AGP Executive Report

Gas Prices: Florida’s average hit $4.07 a gallon, the first post–late May jump above $4, as oil-price pressure tied to the Iran conflict pushes both wholesale and pump costs higher. Meta Lawsuit: Three users filed a class-action in federal court accusing Facebook/Instagram of helping run crypto scams via ad targeting and WhatsApp funnels, arguing Meta’s AI tools boosted scam effectiveness. Public Safety: After a fatal Hendry County officer-involved shooting, a Southwest Florida sheriff’s office reported threats and arrested two men tied to threatening law enforcement. Elections & Activism: “No Kings: Vote Early” protests are set for Oct. 17, with Florida early voting beginning Oct. 24 (dates vary by county). Aviation Tragedy: NTSB says preliminary data from Miami’s deadly Amazon cargo crash suggests pilots considered a go-around before aborting; investigators plan pilot interviews. Tech & Crime Policy: Florida AG James Uthmeier proposes criminal penalties for companies whose AI chatbots allegedly assist violent crimes. Weather: South Florida stays stormy with scattered showers and thunderstorms, plus more rain chances into the weekend.

UF Football & Culture: Florida brought back the “Gator Bait” chant for the first time since 2020, with UF leaders saying the cheer itself isn’t racist but pointing to “horrific historic racist imagery” tied to it. Public Health: More than 1,500 pounds of imported pork guanciale are recalled in Florida and beyond over possible listeria contamination. Aviation Safety: The NTSB says data from the Miami Amazon cargo crash suggests pilots initiated a go-around seconds before impact, killing five on the ground. Missing Persons: A small plane carrying a Florida family vanished off the Bahamas coast, and search efforts continue amid bad weather. AI & Crime Policy: Florida AG James Uthmeier proposes criminal penalties for AI companies whose tools are used to facilitate crimes. Privacy & Surveillance: FDOT orders removal of license plate reader “flock” cameras from state roadways; Collier County says it will pull 72 units. Local Politics: Lee County growth-plan changes sparked backlash, and a senior oversight committee member resigned.

Israel-Palestine Trade Fallout: The U.K. is banning imports of goods from illegal Israeli West Bank settlements, with France and Canada moving the same way—prompting sharp warnings from Israel and a U.S. envoy. Florida Immigration & Schools: Florida’s Board of Governors is moving to bar undocumented students from enrolling at state universities, while the state’s surgeon general backs changes that would loosen school vaccine requirements and expand religious opt-outs. Missing Plane Off the Bahamas: A small plane carrying a Florida family vanished after departing the Bahamas; one person has been found dead and search crews are still looking for the rest near Andros Island. Weather & Flood Risk: South Florida braces for scattered thunderstorms and localized flooding risk Tuesday, with heat staying in the low 90s. FSU Game Disruption: A power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium delayed Florida State’s opener vs. SMU, forcing a more “old-school” setup for the televised game. Business Moves: Coca-Cola Beverages Florida names Cecilia M. Pacheco as VP of Human Resources. Tech/Markets: XTEND AI Robotics begins trading on the NYSE, marking its public debut.

FSU vs. SMU Delay: A power outage at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee knocked out the press box, sound system and floodlights, delaying the Labor Day matchup nearly two hours before kickoff. State Tech & Privacy: FDOT ordered local agencies to remove automated license plate readers from Florida state road rights-of-way, citing misuse and privacy concerns. Labor Day Safety: Bay County Fire Rescue reported a busy holiday weekend, including an emergency landing at ECP and warnings about distracted driving and alcohol-related incidents. Cybersecurity Warning: Winona County, Minnesota, paid a ransomware bill in January—then got hit again 11 weeks later, with a second gang stealing millions of files. College Football Culture: The University of Florida brought back the “Gator Bait” cheer after a six-year ban, as officials say traditions matter. Business & Finance: WaFd and EverBank announced a definitive merger agreement, with WaFd continuing and a new Nasdaq ticker planned. Weather Watch: The Panhandle expects warm, muggy Labor Day conditions with limited rain overnight, with storms more likely later in the week.

