AGP Executive Report

Road Safety Crackdown: Florida and Southeast partners kick off the 9th annual “Operation Southern Slow Down” (July 13-18), stepping up enforcement and outreach to curb speeding and reduce crashes. Health Alert: Seminole County warns residents to avoid Lake Howell after blue-green algae toxins were found; officials say don’t swim, wade, or let pets near the water. Public Health Watch: The CDC is tracking a cyclosporiasis outbreak in 31 states, including Florida, as officials urge people to protect themselves from contaminated food and water. Courts & Accountability: Florida’s Supreme Court suspended two South Florida lawyers for forging a dead client’s signature on settlement agreements. Crime & Justice: A Florida woman, Isabelle Johnson, faces a murder charge in the death of Jason Coulthart and is accused of evading law enforcement. Death Penalty: Dennis Michael Sochor, 74, is scheduled for execution July 14 after the Florida Supreme Court denied appeals. Local Life: HGTV named Port St. Lucie among the nation’s best mid-sized cities.

Urgent Health: 18-year-old Florida teen Gigi Felix, who has sickle cell disease, is racing to secure 50 units of very rare, specific blood donors to move forward with a lifesaving bone marrow transplant. Courts & Workers’ Comp: The Florida Supreme Court loosened the standard for workplace assault victims to claim workers’ compensation, overturning a prior ruling that had narrowed what counts as a compensable injury. Public Safety: A fatal crash shut down southbound I-75 in Pasco County near SR-56, with traffic diverted while Florida Highway Patrol investigates. Death Penalty Debate: Florida is set to execute multiple aging death-row inmates back-to-back, including an 80-year-old, renewing scrutiny of capital punishment for the elderly. Space Coast Watch: A SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral is expected to be visible across parts of Northeast Florida, with the “space jellyfish” effect possible. Local Business/Real Estate: Central Florida saw 1,479 active price-reduced homes in a week, the biggest one-week wave on record, signaling more buyer leverage. Sports: The MLB Draft wrapped with multiple Florida college arms selected, including several local draftees across rounds.

MLB Draft: Florida’s Liam Peterson keeps the O’Sullivan-era pipeline rolling, becoming the 19th overall pick by the Cleveland Guardians—Florida’s fifth first-rounder since 2022. MLB Draft: The Gators also saw more pro selections, including Hayden Yost (Mariners, 5th round) and Luke McNeillie (Mets, 5th round), with FSU’s Trey Beard going to the Marlins. Heat & Storms: Dangerous triple-digit feels-like temperatures are back across South and Central Florida, with heat advisories and afternoon storms that can bring lightning, damaging winds, and brief flooding. Public Safety: A drowsy driver caused a four-vehicle crash on I-75 in Pasco County, citing careless driving. Environment: A new study strengthens the case that the rare Rice’s whale is a distinct species found only in the Gulf off Florida. Wildlife Control: Python trackers reached a 10-foot Burmese python guarding eggs near the Everglades Holiday Park, highlighting how invasive snakes thrive in altered landscapes. Politics: Gov. DeSantis’ final budget veto slashed about $1.7 billion, including $95 million tied to South Florida projects. Lottery: A Publix-bought Florida Lotto ticket in Fort Lauderdale is worth $6.75 million, with numbers 4-5-25-33-42-52.

Heat & Storms: South Florida and Central Florida stayed under heat advisories as extreme temperatures and humidity pushed feels-like conditions near 110, while storms knocked out power for thousands in places like Lake and Marion counties. Wildlife Watch: Invasive Burmese pythons remain a hot-button issue as hunters and biologists report record removals, while a new urban spread concern grows with northern curly-tailed lizards moving farther north. Everglades Conservation: A Del Webb development in Tradition is drawing attention after snail kites reportedly thrive nearby, with baby birds emerging in a preserve area. Public Safety: A Central Florida crash in Plant City killed a pedestrian; a driver was arrested for leaving the scene. A former Polk County deputy was also arrested after an investigation found falsified time cards. Space & Tech: A South Florida company was selected by NASA to advance a lunar dust and surface-charging monitoring instrument for future Moon operations. Sports: Florida baseball prospects kept rolling in the MLB Draft, with multiple Gators taken in the first rounds.

