AGP Executive Report

Federal Court Action: The FBI says it busted a Victorville, California man and two others for allegedly paying Skid Row residents to sign ballot petitions using stolen identities of registered voters. Local Public Safety: Lake County Fire Rescue is urging residents to prepare for peak hurricane season, secure loose items, and stay clear of downed power lines after storms. Health Watch: Florida reported 23 leprosy cases in 2026, the highest in the U.S., with officials pointing to rare risks including possible armadillo links. Flooding Alerts: Miami-Dade is bracing for king tides that can trigger “sunny day flooding” over the next few days. Crime & Courts: An Osceola County man accused in a triple murder at an Airbnb was found competent to stand trial. Politics: Florida Democrats’ Angie Nixon is attacking Ashley Moody over the Hope Florida controversy as she ramps up her general election pitch. Housing & Growth: Orange County Public Schools is freezing hiring after enrollment fell more than expected, citing factors like birth rates, housing affordability, and voucher expansion. Community & Culture: Architectural Digest named Seaside the prettiest town in Florida.

Fuel Costs & Inflation: AAA says Florida regular gas is still near $4 a gallon, while diesel hit a record $5.90, adding pressure to prices statewide. Road Safety: An 11-year-old was hurt after being struck while crossing Tiny Road in Winter Garden. Local Economy & Housing: Palm Beach County home sales rose 15% year over year in July, with inventory down and higher-end sales climbing. Public Safety & Courts: A Florida man tied to the “Hog Trail Murders” is scheduled for execution over a 1996 killing. Tech & Kids Online: TikTok is asking a court to dismiss Florida’s lawsuit over the state’s minor social media ban. Property Taxes & Services: Largo residents are weighing Amendment 3’s homestead exemption changes, while Bay County library advocates warn of major funding losses. Environment & Health: Florida health officials are investigating a possible dengue-related death in Hillsborough County. Community & Events: The International Coastal Cleanup returns to South Florida this month.

Gas Prices: Florida’s average hit $4.07 a gallon Wednesday, up 18 cents overnight, with Pensacola still lowest at about $3.92 but not far behind. Education Funding: Broward’s $4.7B school budget passed without a guaranteed teacher raise, leaving educators waiting on a Nov. 3 referendum that could add $230M for salaries. County Budget Crunch: Polk County commissioners tentatively approved a $78.8M budget while a $6.5M general fund deficit remains a looming problem. Public Safety & Crime: Polk Sheriff Grady Judd blasted an alleged “vicious” sexual battery suspect, saying the accused is an illegal immigrant; FDLE also arrested a Sanford man on 10 counts of child sexual abuse material possession. Health & Community: Baker County approved funding for a new rescue unit and health department core contract; a Stuart woman died after an I-95 crash. Local Life: Duval opened a new elections museum, “Democracy Starts Here,” and White Castle set a Sept. 22 opening in Daytona Beach.

Public Health: Florida logged 32 new locally acquired dengue cases in one week, bringing the statewide total to 73, with Tampa Bay driving most of the surge (65 of 73; Hillsborough 59). Safety & Wildlife: A child was bitten by an alligator while swimming in the off-limits Weeki Wachee Preserve; officials say injuries weren’t life-threatening. Crime & Courts: A Broward judge dismissed rapper Kodak Black’s charges tied to a February traffic stop. Local Government & Housing: Alachua County commissioners approved negotiations for the east Gainesville “Legacy Project” affordable housing plan. Transportation & Infrastructure: A stretch of U.S. Highway 40 in Dunnellon closed after a Levy County deputy-involved shooting; investigators include FDLE. Community & Education: Orange County School Board finalized a reduced 2026-27 budget after enrollment drops and other cost pressures. Arts: Miami Shores marquetry artist Milton Mizell is showcasing “Blackquetry,” using wood veneers to center Black identity and storytelling.

