Turtles head home after rehab at Mote

Tyler the turtle is back at sea.

Mote Marine Laboratory staffers released the sub-adult Loggerhead Monday, June 3, on Anna Maria Island, nearly three months after he was found floating and lethargic with extreme barnacle growth on his neck and flippers.

After R&R at Mote’s Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, staffers released him off Coquina Beach.

Tyler didn’t stick around for many photo ops. He didn’t hesitate before heading back to the sea.

Four days later, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staffers returned turtles Grinch, Turbo and Brutus to where they stranded on the East Coast for release after their stays at Mote.