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Teresa

SoWal Guide
Staff member
Nov 15, 2004
30,250
9,286
South Walton, FL
sowal.com
Gulf World to Release Loggerhead Sea Turtle at Inlet Beach Thursday, November 14th

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Gulf World Marine Institute (GWMI) is releasing “Barney”, the loggerhead sea turtle into the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday, November 14th at 10:00 am from Beach Access 6 at South Walton Lakeshore Drive, Inlet Beach. Barney was reported to Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation (FWC) by some homeowners in Panama City, who observed him floating and lethargic in the shallows near their home. He was rescued and brought to Gulf World Marine Institute. Described as a debilitated turtle, the name Barney was chosen because of the extreme load of barnacles he had covering his body when he arrived. Barney was given a full health assessment, including bloodwork, radiographs, fluid therapy, and was placed on antibiotics. Soon, Barney regained his appetite and was seen exploring much of his habitat, which was a good sign! After completing his antibiotics, and receiving medical clearance from the veterinary team, Barney has been cleared for release by the FWC. The public is invited to attend this event.

GWMI would like to thank the local homeowners for their report of Barney. If you see a stranded or deceased dolphin, whale or sea turtle, please immediately report to Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, 1- 888-404-3922 or #FWC on your cell phone.

GULF WORLD MARINE INSTITUTE news

Gulf World Marine Institute has been busy with loggerhead sea turtles this summer, and we're fortunate to have been able to release so many of them! (If you missed the others, check out the event page for Barney's release on Thursday!) We were also fortunate enough this year to receive funding to purchase new equipment to help better care for these amazing patients.

This year, GWMI received not one, but two grants from the Sea Turtle Conservancy's Sea Turtle Grant Program! These sea turtle stretchers and new endoscopy equipment were funded in whole by a grant awarded from the Sea Turtle Grants Program. The Sea Turtle Grants Program is funded from proceeds from the sale of the Florida Sea Turtle License Plate. Learn more at www.helpingseaturtles.org

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Since 1997, the purchase of the Florida Sea Turtle Specialty License Plate has aided in funding sea turtle education, research, and conservation projects throughout the state. These grants are competitive, and GWMI has been fortunate to receive many over the years. We are one of many organizations that benefit from the public purchase of this plate. In 2018, the Helping Sea Turtles Survive Plate was in the top 5 of all specialty plates sold in Florida. Remember, it matters to us which plate you buy!

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