AGP Executive Report

Tallahassee Shooting: Twelve people were injured, including six children, in a shooting near Florida A&M’s Bragg Memorial Stadium after a homecoming game. Eleven were shot; six remained hospitalized Sunday, one in critical condition. Police say a fight preceded the gunfire and are seeking tips, photos and video. No arrests have been announced. Coastal Flooding: King tides, strong winds and hazardous surf are bringing flooding to South and Northeast Florida. Flooded roads and public spaces prompted closures in the Jacksonville area, with officials urging drivers to avoid standing water. Conservation: Florida approved a $12.9 million easement to protect 5,610 acres at Hendrie Ranch in Highlands County from development while allowing ranching and forestry to continue. Panthers: Lars Eller scored his first goal for Florida with 2:23 left, lifting the Panthers to a 3-2 win over Chicago and ending a two-game skid.

Tallahassee Shooting: Twelve people, including six juveniles, were injured near Florida A&M’s Bragg Stadium after a homecoming game. Eleven were shot; at least three suffered serious injuries. Police say a fight preceded the gunfire, and no arrests have been announced. Florida Politics: Donald Trump and Melania Trump voted early in Palm Beach ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. Florida’s governor’s race is tightening: a University of North Florida poll puts Republican Byron Donalds two points ahead of Democrat David Jolly. Turnpike Crash: Six people were killed when an SUV struck a Road Ranger truck on Florida’s Turnpike in Orange County, according to state troopers. Southwest Florida Weather: Strong northeast winds and rough seas are expected into midweek, with a Small Craft Advisory and a moderate rip-current risk for beachgoers. Wildlife: Florida divers and fishers removed a record 36,187 invasive lionfish from state waters during this year’s FWC challenge.

Midterm Watch: President Donald Trump voted early in West Palm Beach, saying he backed Republicans across the ballot as Florida’s Nov. 3 election nears. Early voting is underway statewide, with the governor’s race tightening. Turnpike Tragedy: Six people died when an SUV struck a Florida Turnpike Road Ranger truck in Orange County and both vehicles caught fire. The crash is under investigation. Insurance Claims: Florida’s Supreme Court ruled homeowners can pursue claims tied to policies issued before July 1, 2021, without being blocked by a later-added 10-day notice requirement. Weather: Strong northeast winds and rough Gulf waters are expected in Southwest Florida, with scattered showers possible. South Florida storms also brought large hail and about four inches of rain near West Palm Beach. Health: Manatee County confirmed a dengue case as Florida’s locally acquired infections reach a century-high level. Hurricane Recovery: Milton extended its state of emergency through Oct. 27 as crews continue debris removal and infrastructure repairs after Hurricane Isaias.

Public Safety: A 3-year-old boy died after accidentally shooting himself with his father’s gun in a Bartow Burger King drive-through. Deputies say the father had set the pistol down while trying to resolve a declined payment. Midterm Campaign: Donald Trump rallied in Fort Myers for Republican candidates Byron Donalds and Ashley Moody, and revived talk of U.S. military intervention in Cuba after the Iran war. He also announced a $275 million nursing-home initiative expected to support more than 4,000 nurses nationwide. Domestic Violence: Volusia County launched Florida’s first county-run database of people convicted of qualifying domestic abuse and dating violence offenses, bringing public records into one searchable site. Health: Florida’s locally acquired dengue cases have topped 400, as Manatee County confirmed a case amid a wider rise. Teen Safety: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is proposing a law to cap teens’ social media use at two hours daily and block overnight access to apps. Insurance: Florida’s Supreme Court opened the door to some lawsuits over older insurance claims, a ruling that could affect homeowners’ ability to challenge insurers.

Public Health: Florida has surpassed 400 locally acquired dengue cases this year, with Manatee County confirming a case as mosquito control steps up prevention. Elections: Leon County officials say federal agents spotted near a polling site mistakenly tried to vote there while traveling to an out-of-state assignment; a separate incident near a Key Largo voting site remains under review. Courts & Government: The Florida Supreme Court ruled a 2021 insurance-notice law cannot be applied retroactively to an older claim. Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa agreed to a $2,000 fine and public reprimand over a conflict involving COVID-era business grants. Safety: A 3-year-old boy died after accidentally shooting himself with his father’s gun in a Bartow Burger King drive-through. Campaign Trail: At a Fort Myers rally for Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, President Trump revived talk of U.S. warships stopping near Cuba after the Iran conflict.