Aviation Safety: A pilot died after a small plane struck a power line and crashed near Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville; the NTSB is investigating. 9/11 Education: Florida schools are expanding required 9/11 lessons ahead of the 25th anniversary, with civics and U.S. government classes covering key events and responses. Wildlife Warning: A child was bitten by an alligator at Weeki Wachee Preserve; swimming is banned across the preserve and officials urge strict rule-following. Major Crash: Five people were killed when an Amazon cargo jet overran a runway at Miami International Airport and hit a van; investigators are looking at runway and aircraft safety factors. Public Safety: Hillsborough County arrested 27 drivers for DUI during a Labor Day crackdown. Health Watch: Dengue cases in Florida nearly doubled in a week, with new locally acquired infections reported statewide. Housing/Cost of Living: Southwest Florida apartment vacancy is rising, with some analysts estimating around 20% to 30%, giving renters more leverage. Local Government/Privacy: Florida is removing license plate readers on state roads after privacy backlash, even as some police say the tools help solve crimes.

Boating Safety: One person was hospitalized after two boats collided near Durney Key in Pasco County following a verbal altercation between groups on separate vessels; investigators say no arrests have been made and are asking for witness video or photos. Search & Rescue: The U.S. Coast Guard joined Bahamas efforts to find a small plane missing off the Bahamas carrying four family members headed to Miami. Local Development: Charlotte County commissioners will hold a public hearing Tuesday on Southwest Florida’s first Buc-ee’s, a proposed 74,000-square-foot rest stop near the Peace River that critics say sits in a high-risk flood zone. Public Health: Florida mosquito-control agencies are ramping up as dengue cases are expected to rise, with local alerts in Hillsborough and Pinellas. Wildlife Warning: A child was bitten by a 9- to 12-foot alligator at Weeki Wachee Preserve; swimming is prohibited there. Civil Rights: Palm Beach County fired a building department employee after a road rage incident involving Nazi salutes and antisemitic remarks toward a Jewish driver. Justice: Attorneys asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stay the execution of Florida death row inmate Daniel Conahan Jr., scheduled for Thursday, seeking DNA testing. Tech & Privacy: FDOT ordered removal of automated license plate readers from state road rights-of-way, citing misuse and privacy concerns.

Transportation & Safety: A deadly Amazon cargo plane crash at Miami International Airport killed at least five people and injured five others, with two runways still closed as investigators (FAA and NTSB) work to determine what caused the runway overrun. Turnpike Traffic: Florida’s Turnpike shut down near Okeechobee Road in Fort Pierce after a fatal box truck crash; northbound lanes were later reported closed at the same spot as crews investigated. Local Crime & Courts: YouTuber Jack Doherty was arrested in Fort Lauderdale on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge; a magistrate set bond at $1,000 and ordered no contact with the alleged victim. Serious Charges: In The Villages, a man accused of crashing head-on into a school bus while fleeing a traffic stop was formally charged; investigators say all 19 children on the bus were safe. Community & Governance: Collier County commissioners will hear an update on license plate reader concerns as residents push back on surveillance tech. Health Care Expansion: Hernando County cleared the way for a new Spring Hill health center backed by a $5 million gift, aiming to expand primary care and behavioral health access. Wildlife & Weather: Manatees are dying at a higher rate after boat strikes, and Labor Day storms are expected to bring intense downpours across South Florida.

Aviation Disaster: An Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 cargo jet overran the runway and crashed at Miami International Airport, killing 5 and injuring 5 more; thick smoke and a fuel leak prompted a major emergency response and an FAA investigation. Travel Disruptions: With flights diverted, Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers saw dozens of rerouted passengers, including travelers facing long delays. Public Safety & Crime: Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz criticized a proposed Grand Theft Auto 6 “Vice City” tie-in, saying it sends the wrong message about crime. Health Watch: Orange County stepped up mosquito control in Pine Hills after a locally acquired dengue case was confirmed. Justice System: Seven people were charged in a $100 million workers’ comp fraud scheme involving shell companies and cash payrolls. Local Accidents: A 22-year-old motorcyclist died after hitting a tractor-trailer stopped for a crash roadblock on I-4 in Volusia County. Community: Escambia County is set to vote on accepting $100,000 for beach debris cleanup after sargassum and other biological debris hit shorelines.

