AGP Executive Report

Hurricane Recovery: Isaias left nearly 400,000 customers in Florida and Alabama without power Sunday after making landfall near Destin as a Category 2 storm. At least four people died, including two in Florida; crews are clearing roads and restoring electricity, while officials warn residents to use generators safely. Brevard Tragedy: A sheriff’s agent and another person were killed in a wrong-way crash on I-95 as the agent responded to a deputy-involved shooting in Mims. Dengue Alert: Florida has reported 252 locally acquired cases, including 223 in Hillsborough County, as health officials urge mosquito-control and prevention efforts. School Vaccines: Doctors warn a proposal to drop four vaccine requirements for child care and school could raise infection risks; public comments are due Oct. 19. Voting Access: Pasco County voters were shut out of two November contests after write-in candidates kept primaries closed, then withdrew. Miami-Dade Permits: The county canceled 6,036 disabled parking permits after auditing more than 129,000 records and launched an online system to strengthen verification.

Hurricane Recovery: Isaias made landfall near Destin as a Category 2 storm, leaving at least four people dead in Florida and Alabama and more than 420,000 Florida utility customers without power. The state activated thousands of Guard members and recovery workers; crews are clearing debris and restoring service, but officials warn residents not to run generators indoors. Dengue Watch: Florida reported 44 new locally acquired cases, bringing its 2026 total to 296. Broward County is now the eighth county with local transmission, as mosquito advisories expand. Brevard Tragedy: A 5-year-old boy died after a classroom display board fell on him at a Palm Bay elementary school. His family is questioning whether the screen was secured and whether he was adequately supervised. Indian River Transit: Fare-free GoLine won a national award for outstanding public transportation systems serving fewer than 3 million annual trips.

Hurricane Recovery: Isaias came ashore near Destin as a Category 2 storm, bringing 105 mph winds, flooding and widespread damage to the Panhandle. A person in Escambia County was reported killed by a falling tree; a second storm-related death was reported in Alabama. About 448,000 Florida utility accounts were without power Saturday morning, as more than 16,000 utility workers and state response teams began recovery work. DeSantis declared emergencies in 27 counties, and officials warned that flooding threats remained. Water Quality: Florida added 41 polluted waterways in Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties to its monitoring list. More than half were flagged for bacteria that can indicate human or animal waste, while some stretches of the Peace River and Cape Coral canals showed pollution concerns.

Hurricane Isaias: The storm came ashore near Destin late Friday as a Category 2 hurricane, with 105 mph sustained winds and gusts topping 116 mph in the Panhandle. More than 300,000 Florida customers lost power, with Escambia County among the hardest hit. Isaias is weakening inland, but heavy rain and a tornado watch remain concerns in parts of North Florida. Broward Schools: Florida’s attorney general is investigating the district’s handling of student laptop contracts after a county watchdog found procurement problems and alleged the school board was misled. Hope Florida: New reporting says state agencies paid private law firms to represent officials scrutinized over the diversion of $10 million in Medicaid settlement funds; an appeals court recently ordered the grand jury report expunged.

Hurricane Isaias: The Category 3 storm, packing 120 mph winds, is forecast to make landfall near Florida’s western Panhandle tonight. Officials warn of life-threatening storm surge, flooding rain and possible tornadoes; evacuations and emergency declarations are in effect across the region. Public Health: Florida has reported 296 locally acquired dengue cases this year, including 259 in Hillsborough County. Tampa Bay counties are continuing mosquito-control efforts after one reported death. School Safety: A 5-year-old Brevard County student died after a classroom display board fell on him. The district is inspecting similar equipment. Social Media: Florida is asking a court to require Meta to restrict Instagram and Facebook features it says can harm young users. Death Penalty: Gov. Ron DeSantis withdrew the execution warrant for William Lee Thompson, 74, after his lawyers raised concerns about dementia and other health problems; evaluation results have not been released.

Hurricane Isaias: Florida’s Panhandle is bracing for dangerous storm surge as Isaias strengthens in the Gulf. Evacuations are underway in coastal areas, while heavy rain has flooded streets and threatened homes across Central Florida. Sports Betting: The Seminole Tribe is suing DraftKings, alleging its prediction markets and Pick6 products offer illegal, unlicensed sports wagering in Florida. The tribe says its state compact gives it exclusive rights to statewide sports betting. Hope Florida: Gov. Ron DeSantis hailed an appeals court order expunging a grand jury report that alleged $10 million in public funds were misused, while criticizing news coverage of the case. Dengue: Florida’s outbreak has topped 250 cases, with local transmission reported in multiple counties.**

Hurricane Isaias: Northwest Florida counties are ordering evacuations and opening shelters as the storm approaches the Gulf Coast. Okaloosa and Franklin counties have issued mandatory orders for vulnerable coastal areas, with storm surge and flooding threats prompting closures and emergency preparations. Sports Betting Fight: The Seminole Tribe sued DraftKings in Broward County, alleging its Florida prediction and betting products violate the Tribe’s exclusive sports-wagering rights and asking a judge to shut them down. Surveillance Rules: Volusia County approved a 12-month moratorium on license-plate readers in county road rights of way and directed permit holders to remove existing cameras within 30 days. Student Safety: A Polk County school bus crash that killed a student and another driver has renewed scrutiny of school transportation safety; investigators say no criminal charges will be filed. Teen Social Media: Florida is asking a judge to require Meta to restrict Facebook and Instagram for young users, including barring children under 14 and limiting certain features while the state’s lawsuit proceeds.