Economic Growth: Florida leaders say aerospace, medical technology and other manufacturers are driving an $87 billion expansion, supported by tax incentives and faster permitting. Youth Online Safety: Attorney General James Uthmeier’s proposed Safe Screens Act would require age checks and parental consent for minors, restrict some chatbot interactions and impose quiet hours on social media. Election 2026: Voters face statewide races, including attorney general, as candidates make their cases; Uthmeier is challenged by Democrat José Javier Rodríguez. Public Integrity: Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested on charges alleging she steered $50,000 in pandemic-relief grants to herself and relatives; she maintains her innocence. A Lauderhill officer is also accused of taking a dead man’s identity and home. Safety and Wildlife: A 3-year-old boy died after finding a loaded gun in his father’s car in a Bartow Burger King parking lot. Separately, a bipartisan bill would curb imports of wild sloths after 58 animals died at a Florida attraction. Insurance: Universal Insurance reported stronger earnings as its reinsurance costs fell, a sign of improving conditions in Florida’s property market.

Election Watch: More than 1.6 million Floridians have voted early, while election supervisors in Leon and Monroe counties contacted the FBI after federal agents were reported near polling sites. Online Safety: Attorney General James Uthmeier proposed new teen social-media limits, including a two-hour daily cap and overnight shutdowns; the plan would also require age checks and restrictions on addictive features. Public Health: Physicians are challenging the state’s move to drop four school vaccine requirements, arguing the health department did not follow proper rulemaking procedures. Insurance: The Florida Supreme Court ruled a 2021 notice requirement cannot be applied retroactively, clearing the way for some lawsuits over older claims. Storm Recovery: FEMA is sending Florida more than $94 million for 121 recovery and disaster-prevention projects. Local Safety: A dump truck crash near The Villages shut down southbound Florida’s Turnpike for hours; the truck driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Separately, a Lauderhill officer is accused of taking a dead man’s identity and home after responding to a welfare check.

Traffic Alert: A hazardous-materials crash shut all southbound lanes of the Florida Turnpike near The Villages, with the I-75 entrance ramp closed and drivers urged to take alternate routes. Election 2026: A new UNF poll puts Republican Byron Donalds ahead of Democrat David Jolly by just 49% to 47% in the governor’s race, within the poll’s margin of error; the U.S. Senate contest is also close. Public Integrity: Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested on theft and fraud charges over allegations that she and family businesses received $50,000 from a city COVID-relief program. Separately, a Lauderhill officer is accused of taking a dead man’s identity and home after responding to a welfare check. Weather and Flooding: South Florida faces heavy rain, strong winds and king tides this weekend, raising the risk of coastal and flash flooding. Housing: Statewide home sales were nearly flat in the third quarter, while condo and townhouse sales rose 3.1% from a year earlier and inventory tightened.

Public Integrity: Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested on theft and fraud charges over allegations that she steered $50,000 in COVID relief grants to businesses tied to her and her family. She denies criminal intent. Election 2026: Early voting is underway as the governor’s race tightens. Democrat David Jolly and Republican Byron Donalds are campaigning on affordability, with one poll showing Donalds ahead by just two points. Homeowners: Florida’s attorney general is investigating insurance policy clauses that could void a claim if a homeowner hires a public adjuster. South Florida Weather: King tides, heavy rain and gusty winds could raise coastal and street-flooding risks later this week and into the weekend. Accountability: The Florida Bar fired an employee after an investigation into racist and homophobic messages sent from his Instagram account to Miami football player Damon Wilson II. Death Penalty: Florida executed William Reaves, 77, for the 1986 killing of an Indian River County deputy. It was the state’s 18th execution this year, one shy of its modern-era record.

Governor’s Race: Bill Clinton campaigned with Democrat David Jolly in Broward, backing his bid against Republican Byron Donalds and highlighting housing, insurance and health-care costs as early voting continues. Death Penalty: Florida executed 77-year-old William Reaves for killing a sheriff’s deputy in 1986, its 18th execution this year; another could tie last year’s record of 19. Public Safety: A Lauderhill police officer was arrested on allegations he took over a dead man’s home, used his identity and later sued the heirs for renovation costs. State Affairs: Florida’s nursing workforce faces a pipeline squeeze: a new report ranks the state 47th for first-time registered-nurse exam pass rates and last for practical-nurse rates. A legal challenge also contests the state’s proposed removal of four school vaccine requirements. Costs: Gas prices recently reached $4.23 a gallon statewide, and oil above $100 a barrel could push them higher. Cuba Probe: Florida issued an arrest warrant for former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes that killed four people.

Hope Florida Fight: A judge declined to immediately block Democratic ads about the DeSantis administration’s Hope Florida controversy, while an appeals court rejected a bid to stop publication of the grand jury report. Further court hearings are ahead. Death Penalty: Florida executed William Reaves, 77, for the 1986 killing of an Indian River County deputy. It was the state’s 18th execution this year, one short of last year’s record. Public Health: Fatal fentanyl overdoses fell nearly 60% from 2023 to 2025, with about 2,000 deaths last year, a new state report says. Homeowners: Florida is investigating insurers over policy clauses that may restrict hiring public adjusters; the attorney general subpoenaed one company. Consumer Alert: A Central Florida businessman is suing First Horizon after $6.5 million was transferred from his account; he says more than $4 million remains missing. Elections: More than 1.1 million Floridians have voted early or by mail, as in-person voting expands across the state. Environment: Scientists and conservationists are urging federal officials to keep shrimp trawling out of protected Oculina Bank coral reef waters off Florida’s Atlantic coast.

