AGP Executive Report

Weather Watch: Central Florida cools off after hot days, with low humidity and highs in the low-to-mid 80s, breezy gusts, then a warmer, more humid weekend and storm chances returning next week. Space & Tech: SpaceX launched another batch of 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral after a Wednesday scrub, with the booster landing on a droneship offshore. Traffic: An I-95 southbound stretch in Brevard County near Port St. John Parkway is closed after a crash while Florida Highway Patrol investigates. Public Safety: A town hall in Pensacola highlighted social media risks for kids, citing survey data that most teens use it and many are online nearly constantly. Fireworks Policy: With drought and wildfire danger high, a statewide Fourth of July fireworks ban is “absolutely possible,” as many counties already have burn restrictions. Wildlife Alert: Scientists warn an invasive Asian swamp eel could be even more damaging than pythons, spreading from Tampa to Miami and threatening Florida’s food chain. Courts & Crime: Florida’s DMV system update is causing major delays for Polk County customers, while a federal judge halted Florida’s expanded red snapper season, angering anglers.

Property Taxes: Florida lawmakers sent a DeSantis-backed constitutional property tax relief plan to the Nov. 3 ballot, raising the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with inflation adjustments later—Republicans say it helps homeowners, while Democrats and local leaders warn it could cut funding for cities and services. Public Safety: Orange County deputies shot and killed a woman after she allegedly came out with a large knife and advanced toward officers; three deputies are on paid administrative leave while the FDLE investigates. Crime: A Winter Park Wawa surveillance video shows a brazen daylight abduction; a man was arrested after authorities say he forced a woman into his truck. Health & Welfare: Florida is budgeting $4 million for an AI system to help verify SNAP eligibility, but advocates warn it could make face-to-face help harder for families. Community & Culture: Jacksonville’s LGBTQIA+ community plans a Pride March across the Acosta Bridge on June 5. Sports & Local Interest: Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp fireworks return June 5-6 after Duval’s burn ban was lifted.

Local Agriculture: UF/IFAS spotlights okra as a “Food is Medicine” crop for Florida gardens and small farms, noting it thrives year-round in South Florida and can help growers manage seed-borne disease. Public Health & Tech: A new AI approach can predict Alzheimer’s progression with 78% accuracy up to six years early, but Florida’s neurologist shortage and legal/medical readiness remain major hurdles. Sports Business: Tampa Sports Authority is negotiating to run USF’s new on-campus stadium, with a deal starting July 1 and revenue splits for non-USF events. Arts Funding: Florida lawmakers propose about $65.9M for arts and culture in 2026–27 after volatile funding and a DeSantis veto in 2024, but the split funding streams complicate comparisons. State Government: The Florida Legislature passed a $114.5B budget after delays, with education, public safety, and healthcare in focus. Weather: A slow-moving front keeps South Florida in a wetter pattern with heavy rain and storm risks into the week. Safety: One person died in a Flagler County RV fire; investigators are assisting.

Property Taxes Vote: Florida lawmakers approved a sweeping homestead exemption expansion that will go to voters in November, with the plan raising the non-school homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028—while critics warn it could force cuts to services and shift power toward Tallahassee. Local Impact: Escambia County estimates the proposal would cost local governments $124.8 million over two years, with schools facing major losses. Public Safety & Accountability: Daytona Beach faces a new Florida AG subpoena tied to COVID-19 spending and claims of “retroactive” changes to city commission agendas. Space & Tech: Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket explosion is still under investigation after a May 28 “anomaly,” while SpaceX is set for another Falcon 9 launch from Florida carrying 29 Starlink satellites. Education & Youth: A 14-year-old in Alachua County was arrested over an alleged “joke” bomb threat at Santa Fe High School. Wildlife & Community: A bobcat kitten was rescued in the Bayshore area and taken to a wildlife rehab clinic on Sanibel. Health & Sports Safety: Who We Play For helped usher in Florida’s Second Chance Act, requiring ECG screening for high school student-athletes starting July 1.

