AGP Executive Report

Sports: The Florida Everblades capped a historic run by beating the Kansas City Mavericks 5-4 in double overtime to win the Kelly Cup Finals, their fourth title in five seasons. Youth & Community: A 12-year-old gymnast, Adaline Schaefer, won the NGA National Championship on uneven bars and placed third all-around at nationals in Orlando. Local Roads: FDOT is designing a Port Orange project to resurface 3.4 miles of Nova Road and upgrade ADA curb ramps, with construction expected to start in November and finish in early 2027. Tech & Kids: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sued TikTok over alleged violations of the state’s minors’ social media law, arguing the app still lets underage users in and misleads parents about harmful content and “addictive” design. Public Safety: Southwest Florida agencies are on alert after multiple swatting hoax calls, warning they can pull responders away from real emergencies. Space: SpaceX continues building toward Starship operations on Florida’s Space Coast, with major infrastructure work underway at Kennedy and Cape Canaveral. Intersex Rights: A St. Johns County school district is accused of unlawfully firing an intersex teacher after he was perceived as transgender.

U.S. Supreme Court Watch: The justices will decide whether Florida can use six-person juries in non-death-penalty felony cases, a ruling that could reshape criminal trials in Florida and four other states. Tech & Kids Online: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued TikTok, alleging violations of the state’s child safety law and “addictive” design that misleads parents. World Cup Security & Culture: Miami hosts its first World Cup match Monday (Saudi Arabia vs. Uruguay) with heightened security, including strict drone bans, while fan festivities ramp up across South Florida. Boating Retail Fallout: West Marine filed for Chapter 11 and plans to close 59 stores, including eight in Florida. Wildlife & Weather: FWC responded to a reported manatee injury near Fort Pierce, but the animal was gone on arrival; meanwhile, South Florida faces heat and humidity concerns as summer ramps up. Local Public Safety: A Palm Beach County cleaning woman was arrested for allegedly stealing a nearly $25,000 engagement ring.

AI & Public Safety: Florida sued OpenAI and Sam Altman, alleging ChatGPT was built to foster emotional dependence and push users to share sensitive details—sparking a fight over kids’ safety and profit motives. Animal Welfare: A federal LEASH Act proposal would expand a national animal-abuse database, modeled on Florida’s “Dexter’s Law.” Health Alert: A 17-year-old hospitalized after contracting Vibrio vulnificus while swimming in Florida’s warm coastal waters. Wildlife Trade Watch: Sloths imported for a planned Florida attraction died before opening, raising alarms about disease and stress from poor transport and care. Weather & Safety: Central Florida faced severe storms with flood concerns and damaging winds; Southwest Florida also dealt with heat and mosquito season. Local Infrastructure: FDOT begins a $19.9M seawall replacement on St. Augustine’s A1A with lane-closure limits and pedestrian impacts. Sports & Community: Florida’s Katelyn Huber won the state women’s amateur title; Florida Gators track finished second at NCAA outdoors.

Federal Appointments: President Trump says he’ll name James M. McDonald, a longtime lawyer and former prosecutor, as U.S. attorney for Manhattan, filling a key Justice Department vacancy. FSU Recruiting: Dayon Cooper decommits from Florida State after an official visit to Tennessee, while the Seminoles land 3-star edge Jaxon Holly to help steady a class rocked by flips. Public Safety: A wrong-way crash on State Road 33 in Lake County killed a 24-year-old Orlando man and left three others seriously hurt, as Florida continues to warn drivers about summer risks. South Florida Politics: Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver Gilbert argues his local leadership experience makes him the right pick to replace retiring Rep. Frederica Wilson, while the Florida CFO race spotlights the insurance crisis. Weather: Heat and humidity are driving triple-digit heat index readings and storm chances across South Florida, with localized flooding possible. Community & Service: Florida teens are helping build mortgage-free homes for wounded veterans through a national program. Sports & Culture: Portugal keeps World Cup focus after training in Palm Beach Gardens, and England’s camp reports missing gear ahead of its next match.

