AGP Executive Report

Public Safety & Crime: A 36-year-old Jacksonville man suspected in a Carter Lake hotel death was arrested in Lincoln, Nebraska, after a struggle at an Arby’s led to a gunshot and his capture. Holiday Prep: Florida Realtors urged homeowners to lock up, use timers for lights, and avoid posting vacation plans in real time ahead of the Fourth of July. Emergency Readiness: HCA Florida Highlands Hospital ran an active shooter drill with Sebring police, focusing on the first critical minutes and staff coordination. Everglades & Water Quality: A Key Largo wastewater project aims to protect Florida’s waters, tackling long-running sewer challenges in the fragile island environment. Immigration & Community Impact: A U.S. Supreme Court ruling has left Southwest Florida Haitians in limbo as Trump administration moves to end Temporary Protected Status for some. Legal Fight: Florida AG James Uthmeier and State Attorney Monique Worrell escalated their dispute over youthful offender sentencing in serious cases. Shark Alerts: “Lulu’s Law” will add shark attack notifications to Wireless Emergency Alerts for beachgoers. Education: Florida released school grades, with districts facing stricter grading rules and some schools shifting ratings. Weather: Heat and storms are expected to intensify over the holiday weekend, with elevated rip-current risk near beaches.

Immigration & Education: Florida boards advanced rules that require students to prove legal status to attend state colleges and universities, drawing backlash from immigrant-rights groups and raising fears of lost enrollment. Terror Designations: Gov. Ron DeSantis moved to designate groups as terrorist organizations under a new state law, including CAIR and Antifa, prompting a federal lawsuit seeking to block enforcement. Public Safety—Alligators: A woman died after a deadly alligator attack in Central Florida, with wildlife officials trapping and killing two gators as investigators review what happened. Public Safety—Watercraft: Sarasota police cited an 8-year-old caught riding a personal watercraft alone, reminding families that operators must be at least 14. Schools & Community: Florida school grades show strong statewide performance, while a South Florida summer law program gave middle-schoolers hands-on mock trial experience. Business & Housing: New home and apartment construction continues across Florida, with incentives and new developments pushing supply. Holiday Planning: As July 4 nears, residents are getting guidance on fireworks impacts on shorebirds and what’s open or closed.

Aerospace Collaboration: Space Florida and the Israel Innovation Authority awarded $600,000 to two Florida-Israel partnerships, including an AI traffic-management push for drones and smarter flight planning tied to U.S. air-traffic standards. Courts & Insurance: The Florida Supreme Court ruling in the Perlmutter vs. Federal Insurance fight could lower the early bar for punitive-damages claims, raising pressure to settle high-dollar cases sooner. Education Policy: Florida’s Board of Education approved rules barring undocumented students from public colleges and state-funded GED programs, with opponents warning of legal challenges. Immigration Enforcement: Florida’s AG accuses Orange/Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell of lenient plea deals in violent cases, while a state immigration council urges more agencies to comply with 287(g) agreements. Public Safety & Health: New domestic violence laws take effect with tougher penalties for repeat offenders, and a drowning-prevention swim voucher program expands access for kids ages 1–7. Environment & Wildlife: Another Florida panther was killed by a vehicle on Corkscrew Road in Lee County, adding to 2026 road-hit deaths. Weather: Southwest Florida braces for scattered storms with gusty winds and intense lightning.

Florida Supreme Court: In a 6-1 ruling, the Florida Supreme Court said police mistakes in the “knock-and-announce” process won’t automatically get drug evidence tossed, overturning a 16-year precedent. New Florida laws (July 1): More than 100 laws kicked in statewide, including tougher penalties under “Isaiah’s Law” for repeat unlicensed drivers, expanded rules for child abuse and domestic violence, and new requirements for cursive instruction and school policies. Public safety & weather: South Florida faces flash-flood risk Wednesday as storms build, while Central Florida braces for heat and scattered showers over the Fourth weekend. Fireworks & drought: Four counties—Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota—kept burn bans in place, limiting open fires and fireworks. Education: Florida’s Board of Governors confirmed Dr. Stuart Bell as UF’s 14th president, and multiple districts earned top “A” grades, including Broward and Miami-Dade. Environment & wildlife: A string of alligator attacks in Central Florida has renewed safety concerns after a woman was killed while swimming. Tech & business: DeSantis signed a law to regulate hyperscale data centers, aiming to protect water resources and prevent utility costs from being passed to residents.