Immigration & Education: Florida’s Board of Governors approved a rule barring people described as “present in the United States unlawfully” from initial enrollment at certain public universities starting in 2027-28, adding fuel to the fight over who gets access to higher education. Public Safety: A 71-year-old woman was fatally shot after firing a gun inside the Port Orange police station lobby, with video showing officers firing more than a dozen times. Travel Disruption: A deadly Amazon cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport killed five and injured five, leaving two runways closed and causing major Labor Day delays. Weather & Community: South Florida braces for another round of intense storms on Labor Day, while Southwest Florida is recruiting “Weather Watchers” volunteers to help track conditions. Local Politics & Accountability: Jacksonville City Council President Nick Howland drew scrutiny after flying on a billionaire’s private jet to catch a Rays game. Sports: Florida’s football opener vs. FAU delivered big offensive numbers, and attention turns to the FSU vs. SMU matchup Monday.

Aviation Tragedy: Five people were killed and five others injured after an Amazon cargo plane overran the runway and crashed at Miami International Airport, striking vehicles and bursting into flames; officials say more than 60 fire units responded and the FAA and NTSB are investigating. College Sports (FSU): Florida State is hunting a top 2028 quarterback, with four-star Chandler Dyson set to visit ahead of the SMU opener, while FSU’s radio booth honors Gene Deckerhoff’s legacy with a dedication at an SMU game. College Sports (Florida): The Gators opened strong with a 66-21 win over FAU, led by QB Aaron Philo’s debut and RB Jadan Baugh’s 160-yard, three-touchdown performance, though coach Jon Sumrall flagged defensive fixes. Public Safety/Crime: Seven people were charged in a $100 million workers’ comp fraud scheme involving shell companies and cash payrolls. Local Watch: Altamonte Springs marked 9/11 with 2,977 flags lining a neighborhood street. Weather: Labor Day brings scattered coastal-to-inland storms and dangerous lightning risk across South Florida.

Severe Weather & Holiday Travel: Central Florida gets a brief drier break Sunday before storms ramp back up for Labor Day, with rain chances climbing again Monday and a low-end flood risk lingering into midweek. Public Safety: A lightning strike sent a South Florida sheriff’s deputy to the hospital, and Florida Highway Patrol reports a milk truck crash on I-75 near Wesley Chapel that airlifted the driver after a serious wreck. Law & Order: A rabies advisory is in effect in St. Johns County after a confirmed rabid raccoon was found, urging residents to avoid wild animals and keep pets vaccinated. State Budget Watch: Florida’s Legislative Budget Commission meets to update the state’s long-term financial outlook, with lawmakers weighing a projected $7.1 billion surplus that could shrink fast. Local Economy/Real Estate: Ares Management bought two fully leased Miami-Dade warehouses for $108.7 million, including a Target distribution center in Hialeah and a LaserShip facility in Sweetwater.

College Football: Florida kicked off the Jon Sumrall era with a 66-21 rout of FAU at The Swamp, racing to a 38-14 halftime lead behind QB Aaron Philo’s 275 yards and 3 passing TDs and RB Jadan Baugh’s 160 yards and 3 scores. Gator Traditions: Florida also revived the “gator bait” cheer after more than six years, saying it’s “meaningful to the Gator family” despite earlier bans tied to “historic racist imagery.” Local Politics/Privacy: Florida’s statewide pushback on surveillance tech continues as the state orders local agencies to remove Flock cameras from state roads, with the debate spreading into elections. Weather: Labor Day weekend stays stormy for Central Florida, with showers and thunderstorms likely through Monday. Boating Economy: New state data highlights Southwest Florida’s boating footprint, with Collier County showing fewer facilities but concentrated capacity around Naples Bay, Marco Island, and the Ten Thousand Islands. Public Safety: A Miami police motorcycle officer was injured in a Florida Turnpike crash, and Jacksonville logged the most truck-involved crashes in Florida again.