Holiday Safety: FWC is reminding beachgoers that sea turtle nesting is still underway. Visitors should stay at least 50 feet from marked nests, keep lights off and curtains closed after dark, and clean up trash before leaving. Public Service & Community: Miami officials unveiled a historical marker honoring the late U.S. Rep. Carrie Meek, with family and elected leaders attending at Miami-Dade College. Road Safety: A milk truck crash on I-75 near Wesley Chapel sent a driver to the hospital after a semi hit an unoccupied pickup on the shoulder. In Manatee County, Florida Highway Patrol says two toddlers were in the back seat during a 120+ mph I-75 street race; both drivers were arrested. Health Alerts: St. Johns County issued a rabies advisory after a raccoon tested positive; residents are urged to avoid wild animals and keep pets vaccinated. Local Economy/Real Estate: Ares Management bought two fully leased Miami-Dade warehouses for $108.7 million, including a Target distribution center in Hialeah. Crime & Courts: A man was arrested after police say he followed a UNF student with autism into a campus bathroom and prevented him from leaving.

Space & Economy: Florida’s congressional delegation is pushing to land the newly announced U.S. Space Academy, arguing the state’s universities and space industry make it the right home. Public Safety: Hernando County Fire Rescue says two crew members were among four people hurt when a rescue unit crashed at Cortez Boulevard and Barclay Avenue; Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. Road Hazards: A fiery wrong-way crash on SR 414 in Orange County sent three people to the hospital, and FHP is still looking into why a vehicle was traveling the wrong direction. Elections & Civic Life: Orange County voter groups are urging turnout ahead of the Nov. 3 election after low primary participation. Crime & Courts: A Pasco County sheriff called a deputy arrested on child sex abuse allegations a “monster,” while a Tampa man was sentenced to more than 30 years in federal prison for a fentanyl conspiracy. Weather: Tornado warnings were issued for parts of Brevard County, with radar-indicated rotation reported. Community: St. Lucie County is launching a seed library program to help residents share and grow plants.

Surveillance Backlash: Florida’s pushback against Flock-style license plate readers keeps spreading, with Gainesville suspending ALPR use after FDOT revoked permits on state road rights-of-way, joining other local moves. Courts & Public Safety: Tiger Woods’ DUI case ended with a no-contest plea to reckless/careless driving and a five-year license suspension after a March rollover near Jupiter Island. Local Crime & Accountability: Sarasota County’s school board leak dispute is heating up, with transparency experts saying the report is a public record and warning against criminal threats for whistleblowing. Roads & Weather: A Dolphin Expressway fuel spill shut westbound lanes in Miami-Dade, while Labor Day weekend forecasts call for scattered storms across South Florida. Community Watch: Okeechobee and Gilchrist school districts both saw enrollment drops in 2024-25, and Okeechobee’s district fell 3.1% to 6,143 students.

Local Environment: Martin County nonprofit Community Greening is hosting a free native shade tree giveaway at Halpatiokee Park in Stuart on Sept. 12, starting at 10 a.m. First-come, first-served (one tree per household) with options like thatch palms, hackberry, red maple, and strangler fig. Public Safety & Weather: Labor Day weekend is shaping up stormy across Florida, with a marginal flash-flood risk and daily showers and thunderstorms; Volusia/Flagler could see heavy downpours and frequent lightning. Crime & Courts: Social media influencer Jack Doherty was arrested in Fort Lauderdale on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge after police responded to a domestic dispute; he was booked into Broward County jail. Government Watch: Orange County commissioners are considering a temporary moratorium on new AI data center applications while officials study impacts like water and electricity demand. Health: Dengue continues to rise in Florida, with CDC data showing hundreds of cases statewide and local transmission expanding in parts of Central and South Florida. Transportation Safety: A motorcyclist died after a head-on crash in Seminole County, according to Florida Highway Patrol. Housing/Community: A St. Johns County budget fight is heating up over whether to fund license plate reader technology, with residents pushing for a pause over privacy concerns.

