AGP Executive Report

Aviation Disaster: An Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 cargo jet overran the runway and crashed at Miami International Airport, killing 5 and injuring 5 more; thick smoke and a fuel leak prompted a major emergency response and an FAA investigation. Travel Disruptions: With flights diverted, Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers saw dozens of rerouted passengers, including travelers facing long delays. Public Safety & Crime: Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz criticized a proposed Grand Theft Auto 6 “Vice City” tie-in, saying it sends the wrong message about crime. Health Watch: Orange County stepped up mosquito control in Pine Hills after a locally acquired dengue case was confirmed. Justice System: Seven people were charged in a $100 million workers’ comp fraud scheme involving shell companies and cash payrolls. Local Accidents: A 22-year-old motorcyclist died after hitting a tractor-trailer stopped for a crash roadblock on I-4 in Volusia County. Community: Escambia County is set to vote on accepting $100,000 for beach debris cleanup after sargassum and other biological debris hit shorelines.

Holiday Safety: FWC is reminding beachgoers that sea turtle nesting is still underway. Visitors should stay at least 50 feet from marked nests, keep lights off and curtains closed after dark, and clean up trash before leaving. Public Service & Community: Miami officials unveiled a historical marker honoring the late U.S. Rep. Carrie Meek, with family and elected leaders attending at Miami-Dade College. Road Safety: A milk truck crash on I-75 near Wesley Chapel sent a driver to the hospital after a semi hit an unoccupied pickup on the shoulder. In Manatee County, Florida Highway Patrol says two toddlers were in the back seat during a 120+ mph I-75 street race; both drivers were arrested. Health Alerts: St. Johns County issued a rabies advisory after a raccoon tested positive; residents are urged to avoid wild animals and keep pets vaccinated. Local Economy/Real Estate: Ares Management bought two fully leased Miami-Dade warehouses for $108.7 million, including a Target distribution center in Hialeah. Crime & Courts: A man was arrested after police say he followed a UNF student with autism into a campus bathroom and prevented him from leaving.

Space & Economy: Florida’s congressional delegation is pushing to land the newly announced U.S. Space Academy, arguing the state’s universities and space industry make it the right home. Public Safety: Hernando County Fire Rescue says two crew members were among four people hurt when a rescue unit crashed at Cortez Boulevard and Barclay Avenue; Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. Road Hazards: A fiery wrong-way crash on SR 414 in Orange County sent three people to the hospital, and FHP is still looking into why a vehicle was traveling the wrong direction. Elections & Civic Life: Orange County voter groups are urging turnout ahead of the Nov. 3 election after low primary participation. Crime & Courts: A Pasco County sheriff called a deputy arrested on child sex abuse allegations a “monster,” while a Tampa man was sentenced to more than 30 years in federal prison for a fentanyl conspiracy. Weather: Tornado warnings were issued for parts of Brevard County, with radar-indicated rotation reported. Community: St. Lucie County is launching a seed library program to help residents share and grow plants.

Surveillance Backlash: Florida’s pushback against Flock-style license plate readers keeps spreading, with Gainesville suspending ALPR use after FDOT revoked permits on state road rights-of-way, joining other local moves. Courts & Public Safety: Tiger Woods’ DUI case ended with a no-contest plea to reckless/careless driving and a five-year license suspension after a March rollover near Jupiter Island. Local Crime & Accountability: Sarasota County’s school board leak dispute is heating up, with transparency experts saying the report is a public record and warning against criminal threats for whistleblowing. Roads & Weather: A Dolphin Expressway fuel spill shut westbound lanes in Miami-Dade, while Labor Day weekend forecasts call for scattered storms across South Florida. Community Watch: Okeechobee and Gilchrist school districts both saw enrollment drops in 2024-25, and Okeechobee’s district fell 3.1% to 6,143 students.

