AGP Executive Report

Building & Workforce: Charlotte-DeSoto CDBIA honored women in construction at its Bella Donnas event, with Florida DBPR Secretary Melanie Griffin speaking on collaboration and opportunity. Real Estate: MIAMI REALTORS + RWorld completed a merger with Martin County REALTORS, expanding a five-county MLS footprint across about 94,000 members. Public Safety: Monroe County Fire Rescue graduated Fire Academy Class 26-01 after 456 hours of training, with the next academy set for Oct. 5, 2026. Energy Policy: KEYS Utility Board vice chair Robert Barrios received a Policymaker Award from the Florida Municipal Electric Association for storm-reserve-backed grid reliability work. State Economy: Florida Lottery sales hit $9.7B in 2025-26, with scratch-offs driving $7.14B. Food Safety: FDA expanded a frozen blueberry recall tied to E. coli O145:H28, reaching Publix stores in multiple states including Florida. Local Growth & Traffic: Collier County awarded a nearly $7.6M design contract for a Livingston Road/Immokalee Road flyover aimed at easing congestion. Sports (MLB): The Twins acquired Orioles starter Dean Kremer in a trade, sending Florida Complex League prospect Jhomnardo Reyes to Baltimore.

FSU Football: Ja’Bril Rawls is back with bigger goals after a 2025 injury cut short what could’ve been a breakout season. Venezuela & U.S. Policy: Miami businessman Mauricio Claver-Carone, an unofficial power broker in Trump-era Venezuela policy and oil-linked deals, says he’s no longer overseeing the portfolio. Haitian Community Fraud: A Haitian diaspora scam case landed in New York courts, with Marc Henry Menard convicted for stealing more than $600,000 from investors in NY, Florida, and Georgia. Public Safety—Alligator Attack: New autopsy details confirm Brittany Clark died from brutal injuries in a Seminole County alligator mauling, including near-complete traumatic amputations. Cruise Safety: A Carnival Glory passenger was arrested in Brevard County for allegedly attacking children in an onboard hallway. Florida Business & Growth: Campus USA Credit Union topped $4B in assets, while Adega Gaucha joins Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining with a $60 prix-fixe menu. Construction & Luxury Real Estate: The St. Regis Residences in Sunny Isles Beach completed the South Tower mat foundation pour, pushing the project toward vertical construction. Small Business Regulation: Florida and Virginia lawmakers introduced a bill aimed at reducing federal regulatory burden on small businesses.

Housing & Courts: A class action lawsuit filed July 29 in federal court alleges LGI Homes and loanDepot deceived Florida renters into mortgages they couldn’t afford, raising the stakes for the state’s affordability fight. Real Estate & Growth Capital: Miami-based Neology Group closed its first $175M raise, giving it nearly $1B in firepower to pursue bigger Florida and Southeast projects. Food Safety: Publix expanded its recall of GreenWise frozen blueberries and mixed berries in multiple states over possible E. coli contamination. Local Development: London Bay filed a new bid to bypass Fort Myers Beach council review for its Outrigger redevelopment, using Florida’s Live Local Act to pack in more units. Community & Back-to-School: Sun Splash Family Waterpark is offering discounted tickets for guests who bring school supplies for Cape Coral Caring Center. Public Safety: Clay County schools adopted a tentative $665M budget and a slightly lower millage rate, but rising home values could still mean higher bills for many homeowners. Health & Services: South Florida parents say Medicaid cuts and contract changes are slashing autism therapy hours. Sports & Talent: Key West shortstop Auggy Davila is drawing major attention after a standout summer, including MVP honors at a national championship.

EV Charging Race: Walmart is rapidly expanding its own fast-charging network, adding dozens of high-speed stations this year and pushing cheaper, easier charging into more places across the U.S. Local Housing: Jacksonville Community Land Trust plans Roosevelt Commons, a 124-unit attainable housing community breaking ground early next year in the urban core. Delivery Tech: DoorDash is rolling out DoorDash Air, using FAA-certified drones to deliver orders within a few miles. Traffic & Construction: Buckman Bridge lane closures hit this weekend with two northbound lanes shut from Friday night into early Monday. Public Safety Tech: AI license plate readers are spreading nationwide, raising fresh debate over surveillance and warrants. Consumer Scam Watch: Florida warns about fake CAPTCHA pages that trick people into handing over sensitive account info. Health & Law: Florida’s AG probe into Anthony Fauci is heating up as Sen. Rand Paul says he’ll share a “mountain of evidence.” Travel: American Airlines will start daily nonstop Miami–Cap-Haitien flights on Nov. 1.