Hurricane Isaias: The season’s first hurricane is moving toward the northern Gulf Coast and could strengthen before landfall Friday or early Saturday. Florida has issued a state of emergency; parts of coastal Okaloosa County are under evacuation orders, with shelters opening as officials warn of dangerous surge, winds and flooding. Polk County Crash: A school bus collision in Winter Haven killed a student and another driver and injured dozens. State records show FDOT had studied widening the crash-area road amid a history of collisions. Election Access: Palm Beach County restored distribution of the League of Women Voters’ nonpartisan guide at public libraries after initially blocking it. Amendment 3: Florida sheriffs and county leaders warn the proposed homestead tax break could squeeze local budgets and public safety, while supporters say it would ease homeowners’ tax bills. Public Health: Broward County confirmed its first locally acquired dengue case of the year, as Florida’s outbreak reaches 252 cases. Brevard Growth: A $57 million federal grant will fully fund Cocoa’s first Brightline station, with officials projecting 3,500 jobs.

Storm Preparations: Tropical Storm Isaias is strengthening in the Gulf, with Florida officials warning of possible heavy rain, flooding and strong winds. Gov. Ron DeSantis declared emergencies in 25 counties and staged supplies. School Bus Tragedy: A crash in Polk County killed a 10th-grade student and a Jeep driver; 26 students were taken to hospitals. Dashcam video shows a car striking the bus before it veered into oncoming traffic. Dengue Watch: Broward County confirmed its first locally acquired dengue case of the year as Florida’s outbreak topped 250 local cases. Amendment 3: County officials warn the proposed property-tax cut could squeeze budgets and threaten services, including programs for children that rely on local tax funding. Community News: Osceola County’s new bloodhound, Valor, will help search for missing people, especially those with dementia or developmental disabilities. Southwest Florida: Former Diocese of Venice Bishop Frank Dewane, who led about 250,000 Catholics across 10 counties, has died at 76.

Local Flood Rescue: Two best friends helped pull stranded drivers from a flooded Sanford intersection after heavy rain, with county crews later blocking the road for safety. Data Centers & Growth: Volusia County advanced a proposed ban on large-scale data centers in unincorporated areas, while Alachua City approved a 12-month moratorium on AI data centers. Water & Community Grants: Volusia County Council approved $13.1M in ECHO grants to expand water access and outdoor recreation across the county. Transportation & Jobs: Brightline’s Cocoa station is fully funded after a $57M federal grant, with officials touting major economic impact. Public Safety & Crime: A man threatening a McDonald’s employee led deputies to find a rifle and 30-round magazine in Hillsborough. Health & Environment: Orlando residents reported dozens of invasive Cuban treefrogs after days of rain, and Florida continues to monitor dengue as mosquito control ramps up. Hurricane Watch: Tropical Depression Nine is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane and approach Florida’s northern Gulf Coast. Education & Tragedy: A deadly Winter Haven school bus crash killed two and sent dozens to hospitals, with mass-casualty response underway.

Medicaid Crackdown: Gov. Ron DeSantis says Florida’s fraud crackdown has produced more than $1 billion in projected savings and led to the removal/termination of hundreds of Medicaid providers, with hundreds of site visits and hundreds of payment restrictions or suspensions tied to alleged fraud, waste, and abuse. Capital City Disruption: An electrical fire shut down much of downtown Tallahassee, knocking out power and traffic lights near the Leon County Courthouse and FDOT paving work. School Safety Tragedy: In Winter Haven, a school bus crash killed a 10th-grade student and the driver; witnesses described a chaotic, heartbreaking scene as dozens of others were injured. More Bus Crash News: In Highlands County, a box truck clipped a stopped school bus and a semi rear-ended the truck; two students reported minor injuries. Public Safety Tech: Orlando is adding 20 speed cameras in school zones; warnings start Oct. 5, with $100 fines beginning Nov. 30. Local Governance: Gainesville reelected Commissioner Casey Willits for a second term, highlighting work on transit, affordable housing, and a new park. Community & Culture: Jacksonville’s queer bar The Walrus says it has 48 hours to raise money to stay open. Business/Jobs: Brightline announced funding progress for a permanent Brevard County station expected to support 3,500 jobs.