Local Environment: Martin County nonprofit Community Greening is hosting a free native shade tree giveaway at Halpatiokee Park in Stuart on Sept. 12, starting at 10 a.m. First-come, first-served (one tree per household) with options like thatch palms, hackberry, red maple, and strangler fig. Public Safety & Weather: Labor Day weekend is shaping up stormy across Florida, with a marginal flash-flood risk and daily showers and thunderstorms; Volusia/Flagler could see heavy downpours and frequent lightning. Crime & Courts: Social media influencer Jack Doherty was arrested in Fort Lauderdale on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge after police responded to a domestic dispute; he was booked into Broward County jail. Government Watch: Orange County commissioners are considering a temporary moratorium on new AI data center applications while officials study impacts like water and electricity demand. Health: Dengue continues to rise in Florida, with CDC data showing hundreds of cases statewide and local transmission expanding in parts of Central and South Florida. Transportation Safety: A motorcyclist died after a head-on crash in Seminole County, according to Florida Highway Patrol. Housing/Community: A St. Johns County budget fight is heating up over whether to fund license plate reader technology, with residents pushing for a pause over privacy concerns.

FDOT & Privacy: Florida is removing automated license plate readers from state highways after FDOT revoked permits, with local agencies like Ocala and Marion County saying they’ll keep using readers elsewhere—raising fresh privacy and public-safety questions. Public Safety & Health: Dengue is surging, with 73 cases reported statewide and Hillsborough leading; measles also ticked up in Collier County to 96 statewide cases total, with vaccination rates still below herd-immunity targets. Courts & Accountability: Orange County judge Diana Tennis resigned after an investigation into improper political donations, while Volusia County commissioners debated sheriff funding ahead of property-tax decisions. Crime & Justice: Polk County announced arrests of 39 in a major drug-trafficking operation; a Kissimmee man was arrested for alleged road-rage gun threats; and a woman in a North Lauderdale Walmart parking-lot shooting won “stand your ground” immunity from charges. Local Life: Arts Garage in Delray Beach was named Florida’s best theatre venue for a third straight year, and Duke Energy Florida says 2027 electric rates could drop.

EB-5 + Tourism Development: Orange County’s “Gateway 2040” is headed to Dubai’s International Property Show this September, pitching a pedestrian makeover of International Drive and tying it to the EB-5 investor pathway for possible U.S. permanent residency. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Palm Beach County paused new Flock license-plate camera permits after FDOT moved to remove the cameras from state roads over privacy and rapid expansion concerns, adding to a growing statewide fight over surveillance. Food Assistance: Florida will receive 5.67 million eggs for food banks as part of a nationwide price-fixing settlement, with Feeding Florida distributing them across all 67 counties. Health Alerts: Brevard issued warnings for West Nile virus and rabies after a rabid raccoon tested positive in Melbourne; officials urged mosquito protection and avoiding wild animals. Courts & Accountability: Orange County prosecutors ordered a woman to stand trial in a deadly crash case after a witness search, while in another case, Lenawee County’s John Skelton was ordered to stand trial over the deaths of his three sons.

Public Safety: An 81-year-old Ormond Beach man died after lifeguards found him unresponsive in shallow water; the drowning cause is still unknown. Health Watch: Florida health officials confirmed West Nile virus in Brevard County sentinel chickens, and reported Cyclospora cases have reached 500 statewide for the week ending Aug. 29; measles also ticked up in Collier County to 144 total statewide. Elections & Voting Rights: Voting-rights groups filed a new federal lawsuit challenging Florida’s proof-of-citizenship voting law (HB 991), arguing it conflicts with the National Voter Registration Act and could block eligible voters. Privacy & Policing: Pembroke Pines suspended its license plate reader program after an FDOT directive tied to state roadways, as Florida moves to remove Flock cameras from state rights of way. Local Life: Sizzle Dining returns for its 10th year with 140 participating restaurants across Lee and Collier counties, with $1 per meal supporting weekend food for kids. Transportation: Avelo extended its Daytona Beach-area flight schedule through April 20, 2027.

