Sea Turtles Released in Indian River County

Nearly 200 Palm Beach County turtles were saved before a Hurricane could strike. Then, put to work to ensure safety for the future population of all turtles. Monday, 39 released from the shoreline. The rest released in the ocean.

Monday morning it was a unique encounter for hundreds of turtle lovers. Strangers helping strangers, like little turtle Albert. Susan Morris from Lynchburg, Virginia was one lucky lady, " Albert got out there, he is "ET phone home," he got out there."

Three year-old Albert and 38 other loggerheads are an army of one. They were rescued as just eggs along the beaches in Palm Beach County. Megan Koperski with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission says, "These turtles were collected as Hurricane Katrina was bearing down on Florida."

They were raised in Texas, then brought to the Panhandle to test trap doors in shrimp nets. Their goal was to make sure their brothers and sisters can get out of a sticky situation alive. Monday, their mission on land: completed.

Young Connor James was on hand to lend a hand, "They appeared to be jumping." He and hundreds of strangers united to carry the loggerheads to the Indian River. Kay Wall drove down with her granddaughter from Titusville, Florida, "It was a very unique experience for the kids to see the turtles so close and so personal."

In all 145 released, but 39 turtles were sent home near the Sebastian Inlet. They were electronically tagged and joyfully returned. Miami resident, Josie Goytisolo, says, "In some little teeny-tiny way we helped them on their way and that's a gift."

This event usually happens about once a year. The other nearly 105 sea turtles were released into the ocean.