Join us this Saturday, December 26th at 12:30 p.m. on Sombrero Beach in Marathon as we release Laurie, a sub-adult loggerhead sea turtle back to her ocean home!

Raymond Tencelski was driving across Long Key Bridge earlier this month when he spotted a sea turtle entangled in a trap line on the gulfside.  Raymond immediately called the Turtle Hospital for help.   Within minutes of the call Turtle Hospital staff enlisted the assistance of the US Coast Guard Marathon Station and a vessel was underway en route to the entangled turtle.   Turtle Hospital rehabilitation specialist Courtney Abbs was able to cut the turtle free from the trap line and Coast Guard personnel lifted the turtle onto their vessel.  The turtle suffered minor wounds on the entangled flipper and was treated at the Turtle Hospital with a broad spectrum antibiotic, vitamins, and a healthy diet of squid and fish.  Raymond named the turtle “Laurie” after his wife, owner of Laurie’s Deli.  A caring island community working together to save a threatened loggerhead sea turtle!  Gratitude all around!