Volunteers released 17 Loggerhead sea turtles Wednesday night at Fort De Soto Park.
Dozens of people were invited to watch the event and cheer on the little ones as they headed into the gulf.
Park Supervisor Jim Wilson says 17 hatchlings were part of three nests that hatched Tuesday night. More than 160 sea turtles successfully made it to the water on their own.
"These were the guys that didn't make it out of the nest on their own," Wilson said.
Wilson says they have 60 nests at Fort De Soto alone. That's up from 52 last year. And, that's not the only good news, Wilson says they're seeing higher hatch rates.
For more information on volunteer opportunities and future turtle release events, like the Friends of Fort De Soto Park on Facebook or email friendsoffortdesoto@gmail.com.
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