Longboat Key firefighters rescue sea turtle

Everyone needs a pick-me-up sometimes, even juvenile sea turtles. Several Longboat Key firefighters made an usual rescue last week as they were training on the town's fire boat. 

While in the area of Jewfish Key, one of the trainees spotted a sea turtle in distress. The group called Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium for guidance, and Mote asked that they catch the turtle and bring it in for rehab. After scooping up the marine reptile, firefighter/paramedic David Oliger, Lieutenant Jose Rivera and firefighter/paramedic Chase Bullock brought it in to Mote. The turtle was subsequently named Pepper and the firefighters will receive weekly updates on its recovery.