Destin-Fort Walton Beach, FL — July 24, 2026 — The Gulfarium CARE Center successfully released three sea turtles back into the Gulf this morning at James Lee Park. The release was originally scheduled for Wednesday but was postponed after Tropical Storm Bertha brought unexpected rough surf to the area. By Friday morning, the weather had cleared, the waters were calmer, and conditions were ideal for the turtles’ return. Despite the schedule change, a large and supportive crowd gathered along the shoreline to cheer on Frida, Ziti, and a last-minute addition named Monroe.
The release was held in partnership with the St. Joe Community Foundation, which supports the Gulfarium CARE Center’s sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation work.
Frida, a 176-pound adult female loggerhead sea turtle, arrived at the Gulfarium CARE Center after being accidentally hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier in late May. During her intake and rehabilitation, the CARE Center team treated multiple fishing-related injuries. After making a full recovery, Frida was cleared to return to the Gulf.
Ziti, a 126-pound subadult loggerhead, was also admitted after being accidentally hooked at Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. Staff discovered several additional hooks during Ziti’s evaluation, requiring continued treatment and close monitoring throughout rehabilitation. Once Ziti had fully recovered and received medical clearance, the loggerhead was approved for release.
The morning’s third turtle, Monroe, was an unexpected addition to the release. The 31-pound juvenile green sea turtle arrived at the CARE Center on Wednesday evening after being found trapped among the rocks at Norriego Point. The rough surf is believed to have pushed Monroe into the rocks, where he became wedged and unable to free himself.
Fortunately, Monroe’s bloodwork looked good, and the CARE Center team found no additional injuries related to the incident. After a short period of observation, he was cleared to join Frida and Ziti for the return to the Gulf.
“After having to postpone the release because of the rough surf, it was especially meaningful to see these turtles return on such a calm and beautiful morning,” said Sarah Kamen, Stranding Coordinator at the Gulfarium CARE Center. “Monroe’s last-minute addition was also a reminder of how quickly sea turtle rescue work can change. Whether a turtle needs weeks of rehabilitation or only a short period of observation, our goal is always to provide the care needed to safely return that animal to the wild.”
All three turtles were cleared for release by the CARE Center’s veterinary and animal care teams in coordination with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Anyone who sees a sea turtle in distress, injured, or deceased should immediately report it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922).
Follow the Gulfarium CARE Center on Facebook to stay up to date on patient stories, releases, and conservation efforts. Guests can also view the CARE Center and its current patients as part of general admission to Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
The Gulfarium CARE Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is proud to act as a beacon for coastal conservation through marine animal rescue and rehabilitation.
