AGP Executive Report

Travel & Tourism: JetBlue is adding daily nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale to Barranquilla, with introductory fares starting at $139, expanding its Colombia network. Local Government & Taxes: A North Port city manager warns Amendment 3’s higher homestead exemption could cut the city’s general fund property tax revenue by about $8.8 million at first and $14.5 million annually by 2028, affecting services like police, EMS, parks, and emergency management. Immigration & Voting Rights: A federal judge struck down the noncitizen voting ban, and the U.S. says it will appeal; meanwhile, civil rights groups allege migrants were crowded into a makeshift Florida detention facility. Public Health: Florida health officials are moving to drop school vaccine requirements for four shots, but measles cases are rising and critics warn weakening mandates could worsen outbreaks. Courts & Accountability: A jury acquitted former Okaloosa County deputy Eddie Duran in the 2024 shooting death of Airman Roger Fortson; Ben Crump vowed to seek accountability. Utilities & Data Centers: FPL says its rate structure already complies with Florida’s data center law, requiring large-load customers to cover more of the costs. Animals & Oversight: USDA filed a complaint against a Gainesville primate sanctuary alleging repeated animal-welfare violations.

Elections & Voting: Florida’s voter registration deadline for the Nov. 3 general election is Oct. 5 for new residents, 18-year-olds, and anyone who’s never registered. New Laws on the Books: As of Oct. 1, Florida rolled out a slate of changes including a higher minimum wage to $15, tougher penalties for certain animal crimes and drug trafficking, and a new rule raising the crash-report threshold to $2,000 before law enforcement gets involved. Public Safety & Courts: Florida’s clerks are highlighting how injunctions for protection work during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, noting applications have no filing fee. Health Watch: Dengue cases in Florida have surged past the state’s 2023 record, with the CDC confirming 485 cases this year. Local Culture & Community: The Theatre of Memory in Gainesville is drawing visitors with its rotating collection of artifacts and stories, while a new Victorian Gothic “Relics & Lore” experience opens at FloridaRAMA in St. Petersburg. Space & Science: SpaceX Crew-13 launched from Cape Canaveral to the ISS with a Central Florida astronaut aboard.

Elections & Courts: A Miami federal judge ruled Florida can set voter qualifications and struck down a federal case targeting noncitizen voting, a setback for the Trump administration as election crackdowns continue. Public Safety Laws: Meg’s Law takes effect statewide, banning nitrous oxide sales by licensed tobacco/vape retailers and adding tougher penalties tied to xylazine trafficking. Education Policy: Florida’s Department of Education is considering a workplace dress code that could restrict religious head coverings, while experts warn the language may run into constitutional trouble. Politics & Campaigns: Byron Donalds’ gubernatorial bid is launching a $1M+ Spanish-language ad push featuring running mate Bryan Ávila, aiming at Hispanic voters statewide. Space & Tech: NASA’s Crew-13 launched from Cape Canaveral and is on track for a fast docking approach to the International Space Station. Local Crime/Justice: A Florida pilot in D.C. used a GPS tracker in his wallet to help recover stolen aviation gear after a car break-in. Sports: The Sharks opened the season with an overtime win over the Panthers, while Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov left with an apparent knee injury.

Politics & Campaigns: Vice President JD Vance stumped in Lakeland, touting tax cuts, lower inflation and a crime drop, while attacking Democrats as “extreme”; he was interrupted twice during the speech. Sovereign Immunity: Byron Donalds says he’ll weigh changing Florida’s sovereign immunity caps after Gov. DeSantis vetoed a proposal to raise them. Voting Access: The SPLC is urging an early voting site in South St. Petersburg’s Childs Park area, arguing current locations don’t provide equal access. Cybersecurity: FDLE marked Cybersecurity Awareness Month with a “Securing the Next 250” message aimed at protecting Floridians from phishing and scams. Public Safety Rules: Florida reminded residents that bicyclists are treated as drivers and must follow traffic laws. Health & Consumer Protection: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Pfizer over alleged misleading COVID-19 vaccine claims. Space & Tech: SpaceX’s Crew-13 launched from Florida to the ISS after weather concerns. Culture & Community: Mission San Luis hosts the 22nd annual Blessing of Animals this weekend, and Florida’s Elder Affairs is spotlighting seniors through “Florida Flavors” recipes for America’s 250th.