Alligator Attack Tragedy: Brittany Clark, 31, has been named as the victim of a deadly alligator attack near Orlando, with new details describing how the animal dragged her underwater in a “death roll” after biting her arms. Public Safety on Water: Florida’s boating crash report shows waterways remain crowded, with 694 reportable boating crashes in 2025 and 51 fatalities, including drowning as the leading cause. Immigration & Education: The Florida Board of Education approved rules barring undocumented students from enrolling in state colleges and from adult GED programs, drawing criticism from opponents. State Budget & Airports: Gov. DeSantis signed a nearly $118B budget that includes $2.75M to rebrand Palm Beach International Airport to President Donald J. Trump International Airport, with the code change set for July 9. Solar Outlook: A new report says Florida leads the Southeast in solar growth, but expiring federal tax credits could slow future expansion. Local Crime: A Palm Coast contractor was arrested after investigators say he took a $40,000 down payment for renovations and spent much of it on baseball cards. Community & Relief: Central Florida groups are collecting donations for survivors of Venezuela’s earthquakes, including urgent items like tarps, tents, batteries, and personal care supplies.

NHL Trade Buzz: The Florida Panthers swung again in net, acquiring Jacob Markstrom from the New Jersey Devils in a deal that also brings Angus Crookshank to South Florida and sends Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist and Ben Steeves the other way—moves that all but end Sergei Bobrovsky’s run. Public Safety: Florida wildlife officials identified the victim in a deadly alligator attack as 31-year-old Brittany Clark of Orlando; two gators were captured and killed, and the investigation is still active. Weather Watch: The National Weather Service issued severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of Lake and Orange counties, with damaging winds and hail possible. Legal & Policy: Florida AG James Uthmeier escalated a fight over transgender athletes in an Orlando Irish dance competition, warning of possible action if biological men aren’t excluded from women’s categories. Tech & Privacy: The Florida Bar’s latest briefs highlight legal scrutiny of AI, while the AG also settled a Roku children’s data lawsuit. Travel: Avelo announced new nonstop Texas routes from four Florida airports starting in November, with fares from $99. What’s New July 1: About 140 laws kick in Wednesday, including major changes for data centers, restaurant fee transparency, and a permanent back-to-school sales tax holiday.

Budget & Politics: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s nearly $117.6B budget for FY 2026-27, touting four straight years of overall spending cuts after vetoing about $800M-plus in line items, while Democrats criticized the veto pattern and community-project losses. Education: The new budget and state testing updates highlight continued focus on schools, with DeSantis pointing to gains on FAST assessments and a new law requiring cursive instruction in public schools. Public Safety: A 31-year-old woman died after an alligator attack near Orlando’s Econlockhatchee River, with officials trapping two gators and noting multiple alligator incidents across Central Florida in recent days. Courts & Justice: DeSantis approved $4M in restitution for the Groveland Four families, closing out decades of legal fight after posthumous pardons and later exonerations. Sports & Entertainment: NFL cornerback Terrion Arnold was released after a judge set $1M bond, and the Lions moved quickly to cut him; meanwhile, Peta Murgatroyd and Maks Chmerkovskiy reportedly listed their LA home for rent as they settle in Boca Raton.

Alligator Safety in Central Florida: A 31-year-old Orlando woman died after an alligator attack while swimming in the Econlockhatchee River near Oviedo; FWC says she was bitten on both arms and later died, with two alligators captured and killed afterward. More Attacks Reported: Officials also reported another alligator bite in the region over the weekend, keeping pressure on FWC to warn residents to report “nuisance” alligators that associate with people. Heat Dome Warning: A heat dome is pushing feels-like temperatures toward 112 in parts of Florida, with advisories issued ahead of the Fourth of July. Politics & Courts: Gov. Ron DeSantis says he’ll veto a bill that would raise the cap on compensation for local government negligence, arguing it would spur frivolous lawsuits. Space Coast Update: Florida’s Space Coast logged a record 109 orbital rocket launches in 2025, and 43 launches already in 2026. Sports Legal News: Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold was granted $1 million bond in a kidnapping and robbery case.

