AGP Executive Report

I-75 Bridge Work (Marion County): A major reconstruction project is underway as the SW 66th Street bridge over I-75 closes for about a year, with detours and a raised, wider replacement aimed at reducing future truck strikes. TikTok vs. Florida (Statewide): Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sued TikTok over alleged noncompliance with the state’s minor social media restrictions, calling out addictive features and alleged misleading claims to parents. Tiger Woods DUI Case (Martin County): Prosecutors plan to subpoena medical records from Cleveland Clinic Martin South, seeking any reports tied to alcohol or drug use after Woods’ March DUI arrest and crash. Local Safety & Housing Costs (Central Florida): Orange County lowered its heat-index threshold for cooling help, and a new analysis warns a proposed homestead exemption expansion could shift the tax burden toward renters. Courts & Families (Seminole County): A custody agreement was reached in an embryo mix-up case, with the birth parents staying as permanent custodial parents. Animal & Environment: Polk County issued a 60-day rabies alert after a feral cat tested positive, and Sanibel’s mangroves are showing how sea-level rise may change the way the ecosystem stores carbon.

Sunshine Law Watch: Leon County School Board will revisit procurement after concerns a prior meeting with only two members may have violated Florida’s Sunshine Law. Public Safety: Florida Highway Patrol and FLHSMV launched the Arrive Alive summer campaign urging safer driving through July 31. Animal Welfare: A federal bill inspired by Florida’s “Dexter’s Law” would create a national animal-abuse tracking database. Local Wildlife: Residents in Sun ‘N Lake were warned about coyote sightings and reminded to protect pets and contact the right agencies. Weather & Fire: Martin County firefighters contained a 115-acre brush fire; Central Florida faces daily storm chances with flood risk, while Southwest Florida is dealing with peak saltwater mosquito season. Housing & Costs: 1,347 Central Florida homes now show active price reductions, with most sitting 60+ days. Politics & Elections: Qualifying reshaped Sarasota County’s District 2 race into a GOP-only fight. Community Impact: Collier County reports senior homelessness has tripled in a year, outpacing the rest of the country. Transportation: Marion County’s I-75 bridge over Southwest 66th Street will close for reconstruction after repeated truck hits.

Wildfire Watch: A brush fire near Big Cypress National Preserve in Hendry County has grown to about 535 acres and is 25% contained, while crews also battled a separate Palm City blaze burning more than 100 acres. Flood Risk: Central Florida is under an “Impact Weather Day” through 10 p.m. with heavy showers, possible flooding, damaging winds and hail. Public Safety: Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly wrong-way crash on State Road 33 in Lake County that killed a 24-year-old Orlando man and left three others seriously hurt. Hurricane Recovery: FEMA approved an additional $90 million for Florida disaster recovery and hazard mitigation, including major awards tied to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Local Government & Water: Longwood is weighing changes to a busy intersection to support FDOT traffic improvements, including stormwater pond updates. Environment: The Indian River Lagoon Billion Clam Initiative says it’s dropped “super clams” by drone and boat to help restore cleaner water for seagrass. Crime: A Holmes County traffic stop led to meth trafficking arrests after deputies found more than a pound of meth hidden in candy.

World Cup in Florida to Missouri: England’s World Cup kit was stolen during the move from West Palm Beach to Kansas City, and two drivers—Mustafa Salik and Erfan Kamal—now face receiving-stolen-property charges after about $18,000 in gear was recovered, including boots, gloves, signed jerseys, and even stuffed lions. Local Elections: Qualifying week ended with new candidates filing for multiple Highlands County school board and county seats, setting up fresh races. Summer Meals: Florida’s Summer BreakSpot program is serving free breakfast and lunch to kids and teens at 3,000+ sites statewide—no app needed, eat on site. Public Safety & Crime: A federal case alleges a $6.7 million kickback scheme involving an Orlando man tied to a New Jersey-based electronics firm. Health & Community: Volusia residents are invited to join the Great Pollinator Census in August by counting pollinators for 15 minutes a day. Weather: Flash flood and severe storm warnings were issued for parts of Central Florida.