License Plate Readers: Florida’s deadline to remove license plate reader cameras from state roads is now underway, with local agencies in Charlotte and Sarasota saying the cameras are down and in compliance. Public Safety & Courts: A Florida appeals court upheld regulators’ authority to investigate viatical settlement firms, ruling the state Department of Financial Services can demand records. Health: Lee County and other agencies are responding to Florida’s historic dengue outbreak, including aerial larvicide spraying in Hillsborough’s hot spots. Local Politics: Charlotte County’s Kim Amontree, a GOP primary winner, heads toward a tougher Nov. 3 matchup against independent Michael Melton. Environment & Community: Curtis Bay’s medical waste incinerator is closing after years of community opposition and pollution concerns. Higher Education & Money: Ken Griffin’s $3B gift to Carnegie Mellon will fund a new Florida campus in Miami and expand computer science. Culture & Florida Life: Key West neighborhood stories, from the Meadows to Key Haven, keep the focus on how the island actually looks and grew.

Elections & Voters: A national Hispanic group is rolling out “Vota con Swing,” a Puerto Rican culture watch-party push in Kissimmee aimed at mobilizing Latino voters ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. State Politics & Accountability: Common Cause Florida is joining opposition to Amendment 3, calling it a “power grab scam” that could gut local budgets and raise costs. Florida AG Race: Democrat José Javier Rodríguez is campaigning on “crime, costs and corruption,” tying his bid to a grand jury report alleging misuse of $10 million through a charity tied to Casey DeSantis. Cost of Living: Florida’s minimum wage hits $15, but critics say it still isn’t “livable,” while tipped workers’ rate rises to $11.98. Housing: Miami received a failing grade in a new housing report card, scoring 29/100 on new construction and affordability. Public Safety & Courts: A woman accused in the Rihanna home shooting pleaded not guilty after a judge found her mentally fit for trial. Local News: Manatee School for the Arts placed on lockdown after a social-media threat; the student was taken into custody. Business & Education: Ken Griffin pledged $3 billion to Carnegie Mellon, including a new Miami campus. Sports: The Panthers open the season against the defending champion Hurricanes.

Education & Workforce: FIU is rolling out Gov. DeSantis’ CORE emergency management education initiative, aiming to connect colleges with hands-on training and emergency careers across Florida. Public Safety & Health: Florida reported a commercial gaming revenue drop of 8% in August, while researchers across Tampa, Boca Raton, and beyond are pushing new breast cancer detection and treatment ideas, including AI-linked urine testing and proton therapy. Courts & Data Security: Michigan announced a multistate settlement with Labcorp over the AMCA data breach tied to exposed patient information. Crime & Justice: Florida executed 77-year-old Curtis Wilkie Beasley for a 1995 hammer murder; in another case, a Miami-Dade mother faces felony child neglect charges after allegedly leaving four kids home alone during a Bahamas cruise. Local Life: A TikTok haircut stunt in Ocala ended with a teen seriously injured after a crash. Environment & Infrastructure: The Nature Conservancy’s Brightstorm, with AWS, plans a Florida pilot to better manage stormwater ponds using forecasts and sensor data. Politics: Byron Donalds’ FAMU town hall turned heated and was interrupted by a fire alarm.

Driver’s License Overhaul: Florida starts issuing redesigned driver licenses and ID cards Sept. 30, with new Florida-history and wildlife imagery plus added fraud-fighting security features. Public Safety—E-Bike Helmets: Doctors warn of a surge in pediatric ER visits from high-speed e-bikes and e-scooters, with many kids not wearing the right helmets for the faster speeds. Courts & Crime: A 77-year-old man convicted in a 1995 hammer murder is set for execution in Florida, as another Florida case moves through the system. Local Justice: Authorities used ALPR cameras to help locate a missing 13-year-old in Tennessee after a vehicle was flagged near I-75. Culture & Community: Miami’s Temple Beth Tov is closing after a long decline, while a Miami play, “The Does,” uses Epstein survivors’ words from court records. Arts Funding: Miami Dade College’s “The Louies” opens applications for $100,000 in documentary grants for Miami filmmakers. Sports & Local Life: The Warlock House in Wesley Chapel is opening for a family-friendly spookfest Oct. 3.