FHSAA Football: Two Volusia County programs, Atlantic and Pine Ridge, are returning to the Florida High School Athletic Association as independent, non-playoff members in a new league. Boxing: Oshae Jones kept her IBF junior middleweight title in Orlando, but left unhappy after a split draw with Elia Carranza. College Sports & NIL: Florida forward Thomas Haugh chose to stay in Gainesville for his senior season, leaning on NIL money and family ties over an NBA lottery path. Weather & Safety: Central Florida faced flash-flood and severe storm warnings, while St. Johns County crews quickly contained lightning-ignited brush fires. Public Safety: A decades-old Hillsborough kidnapping and sexual battery case from 1989 was solved after nearly 40 years using advanced DNA work. Politics: Gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds hit four Northeast Florida counties, unveiling his “Read to Succeed” education plan. Cannabis Business: Trulieve became the first major U.S. cannabis operator to list on the NYSE after restructuring. Environment: Seaweed sargassum continues to foul beaches across South Florida, driving people out of the water.

Tragedy in Central Florida: Two 5-year-old Riverdale twins died in an apparent drowning at a Kissimmee vacation rental near Walt Disney World, according to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. Beach Health & Tourism: Seaweed (sargassum) is piling up along South Florida beaches, keeping people out of the water and raising concerns for visitors during World Cup season. EV Infrastructure: Florida’s EV charging network has grown to more than 16,000 chargers across nearly 5,000 locations, with hotels playing a major role for travelers. Public Safety—Weather: South Florida stays hot and humid with rain chances, while Central Florida faces afternoon/evening storms and lightning risk. Wildlife Rescue: Volunteers are rescuing endangered sea turtles across Florida, including repeated entanglement rescues at Navarre Beach fishing piers. Local Government & Schools: Miami-Dade’s school board election drew little interest, guaranteeing reelection for three incumbents. Disability & Traffic Enforcement: A Palm Beach County woman with a missing right hand says she was ticketed for cellphone use; a judge later dismissed the citation. Politics & Courts: A federal judge dismissed a University of Florida College Republicans lawsuit over its ban after antisemitism concerns. Sports & Community: Florida’s Vance Nilsson won the NCAA men’s 400-meter hurdles title, ending a long Gators drought.

Historic Campus Repair: Florida Southern College has started a roof repair on Frank Lloyd Wright’s Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, with work underway since May and expected to take about two months. South Florida Safety & Community: A Kissimmee vacation home tragedy killed twin 5-year-old girls after they were found unconscious in a pool; a 15-year-old called 911. Immigration at the World Cup: As FIFA matches ramp up in South Florida, some immigrant communities and advocates are alarmed by reports of federal immigration agents at venues, raising fears about attendance and entry issues. Politics—Governor Race: Qualifying closed for Florida’s 2026 governor race, setting the field of qualified candidates and teeing up a crowded Democratic and GOP battle. Animals—Adoption Push: Petco Love’s MEGA Adoption Event aims to place more than 2,000 pets across Florida June 19-21. Space & Economy: SpaceX’s massive IPO is expected to spur new investment and jobs tied to Florida’s Space Coast. Weather Watch: Heat advisories remain in effect, with elevated heat risk across much of the peninsula into the weekend.

Gubernatorial race: Byron Donalds’ campaign says it raised $14M in two months and has $65.8M cash on hand, while Lt. Gov. Jay Collins got a $5M boost from Propel Florida. Elections: Congressman Maxwell Frost qualified for a third term unopposed in Florida’s 10th District. Legal & courts: The Florida Supreme Court issued a reprimand to Kenneth Chesebro over Georgia “false electors” conduct, and rejected last-minute congressional map challenges. Public safety: Florida is launching a statewide crackdown on “teen takeovers,” with zero-tolerance policies and organized-crime charges; local police also stopped a planned Clearwater Beach gathering. Health & environment: Florida says sargassum cleanup is legal with hand tools, but mechanical removal needs permits; meanwhile, invasive python removals hit a record 8,000+ pounds in the 2025 breeding season. Consumer & tech: Walmart expands drone delivery in Florida; the Florida Bar adds free Smokeball Bill trust accounting access. Missing children: Authorities seek two sisters missing from Wesley Chapel.

