NORTH PORT, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida deputies made two significant rescues last week— a trapped manatee and a woman experiencing a medical emergency in the middle of the woods.
On Nov. 8, Charlotte County deputies assisted the Tampa Zoo, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and Florida Fish and Wildlife to rescue a trapped female manatee.
The 8-foot animal found herself in a closed canal system, which she entered due to Hurricane Milton's flooding. Once the water receded, officials said she couldn't get out.
The manatee was located and safely secured in a net. She was transported to be checked out by a biologist to be cleared before being released.
Meanwhile, the second rescue occurred in the woods, where deputies said a woman had fallen and suffered a head injury.
The injury led to "erratic behavior," which resulted in her running into a heavily wooded lot and getting lost.
Once they located her on the ground, she was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
“My Aviation Unit provides such an invaluable service to not only Charlotte County, but our surrounding areas as well," Sheriff Bill Prummel said. "They do everything from mosquito control to fire suppression to longline rescues and more. I cannot speak highly enough about the work that they do and their dedication to serving our community and helping our brothers and sisters in other local agencies. This team makes me proud every single day.”