OpenAI Fight in Court: Florida AG James Uthmeier asked a judge to temporarily halt OpenAI from developing new AI models, arguing for stronger safety guardrails—especially around minors. Teen Sentenced for Mother’s Killing: A Florida judge sentenced 18-year-old Julia Grace Egler to 50 years for the 2024 Palm Bay ambush that killed her mother and her mother’s boyfriend. Death Penalty Update: A 77-year-old Florida man convicted in a 1995 hammer killing is set for execution Tuesday, as Tennessee prepares its first female execution in 200 years. Space & Tech in Florida: SpaceX’s Starship reached orbit again, and Florida’s Space Coast continues pushing for more space-industry momentum. Dengue Response: Clearwater released 10,000 mosquitofish to curb mosquito larvae as dengue cases rise across the Tampa Bay area. Local Culture & Arts: Project Row Houses announced its Southern Survey Biennial III, opening Oct. 3, spotlighting Southern artists. Sports Spotlight: Florida’s football surge continues after a big Week 4 win over Ole Miss, lifting the Gators into the AP top 10.

AI & Courts: Florida AG James Uthmeier asked a state court for an emergency order to halt OpenAI/ChatGPT model development without independent safety guardrails, bar minors from using ChatGPT, and stop the company from marketing it as “safe” or “human,” as the state’s child-harm lawsuit escalates. Consumer Protection & Gambling: Uthmeier also sent letters to Google, Meta, Reddit, Snap, and TikTok demanding details on how they’re blocking ads for sweepstakes casino sites he says are operating illegally in Florida. Public Safety: A Volusia County deputy rescued a 72-year-old man clinging to a pipe after he fell from his wheelchair into a marina. Local Economy & Housing: Central Florida homeowners are dealing with solar installer bankruptcies that left behind liens blocking sales and refinancing. Sports (Florida): The Gators surged in the AP Top 25 after a 52-28 win over Ole Miss, while a Texas WR commit visit fueled talk of a possible flip to Florida.

Higher Ed & Access: UWF is using NSSE data to map barriers keeping students from high-impact practices, building toolkits and workshops through HIP liaisons to boost internships and participation. Federal Voting Fight: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling lets states use the SAVE citizenship system again, with critics warning it could still flag voters incorrectly and raise barriers. Public Adjuster Oversight: A coalition is pushing a new ethics code and complaint board for public adjusters, aiming to tighten standards and stop questionable claim-to-attorney handoffs. Housing Watch: Central Florida shows 1,319 listings with price cuts; over half of reduced homes have been on the market more than 60 days. Real Estate/Business: Construction Partners expanded in Florida by acquiring an asphalt operation in the Panhandle, betting closer production and crews can lift profitability. Crime & Courts: A former Palm Beach County Fire Rescue captain was sentenced to 10 years for child pornography possession. Sports: Florida jumped to No. 8 after a 52-28 SEC rout of Ole Miss, while FSU film students are turning a K-pop pitch into a feature production.

College Football: Florida’s 52-28 rout of No. 4 Ole Miss has the Gators surging to No. 8 in the AP Top 25, a 13-spot jump, as Jaden Baugh powered the offense and coach Jon Sumrall says the team isn’t “a finished product.” Local Sports & Community: On the Space Coast, Girls in Aviation Day drew 913 visitors to explore aviation and aerospace careers. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports the cheapest E15 in Bradford County at $3.94/gal (week ending Sept. 19) and premium gas in Flagler County as low as $4.69/gal. Space: SpaceX is targeting a Sept. 28 attempt for Starship’s first orbital test flight, with Florida potentially in the mix if it succeeds. Education Spotlight: A Boca Ciega High School senior, Jeremiah Daniels IV, became the first Black male salutatorian at his school.