Alligator Safety: A 31-year-old woman died after an alligator attack while swimming in Seminole County, with officials still searching for the animal; two other Central Florida bite incidents were reported over the weekend, including a child injured while fishing. Public Safety & Crime: A 79-year-old Manatee County woman lost more than $200,000 to a crypto scam, then helped trigger an undercover sting that investigators say netted millions from elderly victims. Local Law Enforcement Leadership: Jacksonville Deputy Police Chief Ashley Weaver was sworn in as interim chief after Jarad Phelps resigned to lead Boca Raton. Housing Watch: Central Florida logged 1,328 active price-reduced homes across four counties, with nearly half sitting on the market 60+ days. Fraud Alert: A Florida Bar seminar warned that fraud losses keep climbing and that law firms remain high-value targets as scams evolve. Hurricane Prep: DeSoto County is urging residents with disabilities or special needs to register for the Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry ahead of peak season. Community Health Access: South Florida Med Group expanded services in Miami Lakes with telehealth and a weight management program. Weather: Forecasters flagged a low chance of tropical development off Florida and warned of hot, stormy summer conditions. Sports & Culture: Miami drew huge crowds for the FIFA World Cup trophy visit at the Freedom Tower, underscoring the city’s Latin sports pull.

Alligator Safety: FWC says a juvenile was bitten on the hand by an 8-foot alligator Saturday at Nelson’s Fish Camp in Umatilla; the animal was later killed and the victim was hospitalized. Traffic Fatality: Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a Port St. Lucie crash where a SUV rolled backward in a driveway, knocking down a 78-year-old woman who later died. Sports Security: Miami-Dade deputies arrested two Argentinian YouTubers at the Colombia vs. Portugal World Cup match for allegedly bypassing stadium security using credentials from a past event. Housing Watch: A report says North Port is “leading Florida’s rent crash,” with rents down 11.44% year over year. Public Safety: FHP is searching for a driver in a fatal Hendry County hit-and-run involving an older-model white pickup that struck a pedestrian. Consumer Protection: Florida’s AG and Roku announced a deal to strengthen children’s digital privacy, with $25M in upgrades. Local Politics: Florida Republicans rallied at the Hard Rock Hotel ahead of August primaries, with affordability and property tax reform topping voter concerns. Weather: The National Hurricane Center is tracking a new system off the Southeast with a 20% chance of development, and forecasters warn Saharan dust will keep South Florida hot and hazy.

Drought & Water Woes: In Central Florida, severe drought is shrinking waterways and hurting fishing, with anglers warning it may take a hurricane to restore water levels. Local Education: College of Central Florida kept tuition flat for the new academic year, with associate and bachelor’s credit-hour rates unchanged. Tropical Watch: The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a low off the Southeast with a low chance of development, while Central Florida braces for storms and flood advisories as July approaches. Public Safety: Gov. DeSantis vetoed a bipartisan e-bike safety bill, citing enforcement problems; Florida also launched a Spectrum Alert for missing children with autism starting July 1. Health & Community: Orange County student-athletes get free sports physicals and heart screenings ahead of a new Florida law. Venezuela Relief: South Florida volunteers kept packing supplies for Venezuela after deadly earthquakes, while families wait for news. Crime & Courts: A Florida man accused of trying to conduct a traffic stop using illegal police lights faces charges, and a teen drowning in Florida City is under investigation. Energy: FDOT-backed floating solar on stormwater ponds could power more than 200,000 homes.

Public Safety: A missing diver near Fort Pierce Inlet was found dead after a Coast Guard, FWC and civilian search in about 55 feet of water off Avalon State Park. Education: Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted statewide FAST testing results showing more than 60% of Florida students met or exceeded grade-level benchmarks in English and math. Consumer Watch: DeSantis signed SB 1074 letting retailers round cash totals to the nearest nickel, effective immediately, while credit and online sales keep pennies. Local Crime & Courts: A St. Augustine mother was arrested after surveillance video allegedly shows her slapping her 6-year-old son during an Instacart delivery dispute. Environment & Recreation: The 2026 Florida Python Challenge returns July 10–19 with $25,000 in prizes and registration now open. Weather: The National Hurricane Center is monitoring a new off-shore disturbance with a 20% chance of development over the next week. Health Care: Federal prosecutors announced a major Medicare/VA healthcare fraud crackdown involving multiple Florida defendants. Politics: DeSantis vetoed Florida’s e-bike safety bill, citing enforcement and surveillance concerns.

