AGP Executive Report

AI Power Rush: Google and Blackstone just unveiled a major AI cloud push, with Blackstone putting up $5B equity to add 500 megawatts of data-center capacity by 2027—potentially scaling to a $25B total—using Google’s TPUs via a “compute-as-a-service” model. Cuba Pressure: The U.S. is ratcheting up sanctions on Cuba, targeting regime-linked officials and signaling more to come, as Trump allies argue military action would be a last resort while Cuban leaders warn of a “bloodbath.” DOJ Backlash Settlement: The Justice Department set up an “Anti-Weaponization Fund” tied to the IRS settlement, aiming to compensate people who say they were targeted by lawfare. Florida Watch: A multi-vehicle crash near UCF left at least two drivers hurt and caused a partial roadblock on University Boulevard. Local Living Costs: Florida gas prices dipped but drivers still face about $17 more than last year to fill up.

Anti-Weaponization Fund: The Justice Department announced a $1.776B “Anti-Weaponization Fund” tied to Trump dropping a $10B IRS lawsuit, setting up taxpayer-backed payouts for people the administration says were targeted by “lawfare.” Cuba Tensions: New reporting claims Cuba has amassed 300+ drones from Russia and Iran and discussed strike planning that could reach U.S. bases and Florida, while Havana warns any U.S. attack would trigger a “bloodbath.” Public Safety: Florida AG James Uthmeier charged a Keys man with CSAM offenses, with prosecutors seeking up to 100 years. Utilities Shake-Up: NextEra agreed to buy Dominion in a nearly $67B all-stock deal, drawing fresh questions from state and local officials over rates and oversight. Local Impact: Tampa demolition crews began tearing down the historic Wallace Stovall/Tampa Tribune building. Travel & Economy: CBP says it’s boosting World Cup travel authorizations as millions are expected this summer, and Memorial Day park access is expanding.

Cuba-Drone Tensions: The latest flashpoint is a new Axios report saying Cuba bought 300+ drones from Russia and Iran and discussed possible strikes on U.S. assets, including Guantánamo and even Key West—Havana immediately pushed back, calling it a “fraudulent case” and denying any threat. Florida Fishing Fight: Florida’s new rule for short-term nonresident fishing licenses now forces in-person purchases instead of online, and charter captains say it’s already hurting bookings and tourism. Local Crime Crackdown: Lee County’s “Operation Red Light” unmasked a sex-trafficking ring with raids on homes and businesses, leading to multiple arrests and serious charges. Business & Policy: Florida Bar members gained updated, Florida-specific practice guides for civil trial, real property litigation, small business, trusts, and maritime law. Travel Pressure: With fuel costs high, travelers are shifting toward cheaper trips and local getaways, and the knock-on effects are showing up in air travel planning. Sports: Georgia softball swept its NCAA Athens Regional and heads to Tennessee for super regionals.

Cuba Drones Backlash: A newly disclosed U.S. intelligence report says Cuba has acquired 300+ strike drones from Russia and Iran and discussed possible attacks on U.S. assets, including Guantanamo and Key West—while Cuba calls the claims “ludicrous” and “fabrication.” ICE Family Tragedy: An ICE official blamed a grieving Honduran mother after she was forcibly deported, leaving her 2-year-old son behind to be killed—sparking fresh outrage over enforcement and family separation. Florida Courts vs Trump Library: A lawsuit challenges the proposed Trump Presidential Library site in downtown Miami, arguing a state land transfer violates the Constitution and could enable private profits. Rays Future in St. Pete: Local businesses say Rays game days already boost traffic, but the team’s potential move to Tampa keeps the future uncertain. Memorial Day Travel: AAA expects a big Memorial Day travel surge despite higher gas prices, with some families choosing to stay closer to home. Retail Theft Crackdown: Hillsborough County deputies arrested 14 people and seized about $5M in stolen goods tied to a multi-state fencing operation.

Courtroom Clash: “Looksmaxxer” influencer Clavicular (Braden Peters) faced a misdemeanor endangered-species case tied to allegedly shooting an alligator on camera in the Everglades—then got “brutally framemogged” by a judge during his appearance. Cuba Pressure & Energy Crisis: The U.S. is reportedly preparing to indict Raúl Castro over the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue plane shootdowns as Cuba’s fuel shortage worsens, with power outages hitting residents hard. Local Governance Under Fire: A Florida budget proposal (HB 5601) could shut down USF Sarasota-Manatee and shift resources to New College, sparking community pushback. Public Health & Weather: Tropical Storm Eta’s heavy rain flooded South Florida, stranding cars and swamping neighborhoods. Wildlife & Enforcement: Florida temporarily banned sloth imports after 55 sloth deaths at an Orlando facility, while officials also pursued a turtle-trafficking case involving nearly 1,800 protected turtles sent overseas. Community Fixes Food Gaps: Sarasota’s Newtown neighborhood is getting a one-year pilot market to tackle a long-running food desert.

