Fire district: Stranded dolphin freed from sandbar
On Sept. 17, M-151 responded to reports of a dolphin stranded on a sandbar in Matlacha.
The Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District reported that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Marine Mammal Rescue team also responded from Charlotte County to assess the dolphin and ensure it could be safely returned to the water.
Working alongside FWC and local community members, the district’s crew assisted with the release of the dolphin back into the waters of Matlacha.
Marine biologists also tagged the dolphin to monitor its movements following the release.
The fire district extended a special thank you to the residents who recognized the dolphin needed help and took action, as well as the FWC team and marine biologists for their expertise and assistance.
“A great example of our community working together for a successful outcome!” it added.