AGP Executive Report

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.

Education Policy: Florida’s Department of Education is proposing a rule requiring community college applicants to show proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status, a move immigrant advocates say could shut out undocumented students. Public Safety: Clearwater police have closed the investigation into Hulk Hogan’s death, classifying it as an attended natural death after medical history and prescription checks. Courts & Consumer Protection: A Florida mother and daughter filed suit against Campbell’s and Walmart alleging SpaghettiOs were tainted with worms/parasites and caused illness. Local Crime: Pasco County officials say a traffic stop led to a pursuit and arrest after a driver allegedly fled at extreme speeds. Environment & Wildlife: Everglades python hunters separated snakes from “mating ball” footage, underscoring the ongoing threat invasive pythons pose to native wildlife. Community & Events: Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida named 22 Gold Award winners, including two from Port St. Lucie. Weather: South Florida starts the week with higher humidity but lower-than-average rain chances early, with more storm chances later.

I-4 Construction: FDOT says nightly intermittent closures keep rolling for the Moving I-4 Forward program, with specific detours around ChampionsGate Boulevard, World Drive, and SR-429 through mid-June—drivers should check MovingI4Forward.com before heading out. Court Update: A woman accused in a fatal UTV crash in Okeechobee County pleaded not guilty to DUI manslaughter and related charges; prosecutors say she had a blood alcohol level above Florida’s limit. Public Safety & Health: Florida enacted emergency rules to keep the New World screwworm out after a Texas detection, tightening warm-blooded animal imports and inspections. Insurance Watch: Cigna is leaving Florida’s Obamacare marketplace in 2027, joining Aetna and raising concerns about shrinking options for enrollees. South Florida Politics: Miami-Dade is dropping a $400 million plan to buy a Fisher Island fuel depot and moving toward eminent domain instead. Weather: South Florida remains hot and humid with rain chances rising later in the week.

Middle East Tensions: U.S. forces shot down two Iranian one-way attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz, saying they threatened commercial shipping and that troops remain ready to defend navigation. Local Safety & Courts: A Florida tourist sued Airboat Rides at Midway after alleging an alligator “free encounter” left him with facial injuries, seeking more than $50,000. Hurricane Prep: United Way of Northwest Florida hosted “Play It Forward,” handing out free sports gear, physicals and supplies to help families keep kids active. Community Support: Farm Share and Global Empowerment Mission ran hurricane preparedness drives in South Florida with essentials like food, water and flashlights. Public Health/Crime: Two toddlers were found shot in an Orlando apartment; the father was also found dead in an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. Politics: Rep. Byron Donalds drew a packed crowd in Palm Coast, pitching affordability and attacking overregulation ahead of November. Sports: Florida Polytechnic named Clay Roberts its first men’s soccer coach, with the inaugural season starting in August 2026.

Border & Agriculture: Florida moved to tighten its livestock border after the first U.S. New World screwworm case was confirmed in Texas, triggering emergency rules aimed at protecting the state’s cattle industry. Emergency Preparedness: Flagler County is pushing to become “tsunami ready,” using hurricane-style planning, public alerts, and beach warnings to cut risk from rare but possible Atlantic tsunamis. Education Policy: Proposed Florida rules would restrict immigrant students’ access to adult education and state colleges, drawing sharp criticism over vague citizenship standards. Courts & Immigration Enforcement: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Florida’s bid to sue Western states over commercial driver’s licenses for some noncitizens, a fight tied to a deadly crash. Weather: South Florida heads into a sunny weekend with low rain chances and a rip-current risk, while Central Florida warms back into the 90s. Public Safety: A Miami-Dade bus no-show ended in charges after a 6-year-old fell asleep, woke alone, and wandered. Sports: UF baseball fired pitching coach David Kopp after a pitching slump in the Gainesville Regional.

Gun Rights Fight: Florida AG James Uthmeier asked a federal judge to strike the state’s three-day “cooling off” waiting period for most gun purchases as unconstitutional, arguing it burdens Second Amendment rights even though background checks would still apply. Local Politics: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings suspended his Florida governor campaign after a prostate cancer diagnosis, reshaping the Democratic field as candidates react. Courts & Voting: The Florida Supreme Court sped up a voting rights coalition’s request to block the state’s new congressional gerrymander, setting a fast response deadline before qualifying begins. South Florida World Cup: Broward and Miami-Dade rolled out World Cup watch parties and security plans as businesses weigh whether FIFA’s projected $1.3 billion boost will show up locally. Environment & Wildlife: A federal study highlights invasive Peter’s rock agama control options, while Florida also faces invasive lizard spread and ongoing public-safety questions. Weather: Weekend rain chances stay limited with hot, mostly sunny conditions across much of the peninsula. Public Safety & Crime: Authorities reported a Doral murder-suicide involving a father and his two daughters, and an FBI arrest of a South Florida teacher accused of possessing child sexual abuse materials.

