The Gulfarium CARE Center released three sea turtles back into the Gulf on Friday morning at James Lee Park, days after Tropical Storm Bertha brought rough surf to the area and forced a delay.

• The release had been scheduled for Wednesday but was postponed when the storm churned up the water. By Friday morning, the weather had cleared and conditions were calmer for the turtles’ return. A large crowd gathered along the shoreline to watch Frida, Ziti and a last-minute addition named Monroe head back to the water.

The release was held in partnership with the St. Joe Community Foundation, which supports the CARE Center’s sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation work.

Frida, a 176-pound adult female loggerhead, arrived at the CARE Center after being accidentally hooked at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier in late May. The team treated multiple fishing-related injuries during her rehabilitation, and she was cleared to return after making a full recovery.

Ziti, a 126-pound subadult loggerhead, was also admitted after being accidentally hooked at the Navarre Beach Fishing Pier. Staff found several additional hooks during the turtle’s evaluation, which required continued treatment and close monitoring. Ziti was approved for release after fully recovering and receiving medical clearance.

Monroe, a 31-pound juvenile green sea turtle, was the morning’s unexpected addition. The turtle arrived at the CARE Center on Wednesday evening after being found trapped among the rocks at Norriego Point. Rough surf is believed to have pushed Monroe into the rocks, where he became wedged and could not free himself.

Monroe’s bloodwork looked good, and the team found no additional injuries. He was cleared to join Frida and Ziti after a short period of observation.

“After having to postpone the release because of the rough surf, it was especially meaningful to see these turtles return on such a calm and beautiful morning,” said Sarah Kamen, stranding coordinator at the Gulfarium CARE Center. “Monroe’s last-minute addition was also a reminder of how quickly sea turtle rescue work can change. Whether a turtle needs weeks of rehabilitation or only a short period of observation, our goal is always to provide the care needed to safely return that animal to the wild.”

All three turtles were cleared for release by the CARE Center’s veterinary and animal care teams in coordination with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Anyone who sees a sea turtle that is in distress, injured or deceased should report it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922).