Property Taxes: A Leon County judge is weighing whether Florida’s Amendment 3 ballot language is neutral or a political pitch, with a ruling expected after attorneys submit final arguments by Aug. 3. Local Budgets: The measure would expand the homestead exemption, potentially cutting non-school property taxes for homeowners while squeezing city and county revenues. Keys Environment: A new warning alleges treated wastewater injected underground in the Florida Keys is bubbling back up, drawing manatees to what critics call “treated sewage.” Consumer Safety: Publix recalled GreenWise Organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries due to possible E. coli O145 contamination, affecting stores in multiple states including Florida. Business & Growth: MyTopMovers.com says it’s expanding a verified review platform for Florida moving companies, aiming to reduce misleading online feedback. Retail Openings: Butler Enterprises announced Jeff’s Bagel Run opens July 31 in Gainesville, with JD Sports slated to arrive at another Butler shopping center later this year. Transportation/Travel: Orlando International Airport remains Florida’s busiest, and Florida Keys tourism updates continue as travel demand shifts.

Power Grid Watch: A major heat wave has put about 20 million people in 17 states at risk of power outages, prompting the U.S. Department of Energy to authorize backup generation to prevent wider blackouts. Health & Weather: Another Saharan dust plume is expected to move toward Florida, raising air-quality concerns for sensitive groups. Local Growth & Housing: Foreign buyers are retreating from U.S. homes—purchases fell 14% in the past year, with Florida among the states in the latest national rankings. Business & Jobs: Brown & Brown (Daytona Beach) says a “talent war” tied to Howden could cost up to $60M in 2026. Energy & Infrastructure: Collier County paused new hyperscale data center applications while it updates rules after public concerns about water and electricity use. Sports: NCAA suspended Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter for two games over a $427 flight paid by his agent. Space: NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is set to launch from Kennedy Space Center Aug. 30.

Florida Insurance & Housing: After decades in south Florida’s property-casualty market, insurance agent Tom Lynch says the state’s crisis has been shaped by premium spikes, market swings, and now AI-driven changes—while homeowners still feel the pain. Weather & Safety: Another stretch of extreme heat and storm risk is expected, with severe thunderstorms possible across North Florida and a flash-flood threat lingering through the week. Local Economy & Workforce: Hendry County partners with regional groups to survey childcare needs, aiming to remove barriers that push parents out of the workforce. Immigration Impact: South Florida’s Haitian community is bracing for the end of TPS, with families warning of lost work authorization and major health-care fallout. Tourism & Public Access: Palm Beach is weighing fees for hotels and businesses using public beach space with chairs and umbrellas, after complaints about reduced access. Business & Trade: Florida’s UK mission highlights aerospace, logistics, finance, and higher education ties. Tech & Research: Florida State University and NorthStrive Defense Tech sign a license for multi-domain drone payload technology for air-and-water missions.

Staged Crash Crackdown: Florida Sen. Ashley Moody introduced the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act to make “crash-for-cash” schemes a federal crime, with penalties for organizers and even professionals who knowingly help. Port & Trade: JAXPORT’s Blount Island access project is moving ahead as JEA begins helicopter-assisted work to raise St. Johns River transmission lines, supporting larger international container ships. Hurricane Season Prep: Pro Movers Miami shared guidance for relocating during peak storm months, including how to verify a mover’s federal registration. Education Watch: WalletHub ranks Florida low for early-education access and resources, even as quality scores hold up better. Local Elections: Osceola County voters will choose School Board District 1 and 3 seats in the Aug. 18 primary. Community & Seniors: Manatee Clerk is holding $37K in unclaimed funds with a Sept. 1 deadline to claim. Business & AI Governance: A new “Human AI Governance Operating System” aims to keep humans responsible for workplace AI oversight. Wildfire Smoke: Pacific Northwest wildfire smoke is expected to spread again, with Florida among the forecasted affected areas. Haitian TPS: Haitian TPS holders face deportations as rights groups warn of potential human rights violations amid gang violence.