Florida Politics: President Trump endorsed GOP congressional candidate Casey Askar in Florida’s 22nd District, a newly drawn seat covering Palm Beach, Broward, Hendry and Collier. Ethics & Accountability: The Florida Commission on Ethics dismissed complaints against Lee County Sheriff’s Office command staff tied to allegations of protecting an off-duty deputy in a DUI case; separately, it found probable cause against Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa over a prohibited contract relationship tied to city-administered grants. Public Safety: House Democrats are pushing to impeach Florida AG James Uthmeier over a leaked grand jury report alleging $10 million from a Medicaid settlement was misappropriated into political committees he controlled. Crime & Courts: A Hialeah man was arrested for allegedly stealing more than $86,000 from his elderly parents; in Orange County, two people face charges tied to years of alleged abuse of four children confined in a tractor-trailer. Transportation: Tri-Rail faces a $60 million state funding shortfall that could force service cuts. Environment: Sea turtle nesting on Florida’s Space Coast is on track for record levels, with thousands of nests already logged. Education & Community: A STEM classroom makeover at Kate M. Smith Elementary added 3D printers, microscopes and more via a $50,000 FPL grant. Health Care: Boston Children’s Hospital is reportedly considering expansion into West Palm Beach.

Statewide Surveillance Crackdown: Florida is ordering the removal of Flock-style license plate readers from state highways, citing privacy concerns and misuse reports, while some sheriffs say they’ll keep using readers only where permitted. High-Profile Court Case: Tiger Woods pleaded no contest to reduced reckless-driving charges in Martin County and accepted a five-year driver’s license suspension after a March rollover crash near Jupiter Island. Local Public Safety: A 75-year-old man in Miami-Dade was arrested after deputies said he stabbed his wife while she slept, then allegedly punched her; she was taken to a hospital. Violent Allegations: Miami-Dade deputies arrested Jay Hudson Harmon after they say he intentionally ran over a man at a West Kendall bus station in August, seriously injuring him. Community & Culture: Fort Myers formed the Fort Myers Philharmonic after the Southwest Florida Symphony shut down, debuting with a 9/11 anniversary concert. Food Fun: A visual roundup highlights some of the best ice cream shops in Palm Beach County.

Child Safety Crisis: Florida AG James Uthmeier says two women face major charges after four kids were allegedly abused and held captive in a tractor-trailer “rolling prison” for six years, with victims ages 5 to 9 and alleged sexual abuse, neglect, and injuries. Courts & Justice: A Putnam County jury convicted former Marion County Fire Rescue paramedic chief Murrel Liverman Jr. of molesting a child under 12; sentencing is set for Oct. 29. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Florida is revoking FDOT permits for Flock-style license plate readers on state roads, ordering agencies to remove cameras within 30 days; Miami-Dade and other counties are suspending programs. Local Governance: Duval parents push back on a 1,200-seat Venetia Elementary expansion, asking the district to slow down and revisit traffic and process concerns. Transportation & Growth: FDOT’s I-75 widening plan in Lee and Collier would add lanes and about 16 miles of noise walls, drawing both support and worries. Sports/Legal Spotlight: Tiger Woods is set to appear in Martin County court to change his not-guilty plea in a DUI case tied to a March rollover.

Surveillance Crackdown: FDOT revoked permits for Flock and other automated license plate readers on Florida’s state highway rights-of-way, giving agencies 30 days to remove gear or face state removal, citing privacy, misuse, and “surveillance schemes.” Local Fallout: Multiple sheriffs moved to suspend or end Flock use after the order, while residents and officials split on whether the cameras improve public safety or enable overreach. Public Safety & Weather: A father of four died after being struck by lightning while jet skiing near Fort De Soto, and Florida also saw a wrong-way crash death tied to a mother helping her daughter move into FAMU. State Grants: Gov. DeSantis announced about $