Gabrielle Russon
Gov. Ron DeSantis and other state, business and education leaders are heading overseas on a three-day trip next week to France.
“Our next trade mission delegation is headed to France and the 55th International Paris Air Show,” DeSantis said in a statement to announce the Monday-Wednesday visit.
“Florida’s focus on manufacturing, aviation, and the space industry already makes it a global leader in aerospace. Our efforts on this trip will be to promote further investment in our state and bring more high-paying jobs to Florida.”
Joining DeSantis will be several other state and education leaders. The delegation includes Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Transportation Jared Perdue, Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long.
Several school officials are attending, including University of Central Florida President Alexander Cartwright and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President Barry Butler, and representatives from the University of Florida, Florida State University and other schools. Leaders from businesses and economic development organizations will also be on hand.
A highlight of the trip is the Paris Air Show that brings together 2,500 exhibitors from 48 countries and more than 300,000 attendees.
“For over a century, the International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget has been the prime meeting place for the global aerospace industry,” the air show’s website said.
DeSantis’ Office listed the rest of the itinerary for the international trip.
“Planned activities include meetings with dozens of companies across the military, aviation, aerospace, and transportation sectors; multiple project announcements, a Florida-focused business roundtable, a Florida Activation event, a business seminar, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Florida Pavilion,” a news release from DeSantis’ Office said.
“The mission will also support 15 Florida-based small and emerging companies participating in the Florida Pavilion, helping them gain access to global markets and potential investment partners.”
Last year, DeSantis led a similar international trade and business development mission to Italy.
To cover the trip’s costs, private businesses and the public institutions will pay their own expenses.
“SelectFlorida does extensive legwork before each trade mission to gather as many sponsorships as possible to offset costs and minimize the impact to taxpayers. In return, we expect the mission to produce enormous investments and jobs brought to Florida that far exceed costs,” state spokeswoman Emily Hetherington said. “Additionally, the showcasing Florida companies generate significant returns that are brought back to the state of Florida.”
6 comments
ScienceBLVR
June 11, 2025 at 4:52 pm
SelectFlorida does extensive legwork before each trade mission to gather as many sponsorships as possible to offset costs and minimize the impact to taxpayers.
Hmmmm, and when will we learn what that final cost to Florida taxpayers is, for this “trade” mission? My guess is, with the lack of transparency or oversight in spending for the governor’s travel, it will remain a mystery.. at least 10 million or so, I would think. 10 million.. that’s a nice round number and my guess for the office prediction pool.
Earl Pitts American
June 11, 2025 at 6:42 pm
I, Earl Pitts American, was asked to go along on this trade mission. However I, Earl Pitts American, requested to stay here in America, providing my Sage Wisdom over my cell phone.
Alot of my fans who fave never been to France may not know that the populace is not fond of using deoderant and I, Earl Pitts American, just cant breath in all that B. O. along with that B. O. from all their Bearded Muzzy Imigrants.
Your welcome, Earl Pitts American
Anonymous
June 12, 2025 at 8:54 am
Considering how manipulative, deceptive and incompetent some of the people at FloridaCommerce are, your statements would not surprise me. It is incredible that they purposely aim to not be transparent, witnessed by me. Truly a prime example of failure in governance. Based on how things are going, even if they were to say that they are changing or deny claims such as these, it would be very very hard to believe them without seeing how things are from within.
-A
SuzeeQ
June 12, 2025 at 1:05 pm
Repeating “10” over and over again is a symptom of a compulsive behavior disorder or at least obsession. If not, it’s funny to think he will always be on your mind before family and …
Anon
June 12, 2025 at 8:41 am
Hmm yeah I’d rather my tax payer dollars not go to individuals going on completely unnecessary trips, particularly when there are so many issues and inefficiencies within this state. Those wasting government resources are certainly capable of going on those trips on their own time.
FLPatriot
June 12, 2025 at 10:58 am
KEEP HIM