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It was February 9 when a group of workers inspecting underground drainage lifted a storm drain manhole in Melbourne Beach, Florida and were amazed to find a manatee lodged inside a concrete junction box.

After notifying the appropriate agencies, a rescue plan was swiftly put together.

Melbourne Beach’s newly appointed town manager Marie Smith — on the job for only a few hours — was instantly thrown into Florida’s bureaucratic world. 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.

Before nightfall, 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.

After the lid was lifted 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” short for Melbourne Beach.

Ever since that February day, SeaWorld veterinary staff have treated Melby to ensure his full recovery.

Updates about his health were shared, and it was eventually decided that he could be released back into the river after gaining 100 pounds.

Melby, Manatee, Terry Cronin, Vice Mayor, Rescue, Melbourne Beach and the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) chose Ballard Park for his release because it is a popular gathering spot for manatees.

Much like during the original 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, bringing the community together while 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.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​His story is the miracle of Melbourne Beach!