Top247 Recruiting: Florida’s 2027 class rankings updated Wednesday, with summer official visits driving fresh intel and movement for state standouts. Property Tax Fight: Two former Florida mayors and a nonprofit sued to challenge November ballot language for the homestead property tax relief amendment, arguing it’s misleading and more like a campaign pitch than neutral explanation. Courts & Elections: The Florida Supreme Court kept a GOP-backed U.S. House map in place for 2026 elections, rejecting a bid to block it while other challenges continue. Sports Business: Florida unveiled plans for a $1.45B “Swamp” renovation at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, aiming to modernize the iconic venue while keeping capacity at 88,548. College Baseball: Cade Kurland left Florida for LSU via the transfer portal, adding veteran infield power for the Tigers. Public Safety Tech: A Fort Myers man and the ACLU sued Jacksonville Beach over an AI facial recognition match that led to a wrongful arrest in a dropped child luring case. Health: Dengue risk is rising in South Florida as heat and mosquito conditions peak, with CDC data showing a sharp national surge. Invasive Species: The Conservancy of Southwest Florida removed nearly 200 Burmese pythons—about 8,000 pounds—in Collier County this season.

College Sports & Spending: UF trustees unveiled plans for a $1.45 billion renovation of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (“the Swamp”), with work starting in the 2027 offseason and finishing by 2030, aiming to boost revenue and upgrade suites and other features. State Politics & Taxes: S&P warns DeSantis’ proposal to eliminate property taxes on 60% of homes could strain local government finances and credit, raising uncertainty for bond issuers if voters approve a constitutional amendment this November. Courts & Redistricting: The Florida Supreme Court cleared GOP-drawn U.S. House districts to stay in place for 2026 midterms while legal fights continue in lower courts. Public Safety & Justice: DeSantis signed a death warrant for Dennis Michael Sochor, scheduled for lethal injection July 14 for a 1981 Broward murder. Tech & Civil Rights: A Florida man’s lawsuit over an AI facial recognition mismatch that led to a wrongful arrest highlights growing concerns about policing tech errors. Weather & Health: South Florida braces for weekend heat with “feels-like” temps near 100, while Florida reports eight Vibrio vulnificus cases this year, including a teen hospitalized after swimming with a scrape. Crime Crackdown: Florida’s “Operation Sunset Stakes” seized hundreds of illegal gambling machines and made 11 arrests in Southwest Florida.

AI in Florida courts: The Florida Supreme Court adopted new rules requiring attorneys—and self-represented parties—to certify that legal filings cite real, accurate information, with judges allowed to sanction violations after concerns about AI “hallucinations.” Public safety: A suspected drunk driver allegedly plowed through the Ironman Jacksonville course, triggering a chase and near-misses with athletes and spectators before police used a PIT maneuver to stop the car. Shark attack: A Navy base employee was left in critical condition after a shark attack during a lunchtime swim near Naval Support Activity Panama City, with officials investigating the incident and how video spread. Health & consumer trust: Florida health officials faced pushback over a report claiming heavy-metal contamination in popular candies, as outside experts and manufacturers questioned the testing and conclusions. Cost of living: A United Way Suncoast ALICE report says many working families across the region can’t afford basics, with Pinellas and other counties seeing steep “survival budget” increases. Crime crackdown: Manatee County says a Facebook Marketplace sting helped unravel a theft ring selling stolen Home Depot rental equipment. Elections: The Florida Supreme Court declined to block DeSantis-backed congressional map changes for 2026, letting the GOP plan move forward while lower-court challenges continue. Property taxes: A Weston city attorney plans to sue over ballot language for a proposed property tax amendment, calling it biased.

Gubernatorial Race: Democrat David Jolly officially named former Rep. Gwen Graham as his running mate, setting up a high-profile ticket launch in Tallahassee and triggering immediate GOP attacks. Public Safety & Courts: A Florida man is suing after an AI facial recognition mix-up allegedly led to a wrongful arrest and prosecution for attempting to lure a child—charges were later dropped. Insurance & Tort Reform: A consumer group says USAA credited Florida’s 2023 tort reforms for nearly $1 billion in member savings, including a $500 million dividend. Health Tech: Tampa General Hospital reports cutting sepsis deaths in half using Palantir’s Sepsis Hub monitoring system. Local Government Finance: Leon County leaders warn that Florida’s property tax amendment could slash local services even as it promises major homeowner savings. Transportation Safety: A new national study ranks Florida among the worst states for pedestrian and cyclist deaths, with Tampa Bay topping Florida metros. Wildlife Incident: A Navy base employee remains in critical condition after a shark attack near Naval Support Activity Panama City. Consumer Watch: Florida health officials found glyphosate in multiple store-bought bread brands, sparking debate over testing methods and safety limits. Politics & Immigration: Florida approved about $90 million to expand immigration enforcement operations statewide.