Education & AI Rules: Florida’s Board of Education approved new AI policies for K-12 schools and state colleges, requiring parent notification and consent for AI tools, offering non-AI alternatives, and banning AI use on graded work unless instructors allow it. Government Transparency: DHS plans to use AI to speed up FOIA redactions, including using Google tools to recommend what sensitive material should be blacked out. Weather & Safety: A nor’easter is battering the Northeast with dangerous coastal flooding, power outages, and major flight disruptions; New York and New Jersey declared emergencies. Hurricane Prep: A new forecasting tool can flag rapid intensification risk up to five days ahead, giving coastal communities more time to prepare. Local Update: Sebring Mayor John Shoop outlined development and tourism plans, including expansions at Waterside and new downtown openings. Lottery: Powerball for Sept. 26: 14-40-52-55-57, Powerball 24, jackpot estimated $360M. Sports (Florida): No. 21 Florida routed No. 4 Ole Miss 52-28, with Jadan Baugh rushing for 142 yards and three TDs.

Local Politics & Law: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued a construction company and executives, alleging a $1 million storm-repair scam that left at least 80 residents short on insurance payouts. Public Safety: A Miami Beach couple says teens surrounded them after they refused to buy candy, then spat and threw sand before a purse was taken. Culture & History: Florida archaeologists say they found three ships tied to a failed 1559 Spanish expedition near Pensacola—wrecks that stayed hidden for more than 400 years. Tech & Energy: Palm Beach County approved a one-year moratorium on new data centers, citing environmental review needs, noise, and rising electric bills. Sports (SEC): No. 21 Florida hosts No. 4 Ole Miss in a top-25 showdown, with Kewan Lacy ruled out and kickoff set for ABC. Education: UWF used NSSE data to study barriers to student participation in high-impact practices.

Florida Politics & Courts: Florida TaxWatch released its 2026 voter guide for three constitutional amendments on the Nov. 3 ballot, urging voters to weigh whether changes belong in the constitution or should be handled by lawmakers. Elections & Voting Tech: The U.S. Supreme Court allowed states to resume using the SAVE system to check voter eligibility for now, after a judge had blocked it over privacy and wrongful purge concerns. Local Governance & Education: Sarasota County is rattled by Florida AG James Uthmeier’s moves involving a teacher accused of bullying and a legal opinion challenging the county’s Live Local Act interpretation. Housing & Real Estate: Broward County saw $1M-plus home sales jump 22.6% in August, while condos lagged and lending constraints remain a factor. Environment & Public Health: UF/IFAS research finds pollinator activity is shifting later in more human-altered landscapes, and dengue cases continue to rise in Florida. Business & Transportation: Brightline Florida’s finances face fresh scrutiny after reports of major losses and “substantial doubt” about continued operation, even as Brightline West construction continues. Culture & Community: FIU ranked in the top 50 public universities in U.S. News, and Key West’s Old Island Restoration Foundation announced its 67th winter home tours.

Election Integrity Push: Florida AG James Uthmeier and Gov. Ron DeSantis announced charges tied to 20 people accused of voting illegally, including non-U.S. citizens allegedly registering and voting in 2024; Uthmeier says the state has zero tolerance and points to the Office of Election Crimes created in 2022. Education & Scholarships: Lee County named five students as 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists, with plans ranging from aerospace engineering to law school. Local Schools & Learning: Lee County also reported 525 students earning Cambridge AICE diplomas, including distinction-level recipients. Consumer Watchdog: A USA Today Network-Florida poll finds 88% of shoppers want Publix to offer the same BOGO terms it uses in other states, where the second item is 50% off. Health Costs: Florida sued insulin makers and major pharmacy benefit managers, alleging pricing deals drove up costs for insulin-dependent residents. Wildlife & Safety: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission warned beachgoers not to return stranded sea turtle hatchlings to the ocean and to call its hotline for instructions. Community Events: The Anne McKee Artists Fund opens applications Sept. 28 for Keys/Florida Keys artists seeking grants up to $3,000.