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Apollo Beach Today
By the People, for the People
Dozens of Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles Rescued in Tampa Bay
Aquariums in Clearwater, Tampa, and Sarasota are treating turtles rescued statewide during recent cold snap.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
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Hundreds of cold-stunned sea turtles have been rescued from Florida waterways in the past week and a half, with dozens now recovering at aquariums in the Tampa Bay area. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium has admitted 36 turtles, the Sarasota Mote Marine Aquarium has taken in 25, and the Florida Aquarium's Apollo Beach facility has cared for its first two turtles of the season.
Why it matters
Sea turtles are unable to regulate their body temperature, so exposure to cold water can be deadly. Wildlife officials, rescue groups, and good Samaritans have worked quickly to save these vulnerable creatures during the recent cold snap in Florida.
The details
The rescued turtles become lethargic and unable to swim to warmer waters when exposed to cold temperatures. While many just need time for their bodies and the water to warm up, some require more advanced treatment at the aquarium facilities. Among the turtles at Clearwater Marine Aquarium is one named Gaia, found washed up on a Treasure Island beach by a city police department employee.
- In the last week and a half, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium has admitted 36 turtles.
- On Tuesday morning, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium released 15 turtles back to the wild at Honeymoon Island State Park.
- The Florida Aquarium's Apollo Beach rehab facility admitted its first two turtles of the season on Super Bowl Sunday.
The players
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
An aquarium in Clearwater, Florida that has admitted 36 cold-stunned sea turtles in the past week and a half.
Mote Marine Aquarium
An aquarium in Sarasota, Florida that has taken in 25 sea turtles from Florida's East Coast for specialized care.
Florida Aquarium
An aquarium with a rehab facility in Apollo Beach, Florida that admitted its first two turtles of the season on Super Bowl Sunday.
Gaia
A juvenile sea turtle found washed up on the beach in Treasure Island, Florida by a city police department employee and now recovering at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Kevin Jennings
A community service specialist with the Treasure Island police department who found the turtle Gaia and thought it had met its demise, but was surprised to see it raise its head as he approached.
What they’re saying
“I thought for sure... it had met its demise, but as I pulled up, it raised its little head.”
— Kevin Jennings, community service specialist (Fox 13)
What’s next
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium's remaining turtles, including Gaia, need a few more tests before they can be released back into the wild.
The takeaway
The rescue efforts by wildlife officials, rescue groups, and good Samaritans have been crucial in saving hundreds of vulnerable sea turtles during the recent cold snap in Florida. The aquariums in the Tampa Bay area are playing a vital role in rehabilitating and releasing these cold-stunned turtles back into their natural habitats.
