Latest news with #HouseOfRefuge
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Watch: 300-pound turtle freed after getting stuck between massive rocks on Florida beach
STUART, Fla. – A photographer came upon a startling sight on Wednesday, when she discovered a 300-pound loggerhead turtle wedged between rocks on a southeast Florida beach. The incident occurred near the House of Refuge, where photographer Suzanne Cosme, owner of DeVine Portraits, had visited to take photos of the sunrise. While taking photos, she came upon a large turtle stuck on a rocky outcrop on the beach. She noted how unsure she was about the health of the animal and how long it had been there, particularly as it was covered in some blood. Footage shot by Cosme shows the animal slumped down, pinned in on both sides by a rocky vice grip. "It's okay, mama," Cosme can be heard saying to the turtle. "I'm going to get you safe, I promise." Cosme notified the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, who sent deputies and firefighters to the scene. Photos and video from Cosme shows four of the first responders carefully maneuvering the turtle around the rocky feature until the animal was freed. After evaluating its health and condition, the officials released the animal on the sandy beach, where it slowly ambled toward the lapping waves. "They made sure she was good, she didn't need to go to rehab or anything like that – she was perfect," Cosme said, describing the moment the turtle was freed and made her way back to the water. "She looked at me, it looked like she was saying 'Thank you' to me. It was so cute." 375-Pound Sea Turtle Released Into The Ocean In Florida Cosme said she's not sure how the turtle found itself among the rocks, but surmised that the animal might have walked upon the rocks during high tide and then became stuck as the tide fell. Either way, the chance discovery of the turtle on the beach ultimately led to Cosme saving its life. "It just felt surreal, I guess," Cosme said. "It was a magical moment." How To Watch Fox Weather Loggerhead sea turtles are the most common in Florida, according to the National Park Service. They are the official state saltwater article source: Watch: 300-pound turtle freed after getting stuck between massive rocks on Florida beach Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Florida's last House of Refuge history museum in Stuart closed for $1.79 million repair
The House of Refuge at Gilbert's Bar in Stuart is undergoing a $1.79 million renovation. Built in 1876, it's the oldest building in Martin County and perhaps the Treasure Coast, and it's the last of 10 lifesaving stations on Florida's east coast where shipwreck survivors recuperated from their ordeal. It will reopen early next year after closing June 1 for its biggest and most expensive renovation, which will include a new roof, revived main deck and other structural improvements, according to county spokesperson Martha Kneiss. The building, at 301 S.E. MacArthur Blvd., has undergone much restoration work in the past 149 years and was even moved inland about 30 feet to protect it from encroaching high tides. It was closed for about a year in 1998, when a $400,000 restoration included new signs, exhibits, accessibility and cultural recognition, according to Catherine Larsen, the keeper of the house. Previous restorations have restored the roof, siding, watchtower, north-side chimney and termite-ridden wood that included Dade County pine. House of Refuge: History museum has seen better days, but don't count it out Photo gallery: See changes during 2022 restoration The house was converted into a museum in the 1950s. A boathouse built in 1935 has been used as a gift shop. Another building is used for lectures, luncheons and other events. Martin County rents the grounds for weddings. The basement under the porch contains historical exhibits dating from before European settlers to the World War II era. The Coast Guard used the watchtower to check for enemy ships and submarines offshore during WWII. Martin County is paying for the restoration. The Historical Society of Martin County manages the House of Refuge as well as the Elliott Museum. Valeria Bartra is TCPalm's intern. Contact her at This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Florida House of Refuge history museum in Stuart closed for renovation