Public Safety: Florida Highway Patrol says a Pasco County trooper stopped a San Antonio man speeding over 90 mph on I-75 and found 34 open White Claw containers; Conor William Parady was arrested for DUI after a BAC of 0.177. Local Governance: Sumter County residents are urging a “Stop the Sprawl” vote ahead of a June 23 decision on rezoning about 263 acres for Beville Ranch, warning of traffic, wells/septic impacts, wildlife habitat loss, and a hit to the rural character. Health & Justice: Miami-Dade’s long-awaited Miami Center for Mental Health and Recovery is finally within reach, with an operating plan heading to the Board of County Commissioners June 16 to expand treatment for serious mental illness instead of jail. Community & Culture: Gainesville’s Hoggetowne Medieval Faire is set to return to a larger home next year at Gainesville Raceway, with the city approving the contract for a two-weekend, ticketed event. Crime & Courts: Clermont police arrested Kirby Alan Smith on first-degree murder charges tied to a May 20 shooting death; investigators say an extensive probe followed his initial self-defense claim. Weather: Central Florida’s rainy pattern continues with daily afternoon storms and heat index values near 100 degrees.

Public Safety: A 60-day rabies alert is active in Spring Hill after an unvaccinated cat contracted rabies in a raccoon attack, with DOH-Hernando urging residents to avoid wild animals and report bites. Road Safety: A 10-year-old bicyclist was flown to a hospital after being hit by two vehicles on State Road 52 near Hudson, and Florida Highway Patrol is still investigating. Crime & Courts: FDLE arrested a Brooksville man on 14 counts of child sexual abuse materials possession, part of a statewide undercover effort. Local Politics: Florida’s 2026 elections are set after qualifying closed, with Aug. 18 primaries and school board races on the ballot in Escambia and Santa Rosa. Community & Youth: Escambia Children’s Trust approved $2.3 million for eight afterschool programs over three years, plus $1.2 million in microgrants. Health & Environment: Sargassum seaweed is piling up again at Palm Beach County beaches, and officials say cleanup rules depend on sea turtle nesting season. Elections Watch: Tampa police are cracking down on planned teen takeovers by designating a downtown “special event zone” with tougher penalties.

Invasive Species Update: The Conservancy of Southwest Florida says it removed a record 4 tons of invasive Burmese pythons during the latest breeding season in Collier County—177 snakes, 8,080 pounds, including females averaging 70 eggs. Public Safety: A Marion County K9 helped deputies find a missing 11-year-old girl in dense woods; she was conscious and OK. Health Care Fraud: Gov. DeSantis announced new Medicaid fraud crackdowns in Palm Beach County, including provider revalidation and identity checks meant to stop fraud before payments go out. Local Politics & Taxes: Indian River County leaders warned a property tax amendment could cut about $50M and strain services like law enforcement and first responders. Education: Lee County schools and UF are launching a dual-enrollment partnership for juniors and seniors. Sports: FHSAA approved a new Open Division for top teams in 11 sports, aiming for true state titles. Crime & Courts: Florida AG Uthmeier charged six defendants in a multi-county drug trafficking enterprise. Elections: Candidate qualifying closed, setting the stage for Florida’s 2026 ballot.

Property Taxes in Court: Two former Florida mayors and a nonprofit sued over ballot language for the homestead property tax cut, arguing it’s misleading and could slash local revenue by billions. Homestead Relief Debate: Florida Policy Institute warns Gov. DeSantis’ plan to gradually eliminate homestead property taxes would force cost shifts that could hit rural services. Teen Takeover Crackdown: Florida law enforcement is rolling out zero-tolerance measures against social-media-fueled “teen takeovers,” including strict no-trespass zones and felony charges. Public Safety & Courts: A Tampa man was convicted of first-degree murder for orchestrating the killing of his former boss. Environment & Local Budgets: Manatee County faces a $23.4M Piney Point funding gap as commissioners clash over who should pay for cleanup costs. Health Watch: Dengue risk is rising as Florida enters peak mosquito season, with Miami-Dade urging stronger protection. Space Coast: A SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral is set for June 12 with Starlink satellites. Education & Community: M-DCPS won $70,000 in grants for cleaner indoor air and expanded recycling at schools.