Hilton Shake-Up: The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood is rebranding as a Signia by Hilton, adding a new adults-only oceanfront pool and lounge as part of a major makeover. College Hoops: Florida forward Thomas Haugh says his return for a senior season was a lifestyle choice, with NIL money playing a role as he chases another title. Wildlife & Animal Welfare: After “Sloth World” deaths tied to an Orlando attraction, advocates and a Central Florida lawmaker are pushing the state to tighten sloth protections, including banning wild-caught imports and limiting direct-contact encounters. South Florida Politics: District 20’s Democratic primary field is solidifying after reports of Black candidates meeting privately to avoid a split vote against Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Insurance Relief: USAA says Florida tort reforms helped it deliver nearly $1B in rate cuts and dividends to members. Weather & Beaches: A record sargassum/seaweed bloom is irritating South Florida beachgoers, with officials scrambling to manage the mess. Public Safety: Two boaters missing off the coast were found safe after more than 24 hours stranded at sea. Local Government: Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper is asking residents what services to cut if a homestead property tax elimination passes. Sports & Culture: England’s World Cup camp in West Palm Beach included “camp cricket” with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.

World Cup Watch Parties: Fort Myers’ Backyard Social is hosting a World Cup weekend with opening-match watch parties, a Team USA vs. Paraguay night, and a “Drink Around the World” celebration featuring country-themed stations. Fatal Crash & Charges: Florida Highway Patrol says a speeding Naples man faces DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide charges after a crash killed a 67-year-old woman in Estero. Keys Sword Attack: Monroe County deputies arrested four people after a woman was stabbed with a sword and robbed near Key West. Animal Health Alert: Florida is on high alert after the New World screwworm spread into the U.S., with officials urging pet and livestock owners to watch for signs. Conservation Land Approved: Gov. DeSantis approved permanent protection for 6,237 acres across four properties in the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Community Leadership Change: Tampa Bay’s Community Foundation says CEO Marlene Spalten will retire in June 2027. Sports—UF’s Thomas Haugh: The Gators’ Thomas Haugh says returning to Florida was a lifestyle choice, including chasing another national title. Business & Retail: Publix is rolling out a new store design to more Florida cities, and Chick-fil-A opened its first Florida delivery-only “ghost kitchen” in Miami’s Wynwood. Space: NASA named the Artemis 3 crew, with the mission launching from Kennedy Space Center.

Earthquake Watch: A 6.1-magnitude quake off Cuba rattled Florida from Miami to Orlando and as far north as Jacksonville, prompting precautionary evacuations at some buildings and brief ride shutdowns at theme parks; the USGS and National Weather Service reported no tsunami threat. Local Impact: Residents described shaking and swaying in homes and offices, with officials in Miami-Dade and other areas responding to reports. Politics & Courts: Republicans filed briefs ahead of an imminent Florida Supreme Court ruling that could clear the way for a gerrymandered congressional map and challenge the voter-approved Fair Districts Amendment. Housing & Community: A South Florida woman says parking rules are limiting how many guests she can host, with police calls escalating to tickets. Environment: A record sargassum bloom is hitting Florida beaches, driving costly cleanup and beach irritation. Energy Costs: A Trump “energy emergency” order kept an Orlando-area coal plant running past retirement, raising concerns about higher bills and health impacts. Sports: England’s World Cup camp in West Palm Beach felt the quake as preparations continue.

Earthquake Watch: A 6.1-magnitude quake off Cuba’s western coast shook parts of Florida, with residents in Central Florida and as far as Orlando reporting light shaking; USGS said there’s no tsunami threat and no damage reports yet. Local Governance: Crestview’s City Council will consider an agreement letting the Crestview Police Department and Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office share investigation information to speed up operations. Public Safety: St. Johns County officials say they used electronic monitoring and a “zero tolerance” approach to stop planned teen takeovers at St. Augustine Beach before they could turn violent. State Politics: Former state Sen. Annette Taddeo formally announced her bid to unseat Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia, pitching herself as a “watchdog” on property insurance and costs. Health: Florida Healthy Start and Sunshine Health launched a maternal warning signs campaign aimed at improving birth outcomes. Business & Community: Sprouts added three new Florida-area stores, while FPL outlined Brevard County grid upgrades to reduce outages.