AGP Executive Report

Public Safety: Fourteen people were arrested in Bay County’s “Operation Monster Mash,” a multi-agency sting targeting alleged online child exploitation and sexual offenses against children. In Tallahassee, a 15-year-old was arrested after a shooting near Florida A&M’s stadium injured 12 people, including six children. Health: Sarasota County issued a mosquito advisory after confirming a locally acquired West Nile virus case. Florida’s local dengue count has also reached 425, prompting continued precautions against mosquito bites. Elections: With Florida’s Nov. 3 election approaching, gubernatorial candidates Byron Donalds and David Jolly are making their final pitches. Sheriff Grady Judd and other public safety leaders warn that Amendment 3’s proposed property-tax cuts could squeeze emergency-service budgets; voters will decide the measure next week. Coastal Flooding: King tides, strong winds and rain are flooding streets across South Florida, with coastal warnings and advisories in effect. Transportation: A 23-year-old Road Ranger was killed on I-95 near Lantana after a car entered a closed lane at a crash scene and struck him and an FHP cruiser.

Coastal Flooding: High surf, strong winds and king tides are prompting beach closures along Central Florida’s Atlantic coast, with flooding risks expected around high tides Monday and Tuesday. Road Safety: A 23-year-old Road Ranger was killed on I-95 near Lantana Road after a car entered a lane closure and struck him, Florida Highway Patrol said. Election Watch: More than 297,000 people have voted early in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties. In Tallahassee, Customs and Border Protection agents who raised concerns near a polling site were reportedly trying to vote and left after learning they were ineligible there. Gulf Coast Project: Okaloosa County expects to sink the historic SS United States southwest of Destin in November, creating what officials hope will be the world’s largest artificial reef and a draw for divers and tourism. Schools: A Flagler County special-needs teacher faces felony child-abuse charges after allegedly throwing and pinning a 6-year-old student. Condo Costs: Security First Insurance announced a 7.3% statewide average rate cut for condo policies, including coverage in the Tampa Bay area.

Tallahassee Shooting: Gunfire near Florida A&M’s homecoming celebration injured 12 people, including six children; three were reported in serious condition. Traffic Crashes: A driver was airlifted after a truck left I-75 in Charlotte County Sunday morning. Fatal crashes were also reported in Putnam and Palm Beach counties, while a separate Turnpike wreck near Orlando killed six. Midterm Election: Early voting is underway across Florida, with President Trump casting his ballot in the state as campaigns make their final push before Nov. 3. Public Health: Florida’s locally acquired dengue cases have climbed to 425, prompting new advisories as mosquito-borne infections spread. Weather and Environment: Coastal flooding, gusty winds and showers continue in Southeast Florida, while wildlife officials confirmed an established Burmese python population in Charlotte County, beyond the snakes’ historic Everglades stronghold.

Tallahassee Shooting: Eleven people, including six juveniles, were wounded near Florida A&M’s stadium after a homecoming game. One victim is in critical condition; police say the shooting may have stemmed from an altercation and are investigating. Election 2026: Donald and Melania Trump voted early in Palm Beach County as Florida’s early-voting period began ahead of Nov. 3. In Miami-Dade, some Venezuelan-American voters say the economy and immigration crackdown have cooled their support for Trump. Public Health: Florida reported 425 locally acquired dengue cases through Oct. 17, up 57 in a week, with cases in 11 counties. Seminole County has issued its first mosquito-borne illness advisory of the year. Safety: Six people were killed in a fiery crash on Florida’s Turnpike in Orange County. In Polk County, a 3-year-old died after accidentally shooting himself with a gun inside his father’s vehicle. Wildlife: Experts say Burmese pythons have established a new breeding hotspot on Florida’s Gulf Coast, beyond their historic Everglades stronghold.

Education: Pinellas MycroSchool, a charter high school with about 80 students, plans to close at the end of October after falling enrollment and financial troubles left it unable to meet payroll. The district says it will help students find ways to finish their education. Road Safety: Six adults died when an SUV struck a Road Ranger truck on Florida’s Turnpike in Orange County Friday night; the crash remains under investigation. An 18-year-old also died in a separate four-vehicle crash on State Road 429. Florida Keys: A multi-agency undercover operation led to 15 arrests on sex-related charges, including two men accused of trying to lure minors. Public Health: Florida’s dengue tally has topped 400 as locally acquired cases prompt mosquito advisories and emergency measures in several counties. Elections: Early voting is underway, with Amendment 3 drawing attention over its potential effects on property taxes and local services. Environment: Manatee County is building its first living shoreline at Bishop Point Park, using natural materials and native plants to guard against erosion.