Politics: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings suspended his Florida governor campaign after a prostate cancer diagnosis, saying he’ll focus on treatment and finish out his mayoral term. Courts & Public Safety: Florida Supreme Court adopted new rules requiring court filings to certify cited materials are real and accurate, targeting misuse of AI in courtrooms. Gun Law: State officials agreed the “waiting period” gun law is unconstitutional in an NRA lawsuit, moving the case forward. Immigration Enforcement: Florida’s State Board of Immigration Enforcement is set to consider about $90 million in local grant requests for equipment tied to illegal immigration enforcement. Weather: South Florida rain chances dip this weekend before a wetter threat returns next week. Business/Tech: Texas AG Ken Paxton is investigating Florida-based Celsius over marketing its Alani Nu energy drink to teens. Legal Liability: A man sued a Central Florida airboat attraction after alleging an alligator bit him in the face during a “free encounter.” Sports/Entertainment: Florida Georgia Line reunited for a surprise CMA Fest performance in Nashville.

Space Coast Water & Growth: Despite a brief rain boost, Florida’s worst drought in 25 years is still straining fresh-water supplies tied to Central Florida development, including the Space Coast’s next wave of housing and infrastructure plans. DMV Disruptions: Counties say Florida’s new Orion software is glitching and crashing, causing major DMV delays—some up to 2.5 hours—while the state works on fixes. Public Health Watch: Florida reported a week without new measles cases, holding at 154 cases across 15 counties, though health officials warn summer travel could bring more. Wildlife Participation: FWC launched Florida Wildlife Watch, inviting residents to help classify trail-camera photos on Zooniverse to support statewide wildlife monitoring. World Cup Security: South Florida is ramping up anti-human-trafficking and drone defenses ahead of the FIFA World Cup, with law enforcement and prosecutors coordinating across venues. Local Tragedy: A Doral real estate agent, her ex-husband, and their two daughters were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide, prompting a homicide investigation. Business & Food: Sprouts Farmers Market is expanding in Florida, adding stores in Naples, Lecanto, and opening June 12 in Lake Nona. Sports & Culture: Florida Georgia Line reunited at CMA Fest after a 2022 hiatus, drawing big crowd buzz at Nissan Stadium.

Conservation & Wildlife: Florida Atlantic’s snowy grouper season was shut early to protect coral-reef stocks, a reminder that state wildlife rules can change fast. Public Safety: Florida lawmakers approved nearly $1 million for a judicial security workgroup to better track and respond to threats against judges statewide. Politics & Guns: Florida AG James Uthmeier says the Tradition HOA will stop enforcing an unlawful firearm ban in common areas after a legal fight. Space & Tourism: Space Coast rocket-launch viewing tips are in demand, and Legoland Florida is rolling out a FIFA World Cup 2026 Experience. Crime: A North Fort Myers man is accused of wrapping his mother’s body in a rug and dumping it in a river to access her money. Courts & AI: Florida’s AI fight continues as the state pushes back on ChatGPT safety risks. Weather & Preparedness: South Florida drought may ease with rain, while hurricane-season readiness ramps up with local “sandless sandbags” in Miami Beach. Health & Agriculture: Florida tightened dairy cattle import rules after avian influenza concerns.

Property Taxes: Florida lawmakers approved a major property tax amendment for the November ballot, expanding the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, while also adding limits on how local governments can spend the money and warning cities/counties could face service cuts if voters approve. Everglades Cleanup: A debate over whether Florida is meeting Everglades pollution cleanup deadlines is back in focus, with reporting saying the state is flunking key pollution rules. Public Safety: A Florida man was executed Tuesday for killing his girlfriend’s infant daughter in 1996, after decades of appeals. Immigration Courts: South Florida immigration courts are accelerating hearing schedules, leaving many immigrants and attorneys scrambling with less time to prepare. Missing Teen: FDLE issued a Missing Child Alert for a 16-year-old boy last seen in New Port Richey. Health & Community: South Florida behavioral health providers say Medicaid termination letters are disrupting care and threatening jobs. Sports & Local Life: Florida A&M announced summer football camps and said all 12 regular-season games will be televised; meanwhile, a North Florida volleyball coach added former player Kailey McKnight as assistant coach.

