From sea rescue to seaworthy: Pair of manatees released after months of rehabilitation

DEMERE KEY, Fla. (WPEC) — Two manatees were released off the coast of Florida after undergoing almost three months of rehabilitation.

On Wednesday, two manatees rescued by the Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) Marine Unit were released at Demere Key, near Cape Coral.

Both manatees were rescued in early May after they fell ill from Red Tide, a harmful algae bloom. They were rehabilitated by SeaWorld Orlando.

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The first manatee, Padilla, was rescued off the shore of Pine Island. Deputies with the LCSO Marine Unit located her floating.

The second manatee, Corozone, was located by boaters near St. James City.

Collectively the manatees weighed in at 1,500 pounds.