While the majority of us were sleeping, Sergeant Mackesy, Deputy Lopez, and Deputy Wheeler responded to a call early this morning from a security guard at a hotel on St. Pete Beach concerning sea turtle hatchlings that had gotten very lost while making their maiden voyage out to the ocean. The security guard had collected about 15 of the sea turtles before he called PCSO for reinforcements. Deputies found baby sea turtles all over the area including in the hotel's pool, in th…e bushes, in the bathroom, and even in the storm drain.
Sergeant Mackesy got in contact with the on-duty Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Commission (FWC) officer that instructed her to release the turtles at the water's edge and let them go towards the water on their own.
With some words of encouragement and guidance all the hatchlings made their way to the water successfully.
We think Finding Nemo’s pal Crush would be pretty proud of this crew and the deputies too!