Heat & Weather: Central Florida and South Florida are under heat advisories again, with feels-like temps pushing 105–110 and only limited storm relief expected. Legal & Education: The 11th Circuit blocked parts of Florida’s “Stop WOKE Act,” ruling it unconstitutional for higher education and limiting the state’s ability to restrict classroom speech. Politics & Elections: GOP leaders are taking a fight over Florida’s 2020 census to the Supreme Court, while Democrats are ramping up in South Florida’s newly remapped FL-22. Public Safety: A missing Florida man’s case in the Panhandle turned into a homicide investigation after a body was found in a shallow grave; authorities also made additional arrests as a suspect remained at large. Community & Local Life: Palm Beach County crews responded to an apartment fire that displaced eight people, and Florida City marked the nation’s 250th birthday with a time capsule celebration. Sports: Georgia added South Florida lefty Edwin Alicea via the transfer portal, and Florida’s MLB draft coverage tracks where local players land.

Airport Renaming: Palm Beach International Airport officially became “President Donald J. Trump International Airport,” with the identifier changing from PBI to DJT—another high-profile Trump branding move in Florida. Extreme Weather: Southwest Florida took another hit from strong thunderstorms, lightning, and possible tornado activity, with reports of downed trees and power outages. Public Health: Florida is seeing a rise in cyclosporiasis, with dozens of cases reported statewide and warnings to watch for contaminated produce. Immigration & Work: South Florida Haitians got a short TPS extension through July 24, but anxiety remains as protections for many are set to end. Wildlife Control: Everglades crews found two 17-foot Burmese pythons together, underscoring the ongoing push to remove invasive snakes. Courts & Tech: A federal judge in Fort Pierce will oversee Florida’s lawsuit against OpenAI over claims involving children and safety warnings. Crime & Safety: Police are searching for a missing 5-year-old in Daytona Beach and investigating a separate case involving alleged abuse at unlicensed elder care facilities.

Immigration & Health Care: A Supreme Court decision ending Temporary Protected Status for about 145,000 Haitians could cost Florida tens of thousands of health-care workers, with industry leaders warning it will hit seniors hard as work authorization expires. Public Safety: A Tampa-area man was arrested for arson after video allegedly showed him using a lit propane tank to set a restaurant on fire. Everglades Invasives: The 10-day Florida Python Challenge is underway, with hunters trained to safely capture Burmese pythons and compete for a $10,000 top prize. Weather: South Florida remains under heat advisory, with heat index values near 110 and warnings about heat exhaustion and stroke. Health Alert: Florida is reporting rising cyclosporiasis cases, with Lee County leading the state so far this year. Traffic: A deadly I-75 multi-vehicle pileup in Pasco County killed a Gainesville woman. Local Economy/Travel: Universal Orlando launched a Florida-resident unlimited two-park ticket for $199 (plus tax) through Dec. 16, 2026. Crime: A Florida man was sentenced in Michigan for a bar stabbing that left a victim alive but seriously hurt.

Police Accountability: A Melbourne mother is demanding answers after body-cam footage shows officers tackling her 15-year-old son during a missing-child search, leaving him with a fractured elbow; the department says it’s reviewing the incident and officer response. Heat & Safety: Heat advisories are baking much of Florida, with Southwest Florida workers and families adjusting routines as heat indices push past 100. South Florida Politics & Courts: A federal appeals court upheld a block on Florida’s Stop W.O.K.E. Act classroom restrictions, saying the law likely violates the First Amendment. Immigration: In Miami’s Little Haiti, Haitians with Temporary Protected Status rallied as protections are set to expire, threatening work authorization and other benefits. Environment: The Florida Python Challenge returns with $25,000 in prizes as the state ramps up efforts to remove invasive Burmese pythons. Local Government & Housing: Manatee County’s impact fee increases are fueling new legal fights and could raise costs for Live Local housing projects. Aviation & Branding: Palm Beach officially renamed its airport to President Donald J. Trump International Airport, with new signage rolling in and the code changing later.

