AGP Executive Report

Tropical Weather: A new system in the Gulf has upgraded to Tropical Depression Two, and a tropical storm watch is out for Florida’s panhandle, with heavy rain and coastal flooding risks. Local Infrastructure: Florida’s Turnpike northbound lanes in Palm Beach County will close nightly for widening work, with detours via Jog Road and Okeechobee Blvd. Real Estate & Business: JLL announced MDH Partners bought Lakeland Commerce Center Buildings 100-300 for $67.7 million, a 557,100-square-foot industrial portfolio near I-4 and Lakeland Linder Airport. AI & Economy: A Florida-headquartered nuclear firm, Holtec, filed to sell shares on NASDAQ as it bets on small modular reactors. Politics & Community: Florida Democrats held a major Orlando fundraiser with Pete Buttigieg urging economic-focused messaging. Public Safety Tech: Leon County commissioners rejected grant funding for license plate recognition after resident pushback. Sports/Travel: Avianca marked 15 years at Orlando International Airport, expanding flights between Orlando and Colombia. Legal News: Social media influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested in Miami as UK prosecutors expand rape and trafficking charges. Local Life: Clearwater’s Back to School Bash drew families for free supplies ahead of the tax holiday.

International Security: Iran hit Kuwait’s power, water and oil infrastructure in “calibrated signaling,” with experts saying it’s meant to raise pressure without triggering a wider Gulf response. Drug Enforcement: A sheriff says 132 pounds of cocaine were hauled to Florida from Texas using truck tractors as a “facade,” with nine arrests and about $2.1M in seized drugs. Florida Economy: Florida’s unemployment rate dipped to 4.7% in June, down from 4.8%, as the state added jobs in restaurants, hotels, health care, transportation and warehousing. Real Estate & Wealth Migration: Miami’s tax-and-wealth pull is growing, but experts warn middle-class buyers are getting priced out as home costs and income needs rise. Public Health/Travel: Taylor Farms expanded a lettuce recall tied to cyclospora risk, shipping products to 27 states including Florida. Environment & Wildlife: A Trump administration rule would narrow what counts as “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, raising concerns for threatened species. Weather: Gulf development odds are climbing for a system that could become “Bertha,” with Florida’s Gulf Coast urged to watch forecasts closely. Sports/Politics: Influencer brothers Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested in Miami as UK prosecutors pursue extradition on rape and sex trafficking charges.

Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded its voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce tied to a multistate cyclospora outbreak, now covering products shipped to 27 states including Florida. Local Business & Growth: Orlando’s Parramore community is getting a push for healthier food access, with the Desire Foundation working to open the Parramore Market. Public Safety & Security: Florida lawmakers introduced the Seaport Security Act of 2026 to curb unauthorized drone flights over U.S. seaports. Crime: A terminated West Melbourne employee was arrested for an arson attack at Tropic Care of Florida, where investigators say gasoline was used to ignite multiple vehicles. Environment & Policy: The Trump administration rolled back endangered-species protections, drawing criticism from biodiversity advocates. Tech & Community Impact: Anti–AI data center protests spread nationwide, with Florida among the locations staging rallies. Sports & Culture: SharkCon returns to Tampa, aiming to turn fear of sharks into fascination with hands-on education for families.

Child Welfare: A.N.A.’s Friends in Southwest Florida is rallying community donations to directly support abused, neglected, or abandoned kids in dependency court, covering essentials and enrichment like tutoring and summer programs. Travel Rules: Summer travel updates include new entry requirements for Europe’s Schengen area, with the Entry/Exit System (EES) tied to biometrics and reports of long border queues—so plan extra time. Florida Business & Growth: The U.S. added about 3.5 million businesses in the first half of 2026, and Florida’s local tax rolls show growth in some districts driven by new construction. Housing & Mortgages: With home affordability squeezed, the spotlight is on low- or no-down-payment options like VA and USDA loans, plus rising costs that keep buyers cautious. Public Safety & Weather: Florida continues to watch for heavy rain potential from a weak Gulf low, while local communities push safety reminders ahead of hurricane season. Wildlife Tragedy: DNA confirms a 13-foot alligator killed a 31-year-old hiker in Central Florida, with the investigation ongoing. Sports & Culture: World Cup beer sales are booming in the U.S., even as broader beer consumption trends remain under pressure.

