James Curtis
•9/17/2026

Rescuers tried to save a dolphin beached on a sandbar in Matlacha on Thursday. According to the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District, they were working with a marine biologist. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was also at the scene. The scene has cleared, and there has been no official word on the dolphin's status. Count on Gulf Coast News to keep you updated. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.