Election Watch: Early voting is underway across Florida, with the governor’s race and ballot measures drawing attention. Data centers are emerging as a campaign flashpoint: a UNF poll found 68% of voters oppose one near their community, while Martin County weighs a one-year pause on new proposals. Statewide Alert: Florida confirmed a breach of driver-license records, and affected residents are being notified and offered identity protection. Death Penalty: The state is scheduled to execute 77-year-old Vietnam veteran William Reaves Tuesday, its 18th execution this year and one short of last year’s record. Cuba Case: Florida issued an arrest warrant charging former Cuban leader Raúl Castro with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder over the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes that killed four men. Tampa Bay Rays: The Rays beat Cleveland to win the AL Championship Series and reach their third World Series, where they’ll face Milwaukee; both teams are seeking their first title. Wildlife: A 71-year-old fisherman died after an alligator attack at Lake Apopka, prompting renewed warnings about fishing near the water’s edge.

Castro Case: Florida secured a state arrest warrant for former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, accusing him of conspiring in the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes that killed four men. Election Season: Early voting is underway in many counties; Florida reports 13.7 million registered voters, with Republicans holding a lead of about 1.5 million. Hurricane Recovery: The state has approved more than $4.5 million in no-interest bridge loans for 65 Panhandle businesses hit by Hurricane Isaias and is offering temporary shelter and aid to affected first responders. Data Breach: Florida is notifying drivers after a breach exposed license records, with free identity-protection services offered to affected residents. Wildlife: A 71-year-old fisherman died after an alligator dragged him into a pond near Winter Garden; officials removed the nearly 12-foot animal. Marine Environment: Florida’s annual lionfish challenge set a record, with divers removing 36,187 invasive fish. Space Coast: Blue Origin plans a $330 million expansion near Kennedy Space Center to increase New Glenn rocket production and launch capacity.

Castro Warrant: A Miami judge signed a Florida arrest warrant for former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, accusing him of conspiring in the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes that killed four people. Dengue Cases: Florida added 72 locally acquired cases in a week, bringing the 2026 total to 368; Hillsborough accounts for most, while Pinellas cases climbed 85%. Early Voting: Voting begins across much of Central Florida, with school property-tax measures and the Orange County mayor’s race among the decisions facing voters. Tampa Talks: Lebanese and Israeli military delegations are due to meet Tuesday and Wednesday at U.S. Central Command in Tampa. Beach Safety: Strong northeast winds are bringing dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents to Central Florida beaches; officials urge swimmers to stay out of the water. Homeowners: A Broward jury ordered state-backed Citizens Insurance to pay more than $400,000 over a Hurricane Ian claim initially valued at about $46,000.

Wildlife Safety: A nearly 12-foot alligator killed 71-year-old Steven Hamilton while he was fishing near Lake Apopka, prompting officials to warn people to keep their distance from the water. Election 2026: Bernie Sanders joined Senate candidate Angie Nixon at the University of Florida as Florida’s Nov. 3 vote approaches; early voting is set to begin Monday in parts of the state. College Football: Miami rose to No. 1 for the first time since 2002 after edging Florida State in double overtime; the Seminoles also lost leading rusher Ousmane Kromah for the season to leg surgery. Florida’s Gators, meanwhile, returned to the AP Top 25 after upsetting No. 7 Texas. School Vaccines: Florida’s health department says a proposed rule change would remove school-entry requirements for four vaccines, while requirements written into state law would remain. Hope Florida Probe: An appeals court ordered Leon County State Attorney Jack Campbell to explain under oath the disclosure of unredacted grand jury records tied to the Hope Florida investigation.

Public Safety: A 71-year-old fisherman was killed by a nearly 12-foot alligator near Lake Apopka in Winter Garden. Rescuers faced other alligators in the water; the animal believed responsible was captured and killed. Weather: Strong winds, rough surf and dangerous rip currents are expected along Northeast Florida’s coast, with possible beach erosion and minor tidal flooding. College Football: Florida upset No. 7 Texas 27-24 in Austin, while No. 3 Miami edged Florida State 43-35 in double overtime amid disputed calls on the Seminoles’ final drive. Panthers: Florida beat Seattle 8-3, setting an NHL record with a natural hat trick in each of three straight games; Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett each had one Saturday. Land and Recovery: Florida committed $8.7 million to permanently protect two working ranches totaling nearly 1,500 acres. Hurricane Isaias-affected residents in 27 counties also get an IRS deadline extension to Feb. 8, 2027. Elections: Early voting begins Monday in many Florida counties.