- December 4, 2025
Five leatherback sea turtle hatchlings were saved from storm drains near Beverley Beach on July 30 by Flagler County Fire Rescue.
The hatchlings were found by Flagler Turtle Patrol in two storm drains at the Oceanside Condominiums, a Flagler County press release said. The turtles had crossed State Road A1A and became trapped in the 6-foot drains.
FCFR crews Battalion 40 and Engine 40 arrived on scene, lifted the drain covers and climbed down ladders to rescue the turtles out of the drains. The rescued turtles were then transported to the sea turtle hospital at the University of Florida's Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience to be evaluated before they were returned to the ocean, the press release said.
“It’s an especially good day when we can help rescue some of our beloved baby sea turtles,” Fire Rescue Captain Mike Pius said.
Almost immediately afterward, the crews were called to a vehicle crash on Interstate 95, the press release said.
For more information, Flagler Turtle Patrol can be reached at [email protected].