FDOT & Privacy: Florida is removing automated license plate readers from state highways after FDOT revoked permits, with local agencies like Ocala and Marion County saying they’ll keep using readers elsewhere—raising fresh privacy and public-safety questions. Public Safety & Health: Dengue is surging, with 73 cases reported statewide and Hillsborough leading; measles also ticked up in Collier County to 96 statewide cases total, with vaccination rates still below herd-immunity targets. Courts & Accountability: Orange County judge Diana Tennis resigned after an investigation into improper political donations, while Volusia County commissioners debated sheriff funding ahead of property-tax decisions. Crime & Justice: Polk County announced arrests of 39 in a major drug-trafficking operation; a Kissimmee man was arrested for alleged road-rage gun threats; and a woman in a North Lauderdale Walmart parking-lot shooting won “stand your ground” immunity from charges. Local Life: Arts Garage in Delray Beach was named Florida’s best theatre venue for a third straight year, and Duke Energy Florida says 2027 electric rates could drop.

EB-5 + Tourism Development: Orange County’s “Gateway 2040” is headed to Dubai’s International Property Show this September, pitching a pedestrian makeover of International Drive and tying it to the EB-5 investor pathway for possible U.S. permanent residency. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Palm Beach County paused new Flock license-plate camera permits after FDOT moved to remove the cameras from state roads over privacy and rapid expansion concerns, adding to a growing statewide fight over surveillance. Food Assistance: Florida will receive 5.67 million eggs for food banks as part of a nationwide price-fixing settlement, with Feeding Florida distributing them across all 67 counties. Health Alerts: Brevard issued warnings for West Nile virus and rabies after a rabid raccoon tested positive in Melbourne; officials urged mosquito protection and avoiding wild animals. Courts & Accountability: Orange County prosecutors ordered a woman to stand trial in a deadly crash case after a witness search, while in another case, Lenawee County’s John Skelton was ordered to stand trial over the deaths of his three sons.

Public Safety: An 81-year-old Ormond Beach man died after lifeguards found him unresponsive in shallow water; the drowning cause is still unknown. Health Watch: Florida health officials confirmed West Nile virus in Brevard County sentinel chickens, and reported Cyclospora cases have reached 500 statewide for the week ending Aug. 29; measles also ticked up in Collier County to 144 total statewide. Elections & Voting Rights: Voting-rights groups filed a new federal lawsuit challenging Florida’s proof-of-citizenship voting law (HB 991), arguing it conflicts with the National Voter Registration Act and could block eligible voters. Privacy & Policing: Pembroke Pines suspended its license plate reader program after an FDOT directive tied to state roadways, as Florida moves to remove Flock cameras from state rights of way. Local Life: Sizzle Dining returns for its 10th year with 140 participating restaurants across Lee and Collier counties, with $1 per meal supporting weekend food for kids. Transportation: Avelo extended its Daytona Beach-area flight schedule through April 20, 2027.

Florida Politics: President Trump endorsed GOP congressional candidate Casey Askar in Florida’s 22nd District, a newly drawn seat covering Palm Beach, Broward, Hendry and Collier. Ethics & Accountability: The Florida Commission on Ethics dismissed complaints against Lee County Sheriff’s Office command staff tied to allegations of protecting an off-duty deputy in a DUI case; separately, it found probable cause against Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa over a prohibited contract relationship tied to city-administered grants. Public Safety: House Democrats are pushing to impeach Florida AG James Uthmeier over a leaked grand jury report alleging $10 million from a Medicaid settlement was misappropriated into political committees he controlled. Crime & Courts: A Hialeah man was arrested for allegedly stealing more than $86,000 from his elderly parents; in Orange County, two people face charges tied to years of alleged abuse of four children confined in a tractor-trailer. Transportation: Tri-Rail faces a $60 million state funding shortfall that could force service cuts. Environment: Sea turtle nesting on Florida’s Space Coast is on track for record levels, with thousands of nests already logged. Education & Community: A STEM classroom makeover at Kate M. Smith Elementary added 3D printers, microscopes and more via a $50,000 FPL grant. Health Care: Boston Children’s Hospital is reportedly considering expansion into West Palm Beach.