January 29, 2025, nearly 400 cold-stunned sea turtles were released back into the Gulf of Mexico at Salinas Park, marking one of the largest such events on the Forgotten Coast. Florida’s First Lady, Casey DeSantis, joined numerous volunteers in returning 395 turtles to the Gulf of Mexico. The turtles had been rescued from the chilly waters of St. Joe Bay during Winter Storm Enzo, which had caused rapid temperature drops in shallow bays and estuaries, leading to the turtles becoming lethargic and, in some cases, near-comatose. The city of the rescued turtles were green sea turtles, with a few loggerheads and Kemp’s ridleys also affected. After g rehabilitated by organizations including the Gulf World Marine Institute in Panama City, the turtles were deemed healthy enough for a quick return to their natural habitat. The succul rescue and release were made possible by the collaborative efforts of various agencies and volunteers. (gulfcoun.news)
For more details, read the full article here: A stunning return