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On Feb. 9 a inspection team inspecting underground drainage lifted a storm drain manhole in Melbourne Beach and were astonished to find a manatee lodged inside a concrete junction box.

Once the proper authorities were alerted, a rescue plan was rapidly formulated.

Marie Smith, Melbourne Beach’s new town manager — who had only been on the job a few hours — was immediately introduced to Florida’s bureaucracy. She made several calls to county and state officials, while Vice Mayor Terry Cronin, a local dermatologist, arranged an emergency council meeting to approve funding for the rescue.

As darkness fell, the operation began: workers cut into the road to reach the concrete lid of the box. Vice-Mayor Cronin provided live commentary for the news during the rescue.

When Melbourne Beach Rotary Club, Melbourne Beach Volunteer Fire Department, Manatee rescue came off, Brevard County Fire Rescue placed the manatee into a sling, lifted him out, and transferred him to a SeaWorld truck for rehabilitation in Orlando.

The crowd of locals called the rescued manatee “Melby” standing for Melbourne Beach.

From February onward, SeaWorld veterinary staff have treated Melby to ensure his full recovery.

The public received ongoing updates on his progress, and it was eventually decided that he could be released back into the river after gaining 100 pounds.

SeaWorld and the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) chose Ballard Park for his release because it is a popular gathering spot for manatees.

Similar to the excitement of the rescue, hundreds gathered at Ballard Park to witness Melby’s return to the wild.

After final measurements and medical checks, FWC invited everyone involved for a group photo before carrying Melby down to the boat ramp and setting him free.

He lingered near the docks for several minutes observing with curiosity the crowd that had gathered before disappearing underwater.

Melby has become a local celebrity, unifying the community and inspiring get-well cards, posters, and even a children’s book — “Melby and the Warm-Water Wrong Turn” — written by Melbourne Beach resident Sara Russo which can be purchased on Amazon.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Their story is unforgettably the miracle of Melbourne Beach!