Labor 2026 Launch: South Florida’s AFL-CIO kicked off “Labor 2026” in Opa-Locka, aiming to turn anger over soaring rents (with nearly 60% of residents labeled cost-burdened) into voting power for candidates who will tackle the affordable housing crisis. Cuba Pressure Escalates: The Justice Department is reportedly preparing to seek a federal indictment of Raúl Castro tied to the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue plane shootdowns, a move that could sharply raise tensions as the U.S. ratchets up pressure on Havana. Food Prices Bite: Tomato prices are surging nationwide, with restaurants and shoppers feeling the squeeze as inflation climbs and weather and fuel costs collide. Health & Safety: Florida’s Second Chance Act is set to require EKG screenings for high school athletes starting July 2026. Local Watch: Jacksonville police are investigating a late-night party shooting that sent a man to the hospital with a non-life-threatening leg wound.

Sargassum Costs and Chaos: Miami-Dade’s sargassum problem is hitting another predicted record year, with taxpayers paying nearly $4M annually for tractor cleanup—while hotels and restaurants brace for visitor losses as the seaweed arrives earlier and piles higher. Cuba Pressure Escalates: The Justice Department is preparing to seek an indictment of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro tied to the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown, as Trump’s team also leans on CIA chief John Ratcliffe’s Havana outreach and talks of possible military action. Florida vs. NFL/DEI: Florida AG James Uthmeier escalated his fight with the NFL over the Rooney Rule, using an investigative subpoena as the broader DEI crackdown spreads. Public Safety on the Road: A “Road to Chaos” complaint spotlights Highway 27’s speeding and aggressive driving alongside a perceived lack of police presence. Local Gear Up: Miami-Dade Police began testing a Turkish-made Sarsılmaz submachine gun for inventory.

Alligator Alcatraz Fallout: FEMA has approved Florida’s first $58.29M payment tied to the “Alligator Alcatraz” lockup, with money expected to land in 3–5 business days—while the facility’s future still hangs over a reported June shutdown and mounting cost questions. World Cup Travel: Hotel prices in host cities are already cooling as the 2026 tournament nears, with analysts calling it a “remarkable correction” from earlier expectations. Cuba Pressure: The CIA chief is in Havana as the U.S. weighs possible criminal charges against Raúl Castro, and Florida Gov. DeSantis doubles down that Cuba can only improve if communism ends. Healthcare Staffing Crunch: Senior living operators warn of a “massive” shortage of nurses and CNAs, even as burnout and pay pressures keep worsening. Local Watch: Hillsborough gets $100M from FDOT for Lithia Pinecrest Rd. improvements after years of advocacy. Immigration Detention: A new Delaney Hall detainees’ letter alleges medical neglect and family harm. Sports: NCAA softball regionals kick off Friday with Florida as a host seed.

U.S.-Cuba Crackdown: The Justice Department is moving to indict former Cuban President Raúl Castro over the 1996 downing of planes tied to Brothers to the Rescue, with grand jury approval needed and timing described as “imminent.” U.S.-China Summit Wrap: President Trump left Beijing after two days with Xi, calling trade deals “fantastic” and saying both sides align on Iran—while China warned about mishandling Taiwan and conflict risk. Florida Accountability: A Florida radiologist was ordered to pay a $14,000 penalty and complete training after allegedly overlooking abnormalities on a 2019 brain CT scan. Local Spotlight: Eastside High retired Anthony Richardson’s No. 2 jersey in Gainesville, honoring the former UF QB. South Florida Watch: Cities are sounding alarms over group homes as occupancy rules collide with overcrowding complaints. Health & Safety at Sea: A hantavirus cruise outbreak is back in the headlines, renewing debate over travel risk.

NFL Rooney Rule Scrutiny: Florida AG James Uthmeier has issued an investigative subpoena to the league after the NFL quietly softened Rooney Rule wording on its website, removing language about increasing minority hiring and swapping it for “qualified” candidates and “best practices.” Consumer Pressure: Grocery prices jumped the most month-to-month since 2022, with weather disruptions, trade issues, and higher fuel costs blamed. Storm Tech Gap: Southwest Florida is still working to close the “radar gap,” where national radar coverage can miss the lowest levels of dangerous storms. Crime Crackdown: A man accused of multi-state identity theft was arrested in Beulaville after allegedly using stolen identities to withdraw $53,000+. Health Watch: A CDC-backed report says dengue is gaining a foothold in the continental U.S., with a sustained Los Angeles outbreak showing how quickly conditions can tip. Local Notes: Jack Nicklaus plans a private club at a shuttered Lake Worth course, and Florida lawmakers reprimanded an elected official for using a bullhorn during redistricting debate.

