, you’re not just slapping a cute tag on the back of your vehicle. In fact, you are doing so much more. By purchasing the Specialty Plate, you are supporting the dogged efforts of research, preservation, and conservation of the Harbor Branch.
So you might not be a scientist, marine biologist, or philanthropist quite yet, but you can easily contribute to the endeavors of FAU’s research team.
And if you consider the fact that any endeavors made for the good of the oceans directly contribute to the sustainability of human life on the planet, the Save Our Seas Specialty Plate and its cause become that much more impactful.
So, how does this work, you want to know? How can you effortlessly become a supporter of such a worthy foundation and cause? Here’s how:
If you’ve got a car, truck, or SUV, and it’s already registered, you’re in luck. If you’ve got a vehicle that needs registration renewal, you’re also in luck. And if you’ve just bought or were gifted a new ride, and need a plate, well…you guessed it: you’re in luck!
You see, you can upgrade to a Florida Specialty Plate and any time during your registration period.
So whether your renewal is coming up, or if you’re not due to renew any time soon, or if you don’t have a plate at all – you can still order a Specialty Plate at eTags.com.
The process is so easy, and can be done from your computer, tablet, or even a mobile phone. Simply head over to our site, choose Florida as your state from our drop-down menu, and pick “Renew + Specialty and/or Personalized Plate.”
Oh yeah, we haven’t mentioned yet that you can personalize this Specialty Plate if that makes your heart flutter! Yep, as long as the DMV approves your letter and/or number combo, you can sport a Save Our Seas Specialty Plate with your unique message on it.
So basically, this program is one giant win-win for everyone. You get to display your support for our oceans, marine animals, and coastal environments while showing off whatever personalization makes you happy. You’re happy, the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute is happy, and obviously, as the facilitator of this marriage between driver and charity, we’re happy!
If you’re ready to upgrade to a Florida Specialty Plate, we got you. For any questions, concerns, or if you need a hand with the step-by-step process of ordering your new tag, reach out. We love this program, and we love lending a hand. Because as you’ve likely guessed by this point, here at eTags we’re here to help!
