North Palm Beach, Fla (July 13, 2026) – Two juvenile loggerhead sea turtles were released into the Atlantic Ocean on Monday by the Friends of John D. MacArthur Beach State Park (Friends), Florida Park Service, Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County and ANGARI Foundation.
A dedicated team at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park have cared for one-year-old loggerheads Shelly and CeCe since they were three months old. The turtles were part of the park’s sea turtle ambassador program, which educates visitors about the importance of sea turtle conservation. More than 150,000 people visit the park annually, including over 4,000 students who participate in education programs where the sea turtles are a major focal point.
The community played an important role in naming the turtles. The name “Shelly” was submitted by local elementary school students while “CeCe,” a nod to the loggerhead’s scientific name Caretta caretta, was chosen through a public vote.
For the Friends, sharing these ambassadors with visitors amplifies their mission to inspire appreciation and conservation of the ocean.
“Over the past year, Shelly and CeCe helped thousands of visitors develop a deeper understanding of sea turtles and the importance of protecting them,” said Veronica Frehm, CEO of Friends of John D. MacArthur Beach State Park. “Creating meaningful connections with wildlife inspires stewardship, and we’re proud that these ambassadors have encouraged so many people to care about conservation. While we’re excited to see them begin the next chapter of their journey in the wild, we also look forward to welcoming a new sea turtle ambassador in the coming months.”
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) issued a Marine Turtle Permit to the park to house the two juvenile loggerhead sea turtles for educational purposes. Shelly and CeCe were received from Dr. Jeanette Wyneken’s research lab at the Florida Atlantic University Research Gallery, located within the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. Her long-term study focuses on the implications of weather and climate effects on sea turtle eggs.
FWC, sea turtle scientists and veterinarians regularly advised park staff on how to ensure optimal care for the turtles, and FWC cleared both turtles for release after their final veterinary examinations.
Shelly and CeCe were released off the coast of West Palm Beach from ANGARI Foundation’s 65-foot research vessel, R/V ANGARI, supported by the Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back Grant program and the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County.
More details on the released turtles:
“Shelly” – female Loggerhead sea turtle
Hatch date: July 10, 2025
“CeCe” – female Loggerhead sea turtle
Hatch date: July 23, 2025
About John D. MacArthur Beach State Park:
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, Palm Beach County’s only state park, is situated on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Lake Worth Lagoon. The park is comprised of 436 acres of pristine coastal land and contains four habitats, including seven species of plants and 22 species of animals on the endangered or threatened list. For more information about John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, visit FloridaStateParks.org.
About Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County:
The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization created to promote and protect the sound growth of the marine industry in Palm Beach County for the benefit and education of its members, the community and the environment. For more information, visit MarinePBC.org.
About ANGARI Foundation:
ANGARI Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation established in 2016 and headquartered in West Palm Beach. The Foundation is dedicated to creating a global community that is interested, knowledgeable and invested in marine and environmental sciences by directly supporting research initiatives that foster greater trust and dialogue between scientists and the public. ANGARI Foundation uses innovative technology, film and other media to raise awareness and strengthen science education. Many of the Foundation’s primary initiatives involve R/V ANGARI, a 65-foot vessel that serves as an exceptional research and education platform. For more information, visit Angari.org.
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