Endangered Species Fight: A lawsuit says the federal government still hasn’t designated critical habitat for Florida’s Queen Conch, even as projects near Port Everglades could harm the species. Courts & Politics: A Florida judge let President Trump amend his $15 billion defamation suit against The New York Times, pushing the next filings to late August. Energy & Big Tech Power Crunch: Dominion and Florida’s NextEra announced a merger that would create a massive utility, raising fresh concerns about rates and the AI data-center boom. Local Development Watch: Oviedo Mall keeps adding tenants—new dining, retail, and a pottery studio—while planning more housing on the former Macy’s site. Immigration Pressure on Florida: TPS for Haitians ends nationwide, with Florida communities bracing for job and family fallout. Public Safety: A Secret Service agent and two others face hazing charges in a Miami-area case tied to alleged beatings that hospitalized two victims. Governance: Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann was sentenced to 10 days in jail for violating DUI probation after a positive cannabinoid test. Business/Travel: FDOT says the long-running SR 390 widening in Panama City is nearing completion by end of 2026.

Presidential Travel History: A new look at how Air Force One became more than transportation—shaped by decades of power and politics around presidential movement. Florida Politics: With the Aug. 18 GOP governor primary looming, Byron Donalds, Jay Collins, and Paul Renner trade sharp critiques as the property-tax fight heads toward court. Real Estate & Local Business: Lang Realty’s Port St. Lucie office won “Best Realtor” in the Best of PSL awards, while Hive MLS earned an Inman Innovator finalist nod. Defense & Tech: Rocket Lab won a $266M Space Force contract tied to Kodiak’s Pacific Spaceport Complex, adding launches through 2028. Healthcare & Research: Massive Bio and GELL announced a strategic partnership to expand oncology research, education, and AI-driven precision medicine across Latin America and the U.S. Community & Culture: Comfort Keepers in Davie marked National Day of Joy by spotlighting caregivers. Sports: Florida released its 2026-27 men’s basketball schedule, including a Duke home game in the SEC-ACC Challenge.

Haitian TPS fight: South Florida leaders are rallying as Haitian Temporary Protected Status protections are set to expire, with advocates warning deportations could disrupt families and local healthcare. Public health access: Florida Community Health Centers (FCHC) marks 50 years of expanding medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, and pediatric care across Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. Road & water updates: FDOT plans a two-week SR-60 railroad crossing closure in Polk County with major detours, and Miami-Dade will switch drinking-water disinfection from chloramine to free chlorine Sept. 21–Oct. 4. Local safety: Motorcyclists honored a Seminole County woman killed in an alligator attack, while deputies and FWC removed a 7-foot alligator from a Hillsborough roadway median after a crash. Courts & fraud: An FBI “Most Wanted” COVID relief fraud suspect, Elaine Escoe, was captured in Jamaica and returned to South Florida to face charges tied to an alleged $32M scheme. Business & jobs: A veteran-owned tea and coffee company is building a brand and aiming to create jobs for former service members. Energy & prices: Reports link rising U.S. gas prices to the Iran conflict and oil-market jitters. Sports: LeBron James has signed with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Property Taxes Fight: Lawsuits are challenging Florida’s “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes” ballot language, with opponents arguing the wording is misleading and could cost local governments billions if it passes. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Orange County celebrated completion of the Pine Hills Septic to Sewer project, connecting 95 homes and businesses to reduce nutrient runoff into Wekiwa Springs and the Wekiva River. Local Development & Parks: Sarasota County moved forward on Snook Haven Park and Alligator Creek restoration, approving updated concessions and contracts tied to major repairs. Health & Community Hiring: Goodwill Industries of Central Florida is holding a hiring event in Orlando to fill retail and warehouse roles, with interviews set for July 29. Crime & Federal Case: The FBI says a woman accused in a $32 million COVID-19 relief fraud scheme was arrested in Jamaica and extradited to face charges in South Florida. Travel & Lifestyle: Shark Week kicks off with “Shark Lady Emily,” while Florida theme-park deals highlight summer discounts for residents. Housing & Planning: A major Charlotte County Pulte housing plan is stalled after missing a state adoption deadline, pushing the project into legal fights.

