Town manager announces April 7 release of Melby the manatee at Ballard Park

Town Manager A. Marie Smith announced at the April 2 special meeting that 'Melby' the rescued manatee has recuperated at SeaWorld and is scheduled for release April 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Ballard Park in Melbourne. Smith said she and Commissioner Anna Butler visited Melby and reported he was doing well.

"They are being very gracious and they have put a GoFundMe out there for Melby for his rescue and his recuperation and now release," Smith said, inviting the public to attend the release. She explained SeaWorld chose Ballard Park so Melby would have other manatees nearby upon release.

Commissioners noted the commission will be publicly noticed at the event and cautioned colleagues to avoid discussing town business in front of press or attendees. One commissioner said photos or videos of commissioners talking in a group could create problematic optics. Mayor Allison Dennington, who had earlier passed the gavel for the meeting and said she has a conflict on an agenda item, spoke about her commitment to the town and asked listeners to set aside any misinterpretations of her motives.

Smith said information about the release and the GoFundMe link would be posted on the town website.

The town confirmed the release time and place on the record; the event is publicly announced and commissioners plan to attend as schedules allow.