Airport Politics: Palm Beach International Airport officially became President Donald J. Trump International Airport, with the FAA switching the identifier from PBI to DJT and travelers reacting to the “branding change only.” Public Safety & Law: Florida’s Supreme Court cleared the way for executions in two death-warrant cases, while also ruling the Florida Bar can’t punish lawyers for aggressive political speech in partisan campaigns. Health Watch: Florida reported 50 cyclosporiasis cases from May 1 to July 4, as the CDC investigates clusters across multiple states; meanwhile, a Lyme risk update warns about deer ticks showing up in Florida. Environment & Weather: Saharan dust is expected to blanket parts of Florida and the Gulf Coast, bringing haze and hotter conditions. Local Life & Travel: The Florida Turnpike widening project is complete in Central Florida, adding lanes and bridges to ease congestion. Sports & Culture: “Love Island USA” host Ariana Madix, a Florida native, earned her first Emmy nomination.

Politics & Courts: A Collier County school board member sued Byron Donalds, alleging he threatened and intimidated her during a 2022 grocery store confrontation, while his campaign downplayed the case. Housing & Economy: A new FGCU report says Southwest Florida home listings are falling again, nudging the market toward “neutral” as prices keep easing. Invasive Species: Burmese pythons are showing up farther from the Everglades, with FWC stepping up efforts after an established Charlotte County population was identified. Space Coast: SpaceX is set for a morning Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral this week—Starlink satellites included—with visibility possibly stretching as far as Jacksonville Beach. Environment: NOAA issued coral bleaching “Alert Level 1” for the Florida Keys, warning reef restoration teams to prepare for hotter water. Community & Safety: A Florida City lake drowning has sparked a lawsuit seeking more security measures, and a group home is facing claims after a resident allegedly contracted “flesh-eating” bacteria. Business: Command Investigations merged in CoventBridge’s insurance fraud division, aiming to build a larger national investigative operation. Immigration: Florida pastors urged state leaders to protect Haitian TPS holders after a Supreme Court ruling.

First Amendment in Education: The 11th Circuit struck down key parts of Florida’s Stop W.O.K.E. higher-ed restrictions, ruling the state can’t punish professors for teaching about race and gender. Florida Politics & Courts: A new lawsuit accuses gubernatorial front-runner Byron Donalds of threatening and berating a Naples school board member in 2022, while another legal fight continues around his campaign. Legal Tech for Lawyers: The Florida Bar renewed its free Nota trust-accounting benefit (and added Smokeball Bill), aiming to help attorneys stay compliant. Public Health: Cyclosporiasis linked to a parasite is surging nationwide, with Florida among the states reporting cases. Space Coast Watch: SpaceX is set to launch a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral on July 9 carrying 29 Starlink satellites, potentially visible from Jacksonville Beach to West Palm Beach. Environment & Wildlife: Coral restoration teams say they’re better prepared for another warm-water season after the 2023 bleaching crisis. Community & Safety: A Southwest Florida nonprofit is pairing veterans with free service dogs, and Florida’s heat advisories continue as Saharan dust brings hazy, scorching conditions.

Stop WOKE Act Legal Fight: A federal appeals court blocked Florida from enforcing the “Stop WOKE” restrictions on what professors can teach in public universities, saying the state can’t control classroom viewpoints and that the law violates free speech and academic freedom. Courts & Justice Updates: The Florida Supreme Court ordered updates to best-practice standards for problem-solving courts, including new performance reporting targets for drug, DUI, mental health, and veterans courts. Public Safety: A 60-day rabies alert was issued for part of Daytona Beach after a confirmed rabid, unvaccinated cat; officials urged residents to avoid wild animals and keep pets vaccinated. Health Watch: The CDC reported 145 cyclosporiasis cases nationwide, with 46 in Florida, and said there’s no single linked outbreak yet. Environment: Lakeland reported an estimated 85,000-gallon sewage spill after a force main break, with most recovered and some reaching a storm drain and ground. Space Coast: Sen. Ashley Moody pushed the “Space Ready 2.0” plan to help NASA accept private contributions for aging launch infrastructure as launch demand rises. Sports: Jakob Marsee’s 10th-inning RBI single lifted the Marlins over the Mariners 6-5.

Courts & Civil Rights: A federal appeals court kept a preliminary block on Florida’s “Stop WOKE Act” higher-ed speech limits, ruling the state can’t control professors’ classroom viewpoints. Judiciary Oversight: More than 200 Florida lawyers and legal groups criticized Gov. Ron DeSantis and AG James Uthmeier over calls to impeach judges, warning it threatens judicial independence. Local Elections: Escambia County changed eight polling locations and revamped how voters track mail ballots ahead of the August primary. Public Safety: Volusia County issued a 60-day rabies alert after a confirmed case in an unvaccinated cat near Daytona Beach; officials urged residents to avoid wild animals and vaccinate pets. Health Care Access: A full-service primary care clinic opened in Miami Gardens with same-day and walk-in family medicine plus FDA-approved weight-loss options. Politics Watch: Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America endorsed Byron Donalds for Florida governor, citing his abortion-related voting record. Weather Hazards: Multiple lightning incidents across Florida injured several people and killed at least one, underscoring summer storm risks. Business & Growth: Port Canaveral advanced a $5.2 million commercial fishing facility expected to be finished in early 2027.