Public Safety: FWC confirmed DNA matching a 13-foot alligator captured after the June 28 attack that killed 31-year-old Brittany Clark in the Little Big Econ State Forest, as the investigation remains active. Weather & Storm Readiness: Lee County urged residents to be “flood aware” ahead of hurricane season, while the Treasure Coast saw a waterspout, heavy rain, and gusty winds tied to sea-breeze collisions. Local Politics: Lee County’s District 5 universal primary (Aug. 18) is shaping up around overdevelopment fears, with Commissioner Trish Petrosky facing challenger Amanda Cochran. Business & Travel: Southwest Airlines announced major new Caribbean nonstop routes from Nashville and Columbus, and LECOM opened a new Jacksonville medical campus. Sports & Community: The Florida Everblades will become the Pittsburgh Penguins’ ECHL affiliate, and Tallahassee Restaurant Week returns after a 15-year break. Crime & Courts: FBI raided Indiana developer Andy Card’s home and business, and West Melbourne police arrested a fired employee accused of arson at a long-running landscaping company.

NBA & Sports: Giannis Antetokounmpo says he’s chasing “the blueprint” to greatness after watching Lionel Messi, and he got his Miami welcome Thursday. Daylight Saving Push: The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, sending it to the Senate—Floridians are watching how it could shift winter mornings and evening activity. Politics & Retail: The Florida Retail Federation endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds for governor, highlighting his tax-cut and deregulation record. Local Business & Pets: Sweetwater Veterinary Clinic in Gainesville is using low-cost monthly vaccination events to help students and other residents care for pets without huge bills. Tech & Immigration: DHS finalized an immigration rule that could limit international students’ status, raising alarms for enrollment and schools. Environment: Lake Okeechobee’s summer blue-green algae bloom is “close to the worst,” with potential health and economic fallout. Housing & Growth: Pensacola approved a one-year ban on AI data centers over 50 megawatts, while Miami’s Brickell sees a $2.98M city property sale tied to Ken Griffin’s plans. Travel & Cruise: Margaritaville at Sea announced a fleetwide Zac Brown Band concert in Nassau in January 2027.

Space & Tech: SpaceX scrubbed Starship Flight 13 at Kennedy Space Center after engine issues, with a new date to be announced. Local Housing & Growth: Central Florida residents are pushing back hard against more development, arguing “stop the building” as traffic, schools, and services strain. Public Safety: FDLE arrested a Tallahassee USPS clerk for mail theft and grand theft. Environment: Florida’s alligator danger debate flared again after a fatal Econlockhatchee River attack; DNA testing confirmed a 13-foot alligator. Business & Travel: Southwest added a new nonstop Milwaukee-to-Panama City route for spring break. Sports (Florida): Giannis Antetokounmpo officially joined the Miami Heat, and Bobby Portis was introduced as part of the blockbuster trade. Consumer/Legal: A Florida woman challenged an offensive-looking license plate (“SQZ A55”), and Broward agreed to replace it. Healthcare/AI: Boston Children’s Hospital and OpenEvidence announced a multi-year AI collaboration focused on aggregated, provider-level care patterns.

Electric Aviation Buildout: Archer Aviation, BETA Technologies and Macquarie Capital launched ACES to electrify charging for 250+ air taxi sites by 2030, including Florida. Housing Market Watch: Miami is showing a strong buyer’s edge, with far more sellers than buyers in June, while high mortgage rates still keep many buyers cautious. Florida Real Estate Deals: Naples-based Florida Sell Now marks seven years and says it has bought nearly 250 homes statewide, targeting probate, foreclosure and other distressed cases. Business & Tech: Univision Computers earned a spot on the 2026 MSP 501, and Regions Bank rolled out a new SEC football media podcast series from Tampa. Weather Readiness: The National Weather Service is offering free virtual tropical forecast training for Floridians ahead of peak hurricane season. Environment & Flooding: An MIT study says Florida wetland mitigation banking has contributed to $1.6B in flood damages for homeowners. Local Community: Palm Beach County seniors are facing food insecurity, with advocates urging more support. Education Spotlight: Vaibhav Bhaskar’s 11.99 GPA broke Florida’s high school record and triggered a grading policy rethink.

