AGP Executive Report

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.

FDOT Crackdown on Flock Cameras: Florida has revoked permits for automatic license plate readers on state highways, giving agencies 30 days to remove the devices and ending future approvals—fueling fresh debate over privacy versus public safety. Local Politics: North Miami disqualified a City Council candidate over campaign-check signature rules, then put him back on the ballot after threats of litigation. Workforce & Defense Funding: Gov. DeSantis announced about $23M in grants to expand training and defense-industry capacity, including upgrades at Florida State College at Jacksonville and new maritime fabrication training. U.S. Senate Race Heat: Democratic candidate Angie Nixon attacked Trump’s Venezuela oil deal as “the epitome” of communism, while also facing renewed scrutiny over her views on unborn rights. Business & Tech: Helios Technologies expanded its No Roads platform with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while BUM Energy launched a limited-edition “Peaches & Honey” flavor with Ella Langley. Sports & Community: FAMU will play two games in one week at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, and Legoland Florida kicks off Brick or Treat on Sept. 5.

Flock cameras crackdown: Florida’s FDOT revoked permits and ordered automated license plate readers (including Flock) removed from state highway rights-of-way within 30 days, citing misuse, privacy and surveillance concerns—prompting sheriffs and cities across Central Florida to suspend or pull devices. Local fallout: Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil suspended his agency’s license plate reader use as Leon-area “transparency portals” face renewed scrutiny. Policy fight: DeSantis framed the move as preventing a “surveillance state,” pointing to alleged abuses. Amazon ad lawsuit: The FTC and 22 states (including Florida) sued Amazon over claims it secretly inflated ad prices via auction “surcharges,” seeking penalties and possible recovery. Healthcare & taxes: Florida TaxWatch launched a tool showing Amendment 3 could cut homestead taxes but cost local governments hundreds of millions in property tax revenue. Business/education: FSU launched a Business of Healthcare Initiative to tackle workforce and operations challenges. Weather: Tropical Depression 5 strengthened into Tropical Storm Edouard in the Gulf, with warnings for parts of the northwestern Gulf Coast. Sports: Florida A&M opened with a 20-7 win over Albany State, setting up the Orange Blossom Classic vs. South Carolina State.

Tropical Weather: The National Hurricane Center issued its first advisory on Potential Tropical Cyclone 5, with tropical storm warnings up for parts of Texas and Louisiana and a forecast that it could become Tropical Storm Edouard by tonight. Public Health: Florida is reporting more than 40 locally acquired dengue cases, including over 30 in the Tampa Bay area, prompting mosquito-control alerts in Hillsborough, Miami-Dade and Pinellas. Consumer/Workforce: A push for the REPAIR Act targets carmakers’ diagnostic-code lockouts that can keep independent mechanics from fixing many problems. Local Safety/Traffic: Northbound lanes on the Skyway Bridge reopened after a Verizon van fire caused major delays. Politics & Courts: Attorney General James Uthmeier defended the “100% legal” routing of a $10 million Medicaid-related settlement into political committees tied to the Hope Florida Foundation. Community & Health: A South Florida physical therapist completed a virtual marathon at Broward Health Imperial Point to raise breast cancer awareness. Environment & Crime: A Florida HVAC worker was arrested after alleged video showed him violently abusing a homeowner’s dog. Death Penalty: Harold Gene Lucas is scheduled for execution Sept. 1 after nearly 50 years on death row.

Space Watch: NASA launched the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope from Kennedy Space Center on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy mission to map dark energy/dark matter, test gravity, and hunt exoplanets with a view said to be 100 times wider than Hubble. Local Weather: Central Florida heads into a wetter workweek with daily rain and storm chances through midweek, highs in the low 90s. Housing & Cost of Living: A new Realtor.com report says Florida is pulling in out-of-town buyers for new construction, with Lakeland leading the nation in outside views. Local Government: Anna Maria Island businesses are bracing for a proposed paid parking plan that could shift where and how visitors park. Public Safety & Community: Brevard County will close Astronaut High School Monday due to a complete power outage, with classes resuming Tuesday. Environment & Business: Publix is pledging $1 million to The Nature Conservancy for projects including water-quality improvements in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon. Sports & Florida: Florida State opened its season with a win over New Mexico State, but fans aren’t ready to celebrate yet. Crime & Courts: Florida is preparing to execute three men in September, according to reporting.

Mega Millions: A winner from Bradenton has claimed the $800 million Mega Millions jackpot sold at a Wawa near Sarasota, choosing the $344.2 million cash option. Space Coast Science: NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope blasted off from Kennedy Space Center on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy mission to map dark matter and dark energy and hunt exoplanets. Florida Politics: The Hope Florida grand jury fallout keeps growing after findings that $10 million was misappropriated for political purposes, with renewed calls for resignations and scrutiny of top officials. Healthcare Costs: Florida AG Todd Blanche filed an antitrust lawsuit accusing Express Scripts and Prime Therapeutics of colluding to underpay independent pharmacies. Surveillance Debate: South Florida’s dense Flock license-plate camera network is drawing privacy concerns over how vehicle data is collected and used. Sports & Local Life: FSU opened the season with a 34-17 win over New Mexico State, while Tallahassee fans celebrated football’s return. Weather Watch: Forecasters are tracking Dolly remnants and other Atlantic disturbances for possible impacts.

Gubernatorial Race: Byron Donalds picked Bryan Ávila as his running mate, with the GOP ticket betting on historic momentum for Florida’s first Black governor. Immigration Enforcement: Fort Myers residents protested a surge in ICE activity, alleging profiling and hotel checks tied to local law enforcement. Education & Ideology: Florida schools expand “History of Communism” instruction for grades 6–12, framing it as inoculation against college indoctrination. Public Safety & Accountability: A Brevard County deputy resigned after an internal probe tied him to alleged Flock camera misuse and other misconduct. Space Coast Buzz: SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy is set to launch NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope from Florida, and officials are inviting rocket-launch photo submissions. Sports: Florida State opened with a 34-17 win over New Mexico State as Ashton Daniels threw for 202 yards and scored. Housing & Scams: Central Florida home sales stayed hot—many closed without price cuts—while BBB Scam Tracker shows ongoing online purchase fraud in multiple cities. Business & Tech: Data-center backlash is heating up in midterm politics as power costs and noise fuel voter anger.