Teen Takeovers Crackdown: Florida AG James Uthmeier says organizers of “teen takeover” events can be charged as adults, with possible racketeering, and that drivers may use the state’s anti-riot law to defend themselves. Property Tax Fight: Two former mayors and a voter group sued in Leon County, arguing the November homestead property tax amendment ballot language is biased and misleading, asking AG James Uthmeier to rewrite it. Local Public Safety: Lee County investigators arrested two people tied to an illegal dumping site in Lehigh Acres after tracing debris using license plate reader data. Disaster Prep for Pets: Lee County received a $25,000 grant to buy rescue gear and train animal control teams for future hurricanes. Community & Culture: An iconic Avon Park night club building was destroyed in a fire; officials say the cause is under investigation. Education: Palm Beach County School District is cutting back free meals for all students after federal reimbursement changes. Space Coast: A SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral is set for June 12, carrying 29 Starlink satellites.

Property Taxes & Budgets: Palm Coast officials are bracing for possible November changes to homestead exemptions, warning that lower taxable values could tighten the city’s budget. Local Parks: Lake County approved about $175,000 to replace aging playground equipment at North Lake Regional Park as part of a multi-phase upgrade. Public Safety & EMS: Manheim Township Fire Rescue named a new assistant fire chief of EMS, bringing decades of emergency management and paramedic experience. Illegal Gambling Crackdown: Florida AG James Uthmeier announced “Operation Sunset Stakes,” arresting 11 people and seizing 479 illegal machines tied to operations in Lee and Collier counties. Immigration Enforcement: A new AP report says Florida immigration arrests have surged, with state and local agencies playing a major role. Courts & AI Policing: A Florida man’s lawsuit alleges he was wrongly arrested after AI facial recognition matched him to a child-luring suspect. Community Needs: United Way Suncoast’s ALICE report says many Florida households can’t afford basics, with a family of four needing $106,000+ in the Bay Area region. Crime & Justice: A Tampa murder trial was paused after allegations of juror intimidation in a courthouse elevator. Roads & Growth: Collier County is opening a long-awaited 7-mile Vanderbilt Beach Road extension to ease congestion.

Public Safety & Justice: Florida AG James Uthmeier wrapped up “Operation Sunset Stakes,” seizing 479 illegal gaming machines and $294,000 in proceeds across Lee and Collier counties, with 11 arrests, and now says a new task force will target illegal arcades. Local Governance & Cost of Living: Fort Myers Beach tourism recovery is uneven after Hurricane Ian, with big resorts moving on while mom-and-pop lodging still struggles, and Charlotte County’s Ackerman sewer expansion is driving fears of decades of fees for homeowners. Environment & Health: South Florida beaches are dealing with a “tsunami” of seaweed that keeps coming back, while Florida reported a new flesh-eating bacteria case in Marion County tied to warm coastal waters. Politics & Voting: Voting rights groups urged the Florida Supreme Court to pause the state’s newly drawn congressional map, arguing it violates the Fair Districts Amendment. Technology & Civil Rights: A lawsuit says faulty AI facial recognition led to a wrongful arrest and prosecution of a Fort Myers man accused of luring a child. Statewide Agriculture: Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson expanded emergency rules to prevent new world screwworms from being reintroduced. Sports & Community: David Jolly named Gwen Graham as his running mate, and Florida’s 2027 recruiting class added two more commitments.

Property Taxes & Local Services: Florida lawmakers put a major homestead property tax cut on the November ballot, with estimates of about $9.9 billion in lost county revenue and warnings that services could shrink or fees could rise. Road Safety: State crash data shows the deadliest counties for fatal crashes in 2025, with Hamilton County topping the list by fatal-crash rate, while Seminole County ranked safest. Election Filing: Qualifying is underway for Florida’s 2026 congressional and state races, with candidates racing to meet deadlines and District 24 starting to solidify. Central Florida Remembrance: Ten years after Pulse, families and survivors continue to mark the anniversary with grief and community growth. Public Safety & Animals: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in Texas, raising concerns for livestock and pets; in Florida, advocates are also pushing for stronger sloth protections after Sloth World deaths. Local Government Watch: Leon County commissioners agreed to draft a one-year moratorium on data centers while they gather more info on power and water impacts. South Florida Spotlight: NASA named Frank Rubio, a Miami-area native, as a mission specialist for Artemis III.

