Baby sea turtles released into Gulf of Mexico (with photo gallery and videos)

BRADENTON BEACH — Volunteers with Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch on Friday evening released into the Gulf of Mexico some 75 baby loggerhead sea turtles born a few days earlier on Coquina Beach.

The hatchlings needed a helping hand because recent rains washed away their nest before they could make it on their own into the water. It was one 136 nests that have so far been laid on Anna Maria Island this nesting season, which runs through Oct. 31.

A few dozen beach-goers witnessed the release just after sundown.

If they survive, the females in the group will return to Coquina in 30 or 35 years to lay their own nests.

This story was originally published August 28, 2010 at 1:50 PM with the headline "Baby sea turtles released into Gulf of Mexico (with photo gallery and videos)."