House Floor Fight: GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna says she’ll accept Speaker Mike Johnson’s “MIRVing” plan only if the SAVE Act is attached to all appropriations and must-pass bills, warning Senate stripping would trigger political consequences. Immigration Courts: A federal judge ordered a bond hearing for another ICE detainee in Iowa, pushing back on the administration’s push to deny bond hearings for many detainees. Florida Business & Travel: A Florida company is selling hurricane-season evacuation-flight memberships guaranteeing seats out of Tampa and Sarasota airports. Crime & Courts: Winter Haven’s Taylor Jacob and 18 accomplices pleaded guilty in a multi-state check fraud scheme tied to a gang investigation. Local Development: Forest City is considering rezoning for a 96-unit housing project on Lawing Road. Tech/Consumer: Cash App parent Block agreed to pay $45M to settle state fraud-protection claims. Weather Watch: The National Hurricane Center is tracking two Atlantic disturbances with low development chances, with Florida expecting wind and rain early next week.

Politics & Courts: A federal judge in Florida rejected a proposed IRS deal tied to Trump and ruled Trump and his sons acted in “bad faith,” calling it self-dealing over a $1.8B slush-fund plan. Local Infrastructure: FDOT will close the LaBelle Drawbridge on SR-29 for two weekend stretches in July for structural repairs, with a 17-ton weight limit and detours for trucks. Congress & Daily Life: The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent (308-117), with Florida Rep. Vern Buchanan leading; the Senate’s next move is still unclear. Business & Growth: Palm Beach County’s luxury market saw a Boca Raton mansion go under contract at $19M, while Curaleaf opened a new Edgewater dispensary expanding its Florida footprint to 74 locations. Sports & Public Interest: ESPN reports Jets QB Geno Smith is no longer under investigation in a Davie battery allegation case. Tech & Energy: Palm Beach County commissioners are set to weigh Project Tango, a major AI data-center plan facing backlash over power, water, and neighborhood impacts.

Daylight Saving Time: The U.S. House passed the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, 308-117, with Florida Rep. Vern Buchanan backing the “ditch the switch” push; the Senate still has to act. Immigration Enforcement: After deadly ICE-related incidents, the Trump administration ordered ICE to suspend most vehicle stops, while Florida also saw a man killed after fleeing agents. Haitian TPS: Miami-area leaders and lawmakers renewed calls to protect Haitian TPS holders after the Supreme Court allowed TPS to be stripped. Local Elections: Central Florida election supervisors say it’s time to get “election ready” as misinformation targets voter confidence. Property Tax Pressure: Palm Coast is weighing a tentative 4.23 property tax rate for 2026-27 amid possible revenue uncertainty from a state homestead exemption amendment. Courts & Justice: A Miami federal judge awarded $314 million to three Americans allegedly tortured in Venezuela. Tourism & Dining: Key West restaurants earned MICHELIN recognition, and Orlando’s Magical Dining returns with deals benefiting local autism-focused nonprofits. Business/Travel: Palm Beach International Airport officially renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport, with branding changes rolling out in phases.

Cruise & Travel Safety: Princess Cruises confirmed a crew member died after going overboard from the Regal Princess during a Western Caribbean trip departing Fort Lauderdale, with search help from Mexican authorities and the nearby Carnival Jubilee. Local Business & Health: A Little Caesars in Bushnell was temporarily shut down after an inspector found dozens of live roaches, plus sanitation and hot-water issues. Real Estate & Corporate Moves: EMMA International relocated its global headquarters to Miami, aiming to expand client support across North America and Latin America. AI for Real Estate: Agentic Assets launched EQUIRE, an AI-native operating system for institutional commercial real estate deal teams, designed to streamline underwriting and diligence. Education & Elections: Three candidates are vying for the open Manatee County School Board District 5 seat in the Aug. 18 primary. Housing & Cost Pressure: HUD’s Scott Turner says Florida is “ahead of the game” on housing affordability by reducing barriers to new construction. Business Growth: Discover Strength announced seven new 2026 openings, including Naples, Florida. Public Safety: A Florida woman charged in a shallow-grave slaying is actively evading authorities, according to the sheriff.