Property Taxes: Florida lawmakers approved a DeSantis-backed constitutional amendment to sharply cut non-school property taxes, sending it to voters in November after lawmakers removed school districts from the plan—supporters say it brings relief, while critics warn it could gut city services. AI & Public Safety: Florida’s attorney general sued OpenAI and Sam Altman, alleging ChatGPT safety risks were concealed and that harms outweigh benefits. Hurricane Prep: Florida’s CFO urged South Floridians to stock up, review insurance, know evacuation zones, and avoid scams as hurricane season begins. Health Watch: Florida reported Vibrio cases as Alabama warns of vibriosis in warm Gulf waters. Crime & Courts: A Panama City lottery clerk was arrested for allegedly stealing a $1,000 scratch-off ticket; and a man was jailed after an alleged mid-air cockpit/exit rampage on a flight that made an emergency landing in Florida. Space & Jobs: Space Florida approved up to $24.2 million for Blue Origin’s Project Horizon expansion, aiming to add 500 jobs. Local Life: Gas prices in Florida fell to about $3.94 statewide, offering drivers some relief.

Property Taxes: Florida lawmakers approved a sweeping homestead tax cut for the November ballot, boosting the exemption up to $250,000—while local leaders warn it could slash city and special-district budgets, including fire services, and force layoffs or higher rates. AI Lawsuit: Florida AG James Uthmeier filed a major lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman, alleging ChatGPT safety failures and deception, including claims it aided mass shooters and encouraged suicide; OpenAI says it works to prevent misuse. Invasive Species: The state is relaunching the 10-day Florida Python Challenge in July with a $10,000 top prize as Burmese pythons keep overrunning the Everglades. Weather: Central Florida is seeing another round of rain after storms, with conditions expected to dry out later this week. Public Safety & Crime: Florida executed Andrew Lukehart for the 1996 murder of his girlfriend’s 5-month-old daughter. Energy: Florida Power & Light is continuing grid upgrades in Wellington, including smart switches and vegetation trimming, ahead of hurricane season. Space & Tech: Space Florida and Seagate Space announced Project Manta to expand Florida’s launch capacity. Local Culture: Florida Georgia Line sparked reunion buzz after updating social media with “FGL LFG.”

Property Taxes: Florida lawmakers approved Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax relief plan, sending a constitutional amendment to the November ballot that would raise the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, while protecting school district funding; local leaders warn it could squeeze city services. AI Lawsuit: Florida became the first state to sue OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman over alleged ChatGPT safety failures, including claims the system harmed children and misled users, setting up a major legal fight over AI accountability. Hurricane Prep: In Southwest Florida, FPL and Community Cooperative delivered 500 hurricane preparedness meal kits to seniors, aiming to make storm season less overwhelming for people living alone. Courts & Public Safety: The U.S. Supreme Court denied Florida’s request to sue California and Washington over commercial driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants. Justice: Florida is set to execute Andrew Lukehart at 6 p.m. Tuesday for drowning an infant in 1996. Space: NASA’s Roman Space Telescope is headed to Florida for final launch preparations ahead of a planned SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch.

AI & Consumer Safety: Florida became the first state to sue OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging ChatGPT was marketed as safe while allegedly enabling harm to children and contributing to violence and self-harm; the lawsuit seeks major damages and court-ordered changes, while OpenAI says it uses safeguards and works with law enforcement. Property Taxes & Local Services: Lawmakers moved to amend Gov. DeSantis’ property tax plan after pushback from schools and local governments, with committees preserving school funding tied to property taxes and clarifying funding for key local offices. Higher Ed Funding: Florida lawmakers skipped money for the Preeminent State Research University Program, leaving top public universities without about $40 million they received last year. Public Safety: A man was arrested for allegedly threatening to kill Rep. Byron Donalds. Local Politics: Maitland Mayor John Lowndes filed to run for Florida Senate District 10, setting up a potential matchup with GOP Sen. Jason Brodeur. Sports: Troy beat No. 8 Florida 10-2 to reach its first Super Regional.