Immigration & Voting Rights: A federal appeals court rejected the Trump administration’s bid to revive the SAVE voter-purge system, saying it risks canceling registrations based on inaccurate citizenship data. Privacy & Policing Tech: Florida is pulling Flock-style license plate readers from state roads, with local agencies like Gainesville suspending ALPR use after FDOT revoked permits. Local Crime & Courts: Two former guards at the shuttered “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor battery charges tied to a January incident. Campaign Trail: State Rep. Angie Nixon announced Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed her U.S. Senate run. Public Safety: A Fort Myers pedestrian was killed Friday night after being struck while crossing U.S. 41. Weather: Central Florida is bracing for warm conditions and heavy rain with possible strong thunderstorms through the weekend. Sports: Florida opens its 2026 season Saturday vs. FAU in Gainesville.

Health & Tech: A new FIU-led study finds popular smartwatches can overestimate calorie burn by roughly 15% to 25%, with accuracy getting worse as body fat increases—so don’t treat watch numbers as exact. Public Safety: A North Fort Myers crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian shut down lanes on Evergreen Road. Courts & Crime: A Florida woman who shot a man after a Walmart parking-spot dispute in North Lauderdale will not face charges under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law. Local Life: Gainesville’s $4.5 million “streatery” pedestrian corridor is wrapping up just in time for UF’s season opener. Politics & Education: Florida’s Board of Governors voted to bar undocumented students from initial enrollment at selective public universities starting in 2027-28. Weather/Travel: Labor Day weekend looks stormy across Central Florida with frequent lightning and heavy downpours possible. Sports: Florida opens its 2026 season Saturday vs. FAU, with the Gators heavily favored and selling out Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Policy Watch: Florida revoked permits for license plate reader cameras on state roads, ordering agencies to tear down systems within 30 days.

Immigration & Higher Education: Florida’s Board of Governors voted unanimously to bar undocumented students from initial enrollment at the state’s 12 public universities starting in the 2027-28 school year, a move that follows similar restrictions already approved for other Florida education programs. Public Safety & Weather: Florida is seeing extreme lightning activity statewide, and a Miami-Dade sheriff’s sergeant was hospitalized after a lightning strike hit a car; meanwhile, South and Central Florida are bracing for a rainy Labor Day weekend with storms each day. Transportation & Privacy: FDOT ordered state law enforcement to remove automated license plate reader cameras from Florida state highways within 30 days, while local agencies say they’ll keep using the tech elsewhere. Utilities: Duke Energy Florida is seeking lower electric rates for 2027, projecting about a 71-cent drop on a typical 1,000 kWh monthly bill if approved. Local Life: Volunteers and businesses are rebuilding an elderly couple’s Miami-Dade home, including donated plumbing and a newly inspected roof. Business & Community: Curaleaf opened a new Riverview dispensary, expanding its Florida retail footprint.

Immigration & Higher Education: Florida’s Board of Governors voted unanimously to bar undocumented students from enrolling in the state’s 12 public universities starting in 2027-28, requiring proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful status. Public Safety & Courts: A Florida Highway Patrol search is underway for a woman believed to have helped after a deadly Orange County crash on Aug. 16, where a speeding driver ran a red light and a 41-year-old woman died. Crime & Federal Enforcement: The FBI is offering a $150,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a Turkish national tied to a defense fraud scheme involving counterfeit military parts, with alleged Florida connections. Transportation & Safety: FHP says a man died after being struck while changing a tire on I-75 in Miramar; a 2-year-old in the car was not hurt. Local Governance & Privacy: Palm Beach County paused new permits for Flock-style license plate reader cameras after FDOT moved to remove them from state right-of-ways over privacy concerns. Community & Health: A Broward hospital’s volunteer concierge team is helping patients feel like VIPs during visits. Sports: FSU volleyball begins a new era under coach Lindsay Allman as the program works to establish its identity in the 2026 season.