Dengue Update (Broward): Florida health officials confirmed the first locally acquired human dengue case in Broward this year, with more than 250 statewide local cases reported across seven counties. AI Threat Case (Lee County): A Bonita Springs woman was arrested after Anthropic flagged her Claude chat allegedly saying she would “shoot up” the Lee County Sheriff’s Office; she faces a felony charge. School Safety Tragedy (Winter Haven): A school bus crash in Winter Haven killed a 10th-grade student and another driver, with dozens injured and treated at local hospitals. Local Politics (Fort Myers): Protesters marched at Fort Myers City Hall calling for Mayor Kevin Anderson to resign over allegations of unwanted sexual advances; he has denied the claims. Elections & Accountability (Palm Beach): The Palm Beach GOP kept suspended Clerk Mike Caruso on its voter guide despite pending child sex-abuse charges, while the state GOP says it withdrew support. Health Access (Deltona): A free 3D mobile mammography bus is coming to Deltona on Oct. 13 for eligible women ages 40–64 who are uninsured or underinsured. Crime & Courts (Nassau County): A woman was charged after an alleged $50,314 theft from the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County tied to a wire-fraud scheme. Public Safety (Lake County): Deputies are asking for help finding two missing juveniles last seen in Clermont and Groveland.

School Safety Tragedy: A school bus crash in Winter Haven killed two people, including a 10th-grade student, after a Chevy Malibu crossed the center line and struck the bus; the bus overturned and hit a Jeep, which caught fire. Public Safety Infrastructure: Gov. Ron DeSantis marked the opening of a new I-95 Oslo Road interchange in Indian River County, touting faster trips and up to 56% quicker emergency response times. Dengue Update: Florida’s dengue outbreak has topped 250 locally acquired cases, with most near Tampa; officials expanded mosquito control and reported a death. Wildlife Crime Crackdown: Attorney General James Uthmeier and FWC announced charges against 10 people in an undercover “Operation Stolen Waters” poaching ring accused of illegal fish, shrimp, and sea turtle sales worth more than $150,000. Local Surveillance Watch: St. Lucie County is reviewing 13 unpermitted license plate cameras, with removal notices issued and ownership still unclear. Community & Culture: Monroe County and Marathon will host a free America 250 sunset celebration Saturday, Oct. 10, on the Old 7 Mile Bridge.

Public Safety: Florida Highway Patrol is rolling out body cameras statewide, replacing older dash systems to boost transparency and accountability. Health: Hillsborough County is ramping up mosquito control with daytime aerial and ground spraying in response to a growing dengue outbreak, as officials urge residents to watch for symptoms. Crime & Courts: A Port St. Lucie TikTok creator dubbed a “demonologist” is back in jail on a felony computer-access charge after allegations he exposed women’s private information online and tracked them through their phones. Local Schools: A St. Cloud pre-K teacher was arrested after surveillance video allegedly shows her grabbing, dragging, and shoving a student. Elections: Florida’s voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 general election is Monday, Oct. 5—register or update at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov. Weather: A stalled cold front is expected to bring rain and storms across Central Florida through the week.

Voting Deadline: Florida voters have one last push to register for the Nov. 3 election, with online options and county-by-county precinct lookup as Monday deadlines loom. Police Use of Force: A Florida Highway Patrol trooper shot and wounded a hit-and-run suspect in Orange County after the man allegedly resisted and tried to flee; FDLE is investigating. Privacy & Surveillance: A federal judge ruled warrantless searches of Flock location data violated the Fourth Amendment, adding pressure to Florida’s ongoing license-plate camera rollback. Dengue Update: Florida confirmed 252 locally acquired dengue cases this year, with Hillsborough carrying the vast majority and new county response efforts underway. Public Safety—Trains & Roads: A pedestrian was killed after being struck by an Amtrak train near Michigan Avenue in Osceola County, while multiple deadly crashes across Central Florida left motorcyclists dead and others seriously hurt. Local Crime: A Seminole County teacher was arrested after allegations she dragged a seventh-grade student by the arm; authorities say surveillance captured the incident. Community: Over 300 JROTC cadets from 12 schools competed in the Raider Challenge in Brevard, with another meet set for Oct. 31.

Local Health Access: Promise Fund is bringing free mammograms to Martin County with screenings Oct. 7 and Oct. 24 for uninsured or underinsured women. Public Health: Eligible women in Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin can also get free breast and cervical screenings through the state’s early detection program. Community & Culture: The new Space Coast Blues Society is organizing Brevard’s blues community with performances and education. Housing & Accountability: A North Fort Myers veteran says she paid off Hurricane Ian roof repairs, but code enforcement is now targeting her over unfinished work and an expired permit. School Safety: A Seminole County teacher faces child abuse charges after police say she dragged a seventh-grader about 20 feet by the arm from a classroom. Violence: In Orange County, deputies found a father and his twin 17-year-old children dead in an apparent murder-suicide. Law Enforcement Use of Force: Florida Highway Patrol is investigating after a trooper shot a suspect following an Orange County hit-and-run. Environment: Santa Rosa and Escambia counties are turning damaged metal road signs into underwater reef habitat modules off the coast. Sports/Politics: Florida’s governor’s race is heating up as Byron Donalds and David Jolly campaign statewide.