FIU Protest Crackdown: Seven FIU students were punished for indoor T-shirts reading “ICE OFF FIU,” with the university citing rules against indoor protests—sparking fresh First Amendment backlash. Education Recognition: Palm Bay’s Odyssey Charter assistant principal Deb Berg was named a 2026 Charter School Champion of the Year by the Florida Consortium for Public Charter Schools. Autism Safety Update: FDLE launched the Florida Spectrum Alert format on July 1 to help quickly locate autistic children, with an enhanced version that can trigger wireless alerts. Courts & Funding: The Florida Supreme Court ordered problem-solving courts to update best practices and reporting standards, while other court funding items cleared budget vetoes. New Laws on the Books: More than 130 Florida laws took effect July 1, including changes affecting autism-related police interactions and domestic violence penalties. Immigration & TPS: The Supreme Court’s TPS decision is hitting Florida’s workforce hard, with Haitian families in Southwest Florida scrambling amid legal challenges. Public Health: FDA/CDC linked a Florida and Georgia E. coli outbreak to Publix GreenWise frozen blueberries. Weather: Saharan dust is expected to reduce rain chances and push heat higher across parts of Florida. Sports Recruiting: Florida landed 2027 CB Kamauri Whitfield, while Purdue added point guard Kevin Savage. Entertainment: A federal judge dismissed a copyright lawsuit accusing Taylor Swift of copying poetry lyrics. Crime & Safety: ICE lodged detainers in a fatal St. Johns County construction-site shooting; and a Port St. Lucie man allegedly pulled a 9mm on teens after an Orbeez “water gun” incident.

Politics & Diplomacy: Gov. Ron DeSantis faced sharp backlash in Britain after a social media joke implying the WWII defeat of Nazi Germany wouldn’t have happened without the U.S., with MPs and peers saying it belittled British war dead. Courts & Public Safety: The Florida Supreme Court signaled a major shift in “knock-and-announce” cases, saying deterrence should come from charging officers rather than throwing out evidence. Local Government & Housing: A newly filed federal disclosure lays out Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez’s private client list, including major interests tied to Airbnb and Newsmax. Health: Florida reported cases of a parasite-linked intestinal illness that can cause “explosive” diarrhea, and Publix recalled frozen organic blueberries over possible E. coli contamination. Environment & Wildlife: A medical examiner report detailed how an Orlando-area woman died in an alligator “death roll,” and a 12-year-old boy from Pennsylvania lost his hand after a gator bite while fishing in Florida. Roads & Weather: FDOT scheduled overnight repaving on Palm Beach County’s South County Road/A1A, while South Florida braced for heat and storms. Sports: Tyler Herro’s Miami-to-Milwaukee trade became official, and the Panthers acquired Brady Tkachuk.

Spectrum Alert: Florida rolled out a new “Spectrum Alert” system to notify the public when an autistic child is believed to be in imminent danger, using targeted phone alerts within a five-mile radius. Public Safety & Health: A Seminole County Fire Department specialist, Sharon Gregory, was designated a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor, expanding local training for car-seat safety. Road Safety: A new study says fatal road rage crashes rose sharply in Florida, adding to warnings for drivers heading into and out of the July 4 holiday. Mental Health for First Responders: Florida is highlighted as the top state for firefighter suicides, with experts warning underreporting may hide the full scope. Law & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court denied Florida’s bid to block California and Washington from issuing commercial driver’s licenses to undocumented drivers. Terror Designations: DeSantis’ new anti-terror law took effect July 1, and the state moved to label groups including Antifa as terrorist organizations. Local Crime: The FBI added a Cuban man to its most-wanted list tied to a million-dollar jewelry robbery in Cape Coral. Wildlife Tragedy: A 31-year-old woman died after an alligator attack in Florida’s Econlockhatchee River area.