Flock & Privacy Fight: Florida’s governor ordered Flock automated license-plate readers removed from state roads, and sheriffs across the state suspended use—while local leaders in places like Palm Beach County push back over storage and how data is used. Policy & Health: Florida’s Department of Health proposed changing school vaccine requirements, including removing several vaccines from entry rules and expanding religious exemptions, with a public comment period now open. Insurance Watch: A new study says Florida’s 2022-2023 legal reforms are stabilizing the property insurance market, with homeowners and auto policyholders paying less in 2025 than the year before. Business & Growth: Newmark arranged $215.8M in bridge financing for a 1,274-unit multifamily portfolio across Florida, and Precision IO plans new AI features for its Epione® robotic platform at CIRSE. Space Coast: The Trump administration is seeking public input on how to support a surge to 1,000+ launches and reentries per year, including upgrades at Florida spaceports. Local Notes: FDOT closed U.S. 17-92 in Davenport for repairs tied to roadway depressions from a jack-and-bore operation.

Mar-a-Lago Airspace Security: The FAA is proposing permanent special flight rules around Trump’s Palm Beach airport, requiring extra clearance and transponder contact for aircraft near the zone—critics say it may not be enough against drones. State Politics: House Democrats are pushing to impeach Florida AG James Uthmeier over a leaked grand jury finding tied to $10M in Medicaid settlement money routed into political committees. Local Ethics: The Florida Commission on Ethics found probable cause against Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa, setting up a possible public hearing over alleged conflicts involving city-administered grant funds. Governor’s Race: Byron Donalds campaigned in Delray Beach as the GOP ticket tightens, fielding questions on HOA fees, AI data centers, and antisemitism. Public Safety & Courts: A jury in a separate case remains deadlocked in Massachusetts, while Florida’s courts also keep moving—Tiger Woods reached a plea deal reducing charges and suspending his license for five years. Privacy Backlash: Fort Myers Beach officials are weighing ending their Flock Safety contract for license plate readers amid broader state and local pullbacks. Child Abuse Case: Florida prosecutors say four children were confined and abused for years in a tractor-trailer sleeper cab, with two caregivers charged.

License Plate Cameras: Florida is ordering the removal of Flock-style automated license plate readers from state highway rights-of-way, with FDOT revoking permits and local agencies responding in kind. Local Law Enforcement: Orange County Sheriff’s Office says it will stop using LPRs where no longer permitted but keep them where allowed. Politics & Campaigns: Gov. Ron DeSantis endorsed Byron Donalds and other GOP candidates at a Tampa forum, setting up a Nov. 3 showdown with Democrat David Jolly. Weather: South Florida braces for a wet Wednesday with scattered storms, heavy downpours, localized flooding, lightning, and gusty winds, while the state also just logged one of its hottest summers on record. Public Safety: A naked man in the Florida Keys bit a deputy after being taken to a hospital, authorities say. Courts & Crime: Tiger Woods pleaded no contest to reduced reckless driving in Martin County, accepting a five-year driver’s license suspension and fines. Community & Culture: Fort Myers’ new Philharmonic debuts Sept. 11 with a 9/11 remembrance concert. Environment: Lee County Beautiful is inviting residents to the Sept. 19 International Coastal Cleanup.

License Plate Reader Crackdown: Florida is revoking permits and ordering law enforcement to remove Flock-style automated license plate readers from state highway rights-of-way within 30 days, citing misuse reports and privacy concerns—sparking fast pullbacks by sheriffs across Northeast Florida and questions about why some other roadside cameras remain. Local Arts Funding: Osceola County will invest $5 million over two years in a Cultural Facilities Grant Program to support public and nonprofit arts venues with renovations, accessibility upgrades, and equipment. Court Watch (Tiger Woods): Tiger Woods is set to appear in Martin County court to change his not-guilty plea in a DUI case tied to a March rollover crash. Child Abuse Case: Florida AG James Uthmeier announced charges against two women accused of yearslong abuse of four children inside a “rolling dungeon” truck. Public Safety & Justice: Harold Gene Lucas was executed Tuesday, the state’s 14th execution this year. Community Notes: Fernandina Beach’s paid parking fight hit a 2-2 deadlock, leaving the program’s end date in place.