Cellphone video shows the turtle dangling from a tree, after the balloons snagged on some branches. Firefighters came in with a ladder truck to rescue the turtle.
But the wind picked up, and the turtle was blown softly back to the ground. It was then cut from the balloons and appeared to be OK.
Neighbors were shocked someone would do such a thing.
"It's animal abuse. If you didn't want the turtle, give it away. Take it to a pet store. There's adoption agencies for turtles," said area resident Chanelle Wright.
The turtle has been turned over to the Humane Society. If no one claims it, Wright said she will take it and give it a good home.
Authorities say whoever did this faces criminal charges of animal cruelty.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