Education & Jobs: Charlotte County broke ground on the Southwest Florida Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, a new Charlotte County Technical College site in the Enterprise Charlotte Airport Park to deliver hands-on training and industry credentials. Public Safety: Florida will not impose a statewide fireworks ban, but Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is urging “responsible use” as drought-linked wildfire risk remains, with some counties still under burn bans. Community & Crime: A St. Augustine Instacart delivery woman, Kiah Lowery, was arrested after viral Ring footage allegedly shows her slapping her 6-year-old son in the hallway. Policy Watch: Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bipartisan e-bike safety bill, arguing it could increase oversight and confuse riders and law enforcement. Environment: Monroe County is issuing guidance on sargassum impacts in the Keys, noting it’s protected offshore and removal rules apply. Immigration: The Supreme Court TPS decision is drawing fresh alarm among South Florida Haitian families and officials. Health & Courts: The Justice Department sued to stop Florida tax preparers accused of fraudulent deductions and credits, alleging $7M+ in tax losses.

SNAP Oversight: Florida’s SNAP payment error rate fell to 12.97% in 2025 but still tops the federal threshold, putting the state on the hook for nearly a $1 billion penalty and raising fresh concerns about how food assistance eligibility is handled. Privacy & Tech: Florida and Roku settled a lawsuit over alleged sale of children’s data; Roku will add child-protection tools and parental controls over about a year at an estimated $25 million. Education Update: Gov. Ron DeSantis says more than 60% of Florida students hit grade-level benchmarks in English and math on state progressive testing, with gains since the FAST system began. Immigration Crackdown: Gov. DeSantis confirmed “Alligator Alcatraz” is permanently closing after transferring detainees out; the state says the site helped drive tens of thousands of deportations. Public Safety: ICE asked Florida not to release an illegal alien charged with murdering his stepfather; separately, Florida executed 74-year-old Dusty Ray Spencer for a 1992 wife murder. Environment & Recreation: The 2026 Florida Python Challenge is set for July 10-19 in the Everglades, with $25,000 in prizes. Weather: Central Florida faces the risk of strong to severe storms this afternoon as heat and humidity build.

Immigration & Public Safety: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says the state’s “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center is permanently closed after transferring detainees to other federal facilities and starting demobilization, calling it a key part of Trump-era deportation efforts. Immigration Courts: A Supreme Court ruling allowing TPS to end for Haitians is already rattling South Florida families, leaving many in legal limbo and raising fears of deportation. Venezuela Earthquakes: Venezuelans in Miami and across Florida are still trying to reach relatives after deadly quakes, while local groups organize relief and donations amid spotty communications. Crime & Justice: Dusty Ray Spencer, 74, became Florida’s oldest executed inmate in modern history for a 1992 murder of his wife; another 74-year-old is set for execution next month. Wildlife: Florida rescuers treated an abandoned panther cub with a high parasite load at Naples Zoo. Local Business & Community: T-Mobile awarded a $50,000 grant to the Boys & Girls Club of North Central Florida to expand digital and workforce programs. Sports: Xaivian Lee signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Weather: Heat and storms continue across Florida, with dangerous heat index values and lightning risks.

Immigration & Policy: Gov. Ron DeSantis says “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Everglades is permanently shutting down, with “zero detainees” and demobilization underway after detainees were moved elsewhere. The state says the temporary site processed more than 22,000 people for deportation, while critics have long attacked conditions and safety. Humanitarian Response: South Florida leaders, including Doral Mayor Christi Fraga and Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), are launching a relief partnership for Venezuela after back-to-back quakes killed at least 164 and left thousands injured or missing. Courts & Public Safety: Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold was charged in Florida in a kidnapping and armed robbery case tied to an alleged Feb. 4 attack on three people; he’s held without bond. Community Impact: The U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to end Haitian TPS, raising major concerns for Florida’s large Haitian community. Local Business & Real Estate: Trusted Title Search launched a new online platform for Florida title, lien, and foreclosure research. Sports: The Florida Panthers traded for Garnet Hathaway from the Flyers.