Sports & Contracts: The Miami Dolphins locked up De’Von Achane with a four-year, $64M extension ($32M guaranteed), keeping the Pro Bowler through 2030 as the team builds around him. Legal & Federal Power: The DOJ is weighing a settlement of Trump’s $10B IRS lawsuit—potentially involving taxpayer money—while a judge presses both sides on conflicts. Foreign Policy Theater: Trump’s Beijing summit with Xi is being framed as “stable management,” but Taiwan and trade remain flashpoints, with Xi warning of possible clashes. Florida Animal Policy: Florida moved to temporarily ban sloth imports after Sloth World deaths, while Sanford commissioners approved zoo tickets for students as a sloth-recovery contribution. Local Governance Watch: Daytona Beach kept its city manager for three more years despite audit scrutiny, renewing debate over how city funds are handled. Economy & Labor: A Florida TaxWatch report flags a looming manufacturing workforce crunch as many workers near retirement.

China-Iran Fallout: Sen. Duckworth says China is “benefitting” from Trump’s actions against Iran as the administration pushes business deals on a China trip. Animal Rescue: Hundreds of beagles rescued from a Wisconsin research facility are now in Florida, with 300+ at Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Palm Beach County. Budget Crunch: Florida lawmakers are still split over a $1.4B gap, with school choice vouchers, DeSantis priorities, and pay raises all in play. Data Centers: DeSantis signed SB 484 to tighten rules on electricity and water use and block costs from being passed to consumers. Public Safety & Courts: Hillsborough dismantled a multi-state retail theft ring tied to about $12M in stolen goods; separately, a jail medical vendor missed payroll, raising fears of a staffing collapse. Weather Watch: UF warns El Niño could raise disease risk for Florida’s strawberry season.

SCOTUS Fallout: Native American advocates say a fresh Supreme Court ruling that limits race-based redistricting under the Voting Rights Act could weaken protections and leave Native and minority voters “blocked out” of representation. Florida Money Moves: Gov. DeSantis signed a “nearest nickel” law as pennies are phased out—cash totals now round up or down, while credit-card purchases and sales-tax calculations stay unchanged. Cuba Tensions: Trump says Cuba is asking for help as he heads to China, while Republican senators push back on military action and argue sanctions should come first. Local Politics: A Central Florida plea-deal fight is sparking blame between State Attorney Monique Worrell and AG James Uthmeier over a killer’s four-year outcome. Animal Welfare: DeSantis signed two new animal-cruelty bills, including tougher felony penalties and consumer protections for pet financing. Travel & Events: Miami-Dade is shifting World Cup shuttles to free express rides for verified ticketholders, with hubs across Miami-Dade and Broward.

OpenAI Conflict Fight: Sam Altman defended his personal investments in companies that do business with OpenAI, telling lawmakers he’s “always been recused” from any potential conflicts tied to his holdings, as the House Oversight Committee and state AGs press for answers. Florida Budget Showdown: Florida lawmakers opened a special session to close a $1.4 billion gap between House and Senate budget plans, with education, health care, and environment still in the mix. Housing Help at Risk: The House pulled funding from Florida’s popular first-time homebuyers program, putting the future of Hometown Heroes in doubt. Tiger Woods Records: A Florida judge ruled prosecutors can access Tiger Woods’ prescription drug history tied to his DUI case, with details reportedly limited to prosecutors. Weather Watch: A “super El Niño” is increasingly likely later this year, with potential impacts on rainfall, temperatures, and the 2026 hurricane season. Road Safety Push: CVSA Roadcheck is underway, focusing on commercial truck inspections and enforcement.

Florida & the nation’s surveillance debate: Reports say U.S. border-tech tools bought for immigration enforcement have been used against American citizens, including a Maine resident who says agents later showed up at her home after she recorded them in public. Marijuana labeling patchwork: A new look at state-by-state rules finds multiple warning symbols across legal markets (including Florida) that all say the same thing—“contains THC”—but with no single national standard. Disaster aid fight: A Trump-appointed panel urges FEMA to speed up disaster help while shifting more recovery costs onto states. Consumer watch: Trader Joe’s faces a near-term deadline for a $7.4M settlement over receipt printing that allegedly showed too many card digits. Tech & Florida growth: Google plans a new undersea fiber cable landing in Palm Coast to boost cloud/AI demand. Local Florida politics: Jacksonville City Council is set to vote on revised Winn-Dixie incentives after the company agreed to keep a Harveys store open longer.

Data Center Rules Land in Tallahassee: Gov. DeSantis signed SB 484, setting guardrails on big data centers—utilities can’t pass costs to residential and small-business customers, foreign “countries of concern” can’t control them, and water-use and permitting get tighter. National Security in the Background: The DOJ sentenced two men in a DPRK remote IT worker scheme, showing how overseas access can be routed through everyday business systems. World Cup Comes to Central Florida: LEGOLAND Florida launches a “FIFA World Cup 2026 Experience” June 11, with hands-on soccer fun included with admission. Local Watch: Leesburg starts its 5th Street downtown parking project May 20, adding 48 spaces and upgrades for crosswalks and lighting. Rights Fight in Key West: A couple sued after being told to repaint a rainbow fence, arguing selective enforcement. Fishing News: DeSantis announced expanded 2026 red snapper seasons—140 days in the Gulf and a 39-day Atlantic season. Also Noted: Spirit’s collapse is still rippling through Florida jobs, and a new round of Bay restaurant inspections flagged several high-priority violations.