FBI & Courts: Elaine Angene Escoe, a former Delray Beach resident accused in a $32M COVID-19 relief fraud, was arrested in Jamaica and returned to South Florida to face federal charges. Local Public Safety: A West Palm Beach case adds to the growing list of high-profile fraud prosecutions tied to pandemic-era programs. Business & Travel: Florida’s housing and travel economy keeps shifting—buyers are gaining leverage in Miami, Tampa and Orlando as inventory rises, while TikTok Shop-style shopping and travel deals keep pushing consumer spending. Environment & Wildlife: Florida invasive tegus are now raiding alligator eggs in the Everglades, adding pressure to an ecosystem already battling pythons. Community: Central Florida’s Feed-A-Palooza at Lake Eola distributed food and resources through local partners to help families facing hunger. Sports: Florida soccer freshman Nylah Norris begins a new chapter under coach Nick Zimmerman, while the Miami Marlins’ season swings back toward mediocrity. Retirement Costs: A look at retiring in The Villages warns that the real monthly budget can be far higher than the “$300,000” entry myth.

Franchise & Relocation Costs: A Florida-based franchise leader (96 Papa John’s, 8 Qdoba, 8 Starbucks) highlights how decades in franchising helped him scale while giving back, while a separate report breaks down what a cross-country move really costs in 2026—about $27,335 before savings, with hidden fees like tips, deposits, temporary housing, and replacing essentials. Tax Relief Fight: A Jacksonville-based tax relief comparison spotlights Anthem Tax Services vs. Community Tax, both aimed at IRS payment plans and back-tax help for $10,000+ debt, while a separate Florida story shows police unions joining firefighters and fire chiefs in opposing Amendment 3 over property-tax cuts. Public Health: CDC data shows measles at a 35-year high, driven by declining vaccination rates and outbreaks tied to under-vaccinated communities. Local Roads: Lee County DOT says Three Oaks Parkway Extension traffic patterns shift Aug. 3, including lane changes and closures tied to widening work. Health Safety & Travel: Cyclospora outbreaks keep rising nationwide, and a Florida hiker’s fatal grizzly attack investigation adds new details about the encounter. Community & Culture: Miami’s Urban Film Festival returns Sept. 4–6 (free, 11th year) in Overtown and Downtown.

University & Research: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new University of Florida–University of St. Andrews MOU, aiming to expand joint research and student exchanges in areas like quantum science, marine studies, life sciences, and aerospace. Health Care Oversight: Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration ordered Peace River Center’s crisis stabilization unit in Bartow to stop new admissions after investigators cited serious care failures tied to a patient death. Politics (Education & Water): GOP gubernatorial front-runner Byron Donalds unveiled a school-meals and water-testing plan promising cleaner cafeteria food and lead/contamination testing with public results. Local Government: St. Lucie County commissioners rolled back the property tax millage rate, shifting how departments absorb a projected $2.2 million revenue loss. Public Safety: The College of the Florida Keys launched “Fast Track to Fall” admissions events in the Keys. Business & Travel: Jet Aviation opened a new FBO at Miami-Opa Locka, adding major hangar and ramp capacity.

Politics & Elections: A GOP panel debate focused on tying Democrats to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) as midterm strategy ramps up, while Democrats argue the base is more about winning populist candidates. Insurance & Housing Costs: Florida’s property insurance lawsuits are down after 2022-23 tort reform, but homeowners still aren’t seeing relief that matches the crisis. Federal Contracting: An Orlando medical staffing contractor that settled shell-company allegations for disabled-veteran set-aside contracts still remains eligible for billions in federal work. Immigration Enforcement: ICE detained a British father of U.S. citizen twin boys during a green card interview, highlighting tougher enforcement and vetting. Local Crime & Courts: A Naples contractor was sentenced to four years for defrauding homeowners after Hurricane Ian; in Martin County, a man was arrested over stolen boat GPS devices across multiple counties. Business & Growth: MarineMax’s sale process is nearing final bidders, including Blackstone and Donerail; Florida’s PriorityEvac launched paid hurricane evacuation flights; and ELEKTROS reiterated plans for high-speed EV charging expansion. Florida Policy Watch: Opposition is growing to a proposed constitutional amendment expanding Florida’s homestead property tax exemption. Environment & Public Safety: Invasive Argentine tegus continue spreading in South Florida, with Miami-Dade reporting thousands of sightings. Health Tech: Natoe AI announced an AI-assisted teleradiology service for hospitals and imaging centers.