SARASOTA Co., Fla. (WWSB) -- Mote Marine Laboratory released a subadult loggerhead sea turtle named "Grimes" on Monday off of Nokomis beach.
“It was so rewarding to return Grimes back to the sea, like it is with all the animals we are able to release,” said Lynne Byrd, Medical Care and Rehabilitation Coordinator for Mote.
Grimes was found near the north end of Don Pedro State Park on Jan. 8, and was transported to Mote for rehabilitation.
Mote staff member Jim Grimes found the turtle, which was later nicknamed after him.
On first observation, the turtle was very lethargic and may have been affected by a slight exposure to Florida red tide, a bloom of the naturally occurring, microscopic algae Karenia brevis, which produces neurotoxins that can kill or sicken marine animals and cause respiratory irritation in people on or near the water.
“Grimes was the perfect patient and was able to be released in under just two months,” said Byrd.
