'Wild' Jeep starts conversations

Wildlife educator loves her 4-wheeler that delivers a message about nature.

By Eric Garwood
| 4:28 p.m. June 15, 2019

Charlene Donnelly said she purposely bought a used Jeep Wrangler in that blue color to blend with her custom artwork wrap.

Longboat Key
Neighbors

Charlene Donnelly knew she was in for some chats when she started driving her Wildlife Warrior Jeep Wrangler about a year ago.

Donnelly, a Lakewood Ranch resident who coordinates education projects for the Longboat Turtle Watch, said people routinely stop her in parking lots to ask about the striking design that features turtles, sharks, whales and more. Mission accomplished, she says.

The $1,500 wrap, performed by Wrap-X of Bradenton, is supposed to be a conversation starter, and she often uses the opportunity to instruct and educate people about the importance of marine-life conservation.

"I like that," she said. "I have a positive mindset. Let's get a conversation started."