Child Safety: A 3-year-old died after accidentally shooting himself with his father’s handgun in a Bartow Burger King drive-thru. Deputies say the father set the gun down while trying to pay; the case is under review, with no charges recommended so far. Domestic Violence: Volusia County launched Florida’s first county-run searchable database of people convicted of qualifying domestic abuse and dating violence offenses. Health & Environment: Manatee County confirmed a locally acquired dengue case as Florida’s total tops 400. Sarasota County also reported West Nile, while bloom-level red tide in St. Joseph Bay prompted health cautions. Election Watch: Early voting is up in Northwest Florida. In Leon County, federal agents’ vehicles were seen at a polling site; officials say the agents mistakenly thought they could vote there, and the county filed an FBI complaint. Roads & Services: A fatal crash shut northbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike near Orlando Friday night. Palm Beach County is also handling a surge in missed-trash complaints after new collection contracts began. Kissimmee: Mayor Jackie Espinosa was fined $2,000 and censured in an ethics case tied to COVID-era business grants; she also faces criminal charges.

Election 2026: Early voting is underway across Florida, with a closely watched governor’s race, a new congressional map and a property-tax amendment on the ballot. Federal agents were reported near some voting sites, prompting scrutiny from election officials. Public Safety: A Lauderhill police officer is accused of using a dead man’s identity and a complex scheme to take control of his home after responding to a welfare check. The allegations are under investigation. Health and Weather: Florida has its highest number of locally acquired dengue cases in a century, while a coastal flood advisory warns of flooding in Miami-Dade and Broward as rain and king tides approach. Emergency Services: An audit found Gilchrist County’s third ambulance can’t stay reliably in service because of staffing shortages and reliance on overtime. Hurricane Recovery: Insured losses from Hurricane Isaias have reached nearly $582 million in Florida, with close to 55,000 claims filed, mostly in the Panhandle.

Polk County Tragedy: A 3-year-old boy died after accidentally shooting himself with a handgun in a car at a Bartow Burger King, authorities say. The case will go to the State Attorney’s Office to consider possible charges. Public Health: Seminole County confirmed its first locally acquired dengue case of 2026 and issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory; officials are coordinating mosquito surveillance and control. Police Misconduct: A Lauderhill officer is accused of using a dead man’s identity and taking over his Fort Lauderdale home for nearly four years. He faces five felony charges and has been suspended. Election Watch: Federal immigration agents were reported near some Florida early-voting sites, prompting election officials to contact the FBI. Local Government: Kissimmee Mayor Hanna M. L. has been arrested on grand theft and fraud charges tied to COVID relief funds, according to the Florida attorney general. Schools: Sarasota County’s fall School Choice application window is open for next year; families who enroll outside their attendance zone must provide transportation.

Early Voting: Volusia County reports a strong start, with nearly 12,000 early ballots cast by Oct. 20. Supervisors in Leon and Monroe counties also contacted the FBI after reports of immigration agents near voting sites. Kissimmee Government: Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested on grand theft and fraud charges. Authorities allege she directed COVID-relief grants to businesses tied to her family; the allegations have not been proven in court. Severe Weather: Heavy rain, strong winds and king tides could bring flooding to South Florida this weekend, with some areas potentially receiving more than 10 inches of rain. Property Taxes: Gov. Ron DeSantis is promoting Amendment 3’s proposed homestead tax cuts, while Senate President Ben Albritton opposes it. State economists estimate the measure could substantially reduce local government revenue. Transportation: Florida restored $200 million for the planned Miami-to-Aventura commuter rail line, though Miami-Dade’s mayor says the current deal does not adequately protect taxpayers. In Osceola County, Turnpike widening work is moving ahead of schedule. Consumer Protection: Hillsborough County deputies arrested 50 people in a four-month operation targeting unlicensed contractors.

Kissimmee Investigation: Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested on charges of grand theft and organized fraud. Authorities allege she and relatives received $50,000 through a city COVID-relief program; the city has opened an internal investigation. Election Access: Florida voters began early voting as some county election websites temporarily lost access to lookup tools, including sample ballots and polling locations. The disruption followed a security alert affecting the site provider. Property Tax Debate: Gov. Ron DeSantis is campaigning for Amendment 3, which would expand homestead exemptions and set a path toward eliminating some property taxes. Opponents, including Senate President Ben Albritton, warn cuts could strain rural counties’ funding for emergency response and other services. County Decisions: Orange County commissioners approved a tourism-tax plan that includes $46 million for separate UCF soccer and track venues. Public Health: Osceola County is starting overnight aerial mosquito spraying as locally acquired dengue cases rise in Central Florida.

Kissimmee Investigation: Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested on grand theft and organized-scheme-to-defraud charges. Authorities have not said whether the case is connected to earlier scrutiny over grants to businesses tied to her and her family. Death Penalty: Florida executed William Reaves, 77, for the 1986 killing of Indian River County Deputy Richard Raczkoski. It was the state’s 18th execution this year, one shy of last year’s record. Public Health: Seminole County confirmed a locally acquired dengue case as Florida counties expand mosquito surveillance and spraying. Health officials urge residents to use repellent and reduce standing water. Growth and Roads: Palm Beach County staff approved a revised Project Tango plan assigning nearly 700,000 square feet to data centers, despite residents’ objections and the county’s rejection of a larger proposal. FDOT will hold public hearings Oct. 27 and 28 on proposed I-75 improvements in Collier and Lee counties. Election Watch: Early voting is underway in parts of Florida, with strong turnout reported in Palm Beach County. Voters are also weighing local ballot questions, including school funding and property taxes.