IRS Fight in Federal Court: A U.S. judge in Miami voided Trump’s “improper” $1.8 billion IRS settlement, saying it was an inside deal meant to manipulate the courts and barred Trump from relying on it in future cases; the ruling also referred a Trump lawyer for possible discipline. Mar-a-Lago Expansion: Palm Beach County paperwork shows plans to build a new 60-foot helipad at Mar-a-Lago, with strict rules on use and fines for violations. Southwest Florida Housing: New home permits fell 21% through May, pushing inventory above pre-pandemic levels as the market corrects after the COVID boom. Florida Voters: Collier County has started mailing Vote-by-Mail ballots for the August primary, with key deadlines for requesting and returning ballots. Haitian TPS Fallout: A Supreme Court decision allowing TPS to be revoked for 350,000 Haitians raises urgent concerns for Haitian women in Florida and families facing work and stability uncertainty. Local Crime Watch: Manatee County says a fuel-card skimming probe led to an arrest and the discovery of multiple skimming devices. Data Center Debate: Palm Beach County commissioners are set to vote on Project Tango, with experts warning about energy and water strain and ratepayer impacts. Scam Alert: WESH 2 reports a surge in “job offer” text scams in Florida that push victims to pay to get paid. Space Coast: SpaceX is scheduled to launch a Starlink mission from Cape Canaveral early Tuesday.

Local Business & Public Contracts: Jacksonville’s Fisher Agency says it’s been certified as a Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business (JSEB), unlocking access to city bids and set-asides after an audit. Energy Infrastructure: Chesapeake Utilities’ unit plans a $1.2B Florida natural gas pipeline linking Palm Beach to Miami-Dade, targeting service in 2030. Higher Education: Florida’s Board of Governors approved UF President Stuart Bell’s five-year deal, including a $2M base salary and performance metrics. Immigration & Housing Funding: Gainesville’s ICE-related petition could be reviewed next week, but a homelessness agency letter warns it may threaten federal housing funds. Hospitality & Tourism: The Hospitality Show announced its 2026 Miami Beach speaker lineup, including Hilton CEO Chris Nassetta and Sandals chairman Adam Stewart. Sports & Community: A Florida-linked MLB Home Run Derby preview spotlights Tampa Bay’s Junior Caminero and Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. Business Expansion: Bank of America hired nine senior investment bankers, adding coverage that includes West Palm Beach.

MLB Draft (Florida impact): The 2026 MLB Draft wrapped up with 613 picks across 20 rounds, after the Chicago White Sox opened Day 1 with UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky No. 1; the Tampa Bay Rays took Grady Emerson at No. 2, and the Minnesota Twins, Giants and Pirates followed with Vahn Lackey, Jackson Flora and Derek Curiel in the top five. Local Safety: Bradenton police broke up a large teen gathering along the Riverwalk, dispersing 250–300 teens after officers closed nearby areas temporarily. Wildlife & Public Spaces: A 10-foot alligator was removed from outside a Venice 7-Eleven, another reminder that gators keep showing up in human-heavy corridors. Transportation: Florida’s Turnpike northbound lanes in Palm Beach County will close nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for construction and widening work. Weather: Central Florida faces storms to finish the weekend, with heat indices pushing near 110 in some areas. Business/Travel: Tampa International Airport is planning Airside D, aiming to bring more local shops and restaurants into the new terminal.

Local Housing & Development: EVO Riverfront, a renovated 185-unit luxury apartment community on Jacksonville’s Southbank, is now open for applications after FrontRange Capital Partners bought the property in 2022. Traffic Safety Crackdown: Florida is joining a multi-state “Operation Southern Slow Down” effort with extra enforcement aimed at speeding and aggressive driving, including a new “dangerous excessive speeding” crime for extreme over-the-limit speeds. Public Health: Florida health officials report 50 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases since May, spread across more than 20 counties, with no source identified yet. Business & Consumer: Chicken Salad Chick is set to open its first Sarasota County location this fall, targeting a Sept. 29 opening. Sports & Community: South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams, who helped the team reach the World Cup knockout stage, has died at 25; a moment of silence was held ahead of the Norway-England match in Miami Gardens. Tech & Safety: A Jacksonville near-miss highlighted the role of AI dashcams and fleet safety tech in documenting highway hazards.