Immigration Enforcement Funding: Gov. DeSantis and Cabinet approved $90 million in grants for 56 Florida local law enforcement agencies to buy radios, body cameras, riot gear and other equipment tied to illegal immigration enforcement, with Orange and Polk sheriff offices seeking the biggest shares. High School Sports Rules: Florida enacted new limits on high school sports transfers, requiring non-traditional athletes to play in the county where they live, with penalties like ineligibility or coach suspensions handled case-by-case. Public Safety—Roads: A crash closed southbound I-95 in Brevard County near mile marker 230, and a separate case in Broward has a man facing DUI manslaughter charges after an April crash killed his passenger. Animal & Health Alerts: Florida’s Panhandle saw two shark-related injuries in three days, and officials are on alert after the New World screwworm spread into Texas and a New Mexico dog—while Florida also reported a sixth case of flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus. Local Watch: Zephyrhills moved forward with a temporary pause on data center proposals amid water and power concerns.

Earthquake Watch: A 6.1-magnitude quake off western Cuba shook buildings across Florida from Miami to Orlando, with reports as far north as Tallahassee; officials said no major damage or injuries were reported and there was no tsunami threat, though some offices and theme-park rides briefly paused and buildings were evacuated as a precaution. Politics & Campaigns: Miami Gardens Sen. Shevrin Jones launched his bid for Florida’s 24th Congressional District, pitching “kitchen-table” cost pressures; in Palm Beach County, Mayor Sara Baxter dropped her commission reelection run to file for the newly redrawn 22nd District. First-Responder Health: A new push in Congress highlights a gap in healthcare coverage for retired Florida police, firefighters, and paramedics between pension end and Medicare eligibility. Budget & Taxes: Florida TaxWatch flagged “budget turkeys” ahead of Gov. DeSantis’ final budget approval, while rural counties warn property-tax relief could force service cuts. Public Safety & Community: St. Johns County thwarted a planned teen beach takeover after monitoring social media; and Bay County students headed to free Salvation Army summer camp.

Fatal Crash Verdict: A Hamilton County jury found Randy Vega guilty on all nine counts in the 2023 Frazier Ave crash that killed a mother and her 1-year-old son, with the case now moving through closing arguments and a separate wrongful-death lawsuit set for later this year. Budget Watch: Florida TaxWatch says lawmakers added $830 million in “Budget Turkeys” that weren’t properly vetted, while a Fort Myers senator pushes back that the money supports Southwest Florida growth. Gun Law Update: Florida AG James Uthmeier issued a permanent injunction ending the state’s 3-day firearm waiting period, shifting the debate to how local shops and county rules will handle it. Earthquake Across Florida: A 6.1 quake off Cuba triggered shaking reports statewide, prompted some office closures and temporary theme-park ride shutdowns, and brought fresh attention to Florida’s rare seismic history. Local Politics: Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter announced her run for Congress in newly drawn District 22, while Lake County schools named new principals for several campuses. Public Safety: Law enforcement responded to a crash blocking lanes near US-41 and Coconut Road in Lee County, and a sword attack in the Florida Keys left a victim injured and multiple suspects in custody.

AI & Courts: Florida attorneys are using AI tools to help pick juries, raising fresh bias and fairness concerns about whether “peers” are still truly being selected. 30A Beach Feud: On Scenic Highway 30A, private-beach rules, security guards, and lawsuits are inflaming a public-vs-private fight over who gets to enjoy the sand. Public Safety: The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens evacuated guests after a bomb threat, but the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office deemed it not credible and the zoo reopened Monday. Local Crime: A Florida daycare worker was arrested after video allegedly showed her attacking toddlers with objects, including a stapler and shoes. Health & Community: Volunteers in St. Johns County collected 651 pounds of trash during a beach cleanup tied to sea turtle nesting season. Politics: Top-ticket Florida Republicans held a Volusia dinner featuring Gov. and governor-candidate remarks as qualifying week looms. Road Watch: FHP reported a fatal crash in Apopka after a possible medical episode sent a driver into a fire hydrant.