Election Watch: Early voting is underway across Florida, with more than 1 million votes cast, as candidates make their final pitches. In Miami-Dade, the large Latino electorate could help determine whether the county’s recent shift toward Republicans continues. Taxes and Growth: Florida voters are weighing Amendment 3, which would expand homestead tax exemptions but could squeeze county and city budgets. Broward commissioners are drafting a one-year pause on large data centers to study their effects on water, power costs and neighborhoods. Privacy Debate: St. Johns County commissioners voted to remove license plate reader cameras from county roads, drawing criticism from a former FBI agent who says they can help solve crimes. Public Safety: Florida executed William Reaves, 77, for the 1986 killing of an Indian River County deputy—its 18th execution this year. In Baker County, a gunman shot at a family’s car on I-10, injuring two children; investigators are searching for suspects.**

Election Watch: Early voting is underway across Florida ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Voters in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties have until 5 p.m. Thursday to request a mail ballot. Amendment 3 is also raising alarms among local officials, who warn that property-tax cuts could squeeze county budgets and public safety services. Political Fight: Republicans are suing to block Democratic ads about the Hope Florida scandal, arguing that airing the ad would violate state law. Florida has also issued an arrest warrant for former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over the deadly 1996 shootdown of civilian aircraft. Public Health: Citrus County confirmed two locally acquired dengue cases and is expanding mosquito control, as Florida’s outbreak grows. Growth and Infrastructure: Martin County is moving to freeze large data centers over concerns about power and water use. In Southwest Florida, FDOT will hold public hearings Oct. 27 and 28 on proposed I-75 capacity improvements in Lee and Collier counties. Death Penalty: Florida is scheduled to execute William Reaves, 77, for the 1986 killing of an Indian River County deputy—its 18th execution this year, one short of the state record.

Election Watch: Early voting is underway across Florida ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Voters will decide three statewide amendments, including a property-tax proposal that Manatee County officials warn could cut public-safety funding. Hope Florida Fight: The Republican Party of Florida is suing Democrats and 11 TV stations to block an ad about the DeSantis administration’s Hope Florida controversy, threatening broadcasters with criminal penalties. Raúl Castro Warrant: Florida secured a state warrant charging the former Cuban leader with conspiracy to commit murder over the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes that killed four men. Orange County Spending: Commissioners approved more than $780 million in tourist-tax funding for projects including the Dr. Phillips Center expansion, a stadium garage and UCF facilities, despite calls to delay the vote. Coastal Flooding: High winds, waves and flooding have closed parts of Playalinda Beach in Brevard County, including road access, parking lots and trails. Execution: Florida is set to execute William Reaves, 77, for the 1986 killing of an Indian River County deputy. It would be the state’s 18th execution this year.

Election Watch: Early voting is underway across Florida, with schedules varying by county; voters who want a mail ballot must request one by 5 p.m. Oct. 22. Storm Recovery: Hurricane Isaias has generated 46,509 insurance claims worth nearly $582 million, mostly in the Panhandle. The state is seeking $237 million from FEMA as residents continue to report gaps in recovery help. State Politics: Florida has issued an arrest warrant for former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over the 1996 shootdown of two planes that killed four people. Hope Florida Fight: Republicans are seeking to block a campaign ad about the alleged diversion of $10 million in Medicaid settlement funds, threatening broadcasters with criminal charges if they air it. Local Issues: Data centers are emerging as a campaign flashpoint, with a UNF poll finding 68% of Florida voters oppose facilities in their area. Public Health: Dengue cases continue to rise, with Citrus County reporting two locally acquired infections and Florida’s 2026 total reaching 368.

Early Voting: Polls open Monday across much of Florida ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Ballots include governor, U.S. Senate and local races; Southwest Florida voters may face confusion after congressional district changes. I-4 Travel: Overnight closures and detours are planned this week in Osceola County for ramp work, including an eastbound shutdown between ChampionsGate and State Road 429 Monday night. Florida Politics: Attorney General James Uthmeier secured a state arrest warrant for former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over the 1996 shootdown that killed four men. Hope Florida: A Republican Party lawsuit seeks to stop TV stations and Democrats from discussing a sealed grand jury report on the charity scandal, arguing that even repeating its findings could bring criminal penalties. An appeals court has also ordered Leon County State Attorney Jack Campbell to explain the alleged leak under oath. Public Safety: A 71-year-old fisherman was killed by a 12-foot alligator near Lake Apopka, the second fatal alligator attack in Florida this year. In Brevard County, a store owner faces a murder charge after police say he intentionally struck a 14-year-old bicyclist, who later died. Health: Florida’s dengue outbreak has topped 368 cases, with Pinellas County emerging as a hotspot and Brevard reporting a locally acquired case.