Florida
‘Team Freedom’: Gov. DeSantis tightens Florida’s ties with Germany
German Ambassador to the U.S. Jens Hanefeld and Gov. Ron DeSantis have agreed to a Joint Declaration of Intent to increase cooperation between the European power and the Sunshine State, an agreement fostered by the June 2025 Florida Leadership Mission to Germany.
The JDI, per the Governor’s Office, “establishes a practical framework for cooperation across key sectors including innovative technologies, aerospace and aviation, manufacturing, life sciences and workforce training.”
“The Free State of Florida continues to set the standard for business growth and economic development on the international stage,” said DeSantis. “Today’s agreement will ensure that our state remains one of the best places to do business, live, work and raise a family. The steps we’re taking today will strengthen the economic partnership between our great state and Germany.”
“Cooperation between partners and technology leaders like Florida and Germany delivers tangible benefits—from new jobs to cutting-edge innovation,” stated Hanefeld. “By expanding collaboration in strategic technologies, aerospace, life sciences, and research, we are not only helping our businesses – we are strengthening our competitive edge as Team Freedom over those who don’t want our model of democracy and free enterprise to succeed.”
As of 2024, Germany was Florida’s seventh largest trading partner, with more than $12 billion in merchandise traded, an increase of more than 12% year over year. Florida merchandise exports, valued at more than $1.4 billion, increased by more than 27% over the 2023 number.
FORT MYERS, Fla. – An injured manatee and her calf are recovering after authorities on a boat rescued them from the Orange River near Fort Myers on Thursday.
What we know:
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office said its Marine Unit, Advanced Technology Support Unit, drone pilots and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission helped in saving the pair after the mother was found hurt in the water and in need of medical attention.
READ: Missing Florida man found stuck in mud without food or water for days: PFD
Video shows authorities pulling the frantic manatees safely onto the boat in netting before taking them to shore.
Courtesy: Lee County Sheriff’s Office
Both animals will be taken to ZooTampa for evaluation and medical care.
What we don’t know:
LCSO did not say the extent of the mother’s injuries.
By the numbers:
As of Feb. 20, there have been 85 manatee deaths across Florida in 2026, according to the FWC. Last year reportedly saw a total of 632 manatee deaths.
Dig deeper:
Earlier this month, the FWC began investigating a spike in manatee deaths, specifically in Lee County, where officials say 25 were found dead within a week.
READ: FWC investigating spike in manatee deaths over the past week
The FWC believes these manatee deaths could be from several factors: cold stress, a lack of seagrass and polluted waterways.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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