Property Taxes Special Session: Florida lawmakers are back in a special session as Gov. Ron DeSantis pushes to slash or eliminate property taxes on primary homes, but cities and towns warn the plan could gut budgets for schools, police, fire, and other core services—especially bedroom communities that rely heavily on property-tax revenue. Local Governance: A Vero Beach op-ed argues home rule still matters, warning state preemption like the Live Local Act is tightening the leash on local land-use decisions. Public Safety—Roads: Crews put out a car fire on I-75N in Charlotte County near Tucker’s Grade; no injuries were confirmed. Health—Mosquitoes & Bacteria: Google is seeking federal permission to release up to 32 million sterilized mosquitoes across Florida and California, while health officials also flag rising flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus infections as summer warms coastal waters. Courts & Tech: Florida AG and the state are suing OpenAI over claims the technology is dangerous and exploits users. Crime & Consumer Protection: Maryland’s AG accuses Florida-based MV Realty of deceptive “Homeowner Benefit Agreements” that allegedly trap homeowners in predatory terms. Capital Punishment: Florida is scheduled to execute Andrew Lukehart for the 1996 murder of a 5-month-old baby.

Property Taxes: Florida lawmakers kicked off a special session as Gov. Ron DeSantis pushes a ballot measure to raise the homestead exemption and potentially eliminate property taxes for many homeowners, sparking sharp fights over funding for schools and local services. AI Lawsuit: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a sweeping lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman, accusing ChatGPT of deceptive safety claims and harmful impacts, including alleged kid-safety failures. Local Housing: Sarasota residents heard how the Live Local Act could reshape zoning and height rules for affordable projects, with concerns about local control. Public Safety: A Tesla crash on I-75 near Pine Ridge Road killed three, including a Good Samaritan, and Florida Highway Patrol urged drivers to call 911 and move to safety. Keys Incident: In the Florida Keys, a runaway boat hit about 35 mph after passengers were thrown overboard. Community & Health: Make-A-Wish Southern Florida and Bass Pro Shops granted a 12-year-old cancer survivor his own fishing boat. Environment/Tech: Corkscrew Swamp bird calls are helping train an AI app to identify species by sound. World Cup Transit: Miami-Dade and Broward outlined ticketed shuttle plans to reduce driving stress for fans heading to Hard Rock Stadium.

Local Courts & Safety: A Fort Myers mother accused of attacking a 13-year-old during a youth football game is set to be arraigned Monday on felony charges including cruelty to a child. Weather: Central Florida is bracing for more downpours, with forecasts calling for up to 4 inches of rain possible before a drier stretch later in the week. Housing & Growth: Orange County’s Pine Hills just opened Barnett Villas, a 156-unit affordable apartment complex that’s already fully occupied. Property Taxes: Jacksonville city auditors warn a proposed boost to Florida’s homestead exemption could cost the city more than $300 million a year, raising concerns about funding for local services. Public Health & Tech: Google is seeking EPA approval to release up to 32 million Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes across Florida and California, with public comments due June 5. Hurricane Prep: As the 2026 hurricane season begins, FPL and Duke Energy are ramping up year-round readiness for worst-case storm restoration.

Property Taxes: Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling a special session on a constitutional amendment that would boost Florida’s homestead exemption from $50,000 to as high as $250,000 (inflation-adjusted), with a possible path to eliminating property taxes for many primary homeowners—though local governments and school boards warn of major revenue hits. Local Economy/Real Estate: Publix keeps expanding in Southwest Florida, buying the Daniels Crossing shopping center in Collier/Lee for more than $36 million, anchored by a rebuilt Publix prototype store. Weather: A Special Weather Statement is in effect for parts of central Brevard County through 5:30 p.m. for thunderstorms that could bring wind gusts up to 50 mph. Public Safety: A Navy veteran in Jacksonville was reunited with his missing service dog after a community-wide search. Crime & Courts: Florida lawmakers and local officials are also reacting to the fallout from a growing wave of gun-violence awareness efforts in Alachua County. Sports: The Florida Everblades punched their ticket back to the Kelly Cup Finals after a 6-1 Game 5 win.

