Turtle on arrival.

8/30 Turtle was picked up by a trawler near the mouth of Tampa Bay.  The turtle had monofilament fishing line around all of its flippers causing some deep wounds, and had a large fishing lure hooked into one rear flipper and the plastron (shell underneath).  Monofilament and hooks were removed, wounds were treated, and the turtle was started on antibiotics. 8/31 Turtle has begun to eat and is swimming in deep water.  Doing very well. 9/3 Turtle is improving daily. 9/6 Continuing to improve, but appetite is variable. 9/9 Appetite is much better.  Blood results received today indicate that this turtle was NOT affected by red tide toxicosis. 9/13 Turtle is continuing to improve, now with excellent appetite. 9/22 Turtle's wounds are healing very well.  Radiographs revealed no boney involvement from the hook wound.  Appetite still excellent. 9/25 Continuing to do very well. 10/1 Continuing to heal well.  Appetite is excellent. 10/7 Still doing very well. 10/11 Turtle is doing very well.  Considering release in the next few weeks. 10/18 Turtle was released this morning from Clearwater Beach.  Release went very well and turtle swam off strongly.