Staff Report / clearwaterlocal.org

**Clearwater Marine Aquarium Releases Two Juvenile Green Sea Turtles into the Wild**

Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida, marked a special milestone today with their first sea turtle release of the year 2025. Two juvenile green sea turtles, named Utica and Vegas, were successfully released back into the wild at Fred Howard Park this morning.

Utica and Vegas were initially rescued after being found out of their natural habitat near the Steinhatchee River in Dixie County, likely displaced by recent hurricanes and flooding. Utica was discovered on December 28 swimming in a ditch, while Vegas was found on January 4 swimming in a creek.

Following their rescue, both turtles underwent thorough medical evaluations by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s veterinary team in collaboration with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. All diagnostic reports confirmed that the turtles were healthy and fit to be released back into their natural environment.

The team at Clearwater Marine Aquarium credits the success of rehabilitation efforts like these to the support of visitors and generous donors. For those interested in contributing, donations can be made at [Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s donation page](https://give.clearwateraquarium.org/campaign/654265/donate?c_src=social&c_src2=post).

Utica and Vegas now continue their journey in the wild, thanks to the dedication and care of the marine conservation team.

Source: Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Source Type: Community

Source Location: Clearwater

Utica, NY

Delicious Tuesday Specials at Green Front Restaurant

Green Front Restaurant offers tasty Tuesday specials, including fresh sides, soups, and unique entrees.

Golden Doodles Available for Adoption in Buffalo

Buffalo Animal Shelter offers adoptable Golden Doodles, encouraging potential owners to visit soon.

Intuitive Machines' Nova-C Tests Lunar Mining Techniques

Nova-C lands near lunar south pole to test mining and navigation methods.

San Diego: $5M Grant, FDA Nod, Illumina Tops

San Diego researchers secure NIH grant amid local biotech FDA nod, acclaim.

Buffalo Shelter Offers Ginger-Coated Dogs for Adoption

Buffalo Shelter welcomes ginger dogs for adoption; visit Le Shelter Chateau today.

Binghamton University Celebrates 2025 Commencement with Photos

Binghamton University celebrated the first day of Commencement 2025, congratulating graduates from the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences, as well as all doctoral candidates, with the #Bearcats4Life hashtag, a 🎓 emoji and 23 new photos posted.

Binghamton Fire Department participates in Tunnel to Towers Run

Members of the Binghamton Fire Department participated in the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk in Utica on Sunday, Aug. 17, to honor Firefighter John "JR" Gaudet, whose family received mortgage relief from the foundation, and the memorial listing also notes Firefighter John "Jay" Garry, last alarm Feb. 25, 2017.

First ATI Graduates Earn FAA Mechanic Certifications

ALBANY, N.Y. — The first graduating class of Hudson Valley Community College’s Aeronautical Technical Institute at Albany International Airport has completed its program and earned FAA mechanic certifications after proving proficiency in 1,253 tasks, with faculty member Wesley Major saying the work "forms the bedrock of safe, reliable air travel" as Albany International Airport and Million Air Albany support ATI’s mission and the future of aviation.

Hobart faces UW–Stout in D-III semifinal

GENEVA, N.Y. — Hobart hockey will play in the 2026 NCAA Division III Men’s Ice Hockey Championship semifinal at Utica University on Friday at 7 p.m., facing the University of Wisconsin–Stout.