Death Penalty Update: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new death warrant for Dusty Ray Spencer, setting his lethal-injection date for June 25 at Florida State Prison. Public Health: Florida lawmakers restored HIV medication coverage after reversing cuts to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, bringing back dropped drugs and adding oversight. Local Safety: A fatal I-4 crash in Volusia County shut down westbound lanes after a vehicle hit a pole; another Wakulla County crash killed a Tallahassee man after his SUV struck a tree. Child Protection: A multi-agency operation in Southwest Florida rescued 21 missing and endangered children across Lee, Collier and Hendry counties, with at least one alleging trafficking. Politics: Longtime U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson says she won’t seek reelection in Florida’s 24th District. Hurricane Prep: Pinellas County’s Hurricane Expo in Clearwater urged residents to map evacuation and flood zones as June 1 season begins. Health Alert: Cases of “flesh-eating” Vibrio vulnificus are rising as warm water ramps up.

Public Health: Vibrio vulnificus, the “flesh-eating” bacteria, has returned to Florida beaches as cases outpace last year, with experts warning the June-to-September season is ramping up. State Politics: Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing another special session to advance a constitutional amendment that would raise homestead exemptions (from about $50,000 now to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028), aiming to all but end property taxes for many homeowners—while local officials say details remain confusing. Local Government & Services: Panama City stopped a sewage spill after a subcontractor hit a marked sewer force main; crews are testing Lake Huntington and warning residents not to swim or fish. Safety & Emergency Response: Manatee County Beach Patrol deployed a high-water rescue vehicle and trained lifeguards for flood emergencies. Health Care: Florida lawmakers restored $75M in HIV medication funding through 2027, stabilizing the AIDS Drug Assistance Program after earlier cuts. Crime & Courts: A Volusia County man was arrested for allegedly driving 105 mph with a 5-year-old near a school bus; in Volusia, a SWAT raid led to charges tied to child exploitation materials. Space Coast: Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket exploded during a Florida launchpad hot-fire test, with an investigation underway.

Immigration Enforcement: Gov. Ron DeSantis says Florida carried out major immigration enforcement operations with state and federal partners, including hundreds of arrests, as the state touts its 287(g) role and coordination with ICE and Border Patrol. World Cup Security: FBI and local agencies are finalizing safety plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in South Florida, including strict drone rules and temporary flight restrictions around Hard Rock Stadium and the Fan Festival. State Budget: Florida lawmakers approved a $114.5 billion budget after months of overtime, sending it to DeSantis, with tax breaks and funding for schools, public safety, and environmental projects. Local Government & ICE: Orange County commissioners plan to change its ICE jail agreement next week, cutting the contractual holding time from 72 hours to 48 hours. Public Safety & Courts: A former Key West 911 dispatcher faces federal child sexual abuse material charges, and a Florida woman is charged with manslaughter after her neighbor’s dogs killed a woman on a walk. Politics: Rep. Frederica Wilson says she won’t seek re-election for a ninth House term.

State Budget Vote: Florida lawmakers head to Tallahassee Friday to vote on a $114.5 billion budget, with South Florida watching for Tri-Rail support, Everglades restoration money, and school funding. Local Funding Push: Separate reporting says lawmakers carved out about $38M for Escambia and Santa Rosa projects as the budget nears final approval. Property Tax Fight: Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling a special session to move a plan that could exempt most homeowners from property taxes, but local leaders warn it could slash funding for services. Space Coast Updates: SpaceX plans a Falcon 9 Starlink launch from Cape Canaveral, while Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket exploded during a hotfire test, triggering an investigation. Public Health: Orange and Palm Beach counties each reported a new measles case, bringing Florida to 154 cases statewide this year. Community & Culture: Big Mamma is bringing its first U.S. restaurant to Juno Beach, and a Florida Gulf Coast University program is recognizing Immokalee educators earning master’s degrees.

Property Taxes Clash: Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan to raise homestead exemptions and move toward eliminating homestead property taxes is headed to a special session, but lawmakers and local leaders are already warning about who replaces lost revenue for schools, public safety, and other services. Schools Under Pressure: Florida’s largest teachers union says the proposal could destabilize education funding, with local property taxes driving a big share of district budgets. Conservation Funding Fight: Lawmakers are set to vote on a budget that leaves Florida Forever short, even as advocates argue the state needs both Florida Forever and the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program to protect natural lands. Hurricane Season Readiness: A new study ranks Florida 28th for disaster preparedness, citing gaps in emergency infrastructure and support capacity. Local Safety & Health: A new law starting July 1 will require EKG screenings for high school athletes, and Florida reported four more measles cases, bringing the 2026 total to 154. Community & Crime: In Palm Beach County, a woman’s phone-driving citation was dismissed after bodycam showed she has no right hand. Wildfire Watch: Southwest Florida officials warn lightning-driven wildfire risk could stretch into July or early August.

Courts & Public Safety: A judge is set to decide whether George Pino’s deadly boat-crash trial should be moved out of Miami-Dade due to intense media attention, with jury selection expected June 1. Education: Today is the last day of school for students in 21 Florida counties, with most others ending May 29 and only six counties continuing into June. Local Economy & Growth: An agricultural town in Florida is weighing the impact of hyperscale data centers as it seeks a major economic boost. Environment & Health: New research links city lights to longer mosquito activity, raising concerns for West Nile virus risk. Coastal Threats: Jupiter Island’s affluent beachfront faces severe erosion and possible “breakthrough” at a narrow spot, according to state DEP. Politics: Gov. DeSantis is calling for a special legislative session to advance a constitutional amendment that would expand the homestead exemption. Local Life: A Wakulla County woman was seriously hurt in a golf cart rollover that injured four children.

UF Free Speech Fight: A federal judge in Gainesville heard testimony May 27 in a lawsuit by former University of Florida law student Preston Damsky, who says his expulsion over antisemitic posts on X violated his First Amendment rights, while UF argues the posts harassed students and disrupted campus operations. Local Government Scrutiny: Florida AG subpoenas in Daytona Beach target spending tied to Mayor Derrick Henry, including charges connected to a Budapest hotel and other transactions, as the state investigates city purchasing and financial practices. School Attendance Push: In Lee County, officials say a new state attendance law and local enforcement are helping more students show up, after chronic absenteeism hit record levels in recent years. Property Tax Showdown: Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling lawmakers back for a June 1 special session to craft a November ballot measure that would raise the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $250,000 and eventually phase out property taxes for many homeowners. Community Safety: Deputies in Collier County searched for a Colorado probation-violation suspect after he fled on foot during a warrant service near I-75; traffic has since reopened. Memorial Day in Florida: The Village of Florida held Memorial Day services and a parade with ROTC, scouts, and local leaders honoring fallen service members.

World Cup Watch: Lionel Messi’s left hamstring muscle fatigue after Inter Miami’s win over Philadelphia has Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni saying the news “is not that bad,” with more tests expected ahead of the tournament. Local Events & Community: Key Biscayne kicks off summer with a May 29 barbecue, music, and America 250 tribute at the Civic Center. Public Safety: A tornado warning hit the Destin area and nearby Walton County, with officials urging people to take cover as severe weather moved in. Politics & Courts: A Leon County judge denied a request to pause Florida’s new congressional map while voting-rights groups challenge it. Housing & Growth: New College of Florida is poised to expand after the state Senate approved transferring the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, including land, facilities, and $53 million in debt. Health Care: Jackson Health Foundation topped $1.9 million for its “One Day for Jackson” campaign to support a new emergency room at Jackson Memorial Hospital. Education & Labor: Florida teachers unions face a tougher fight for survival under a new state law requiring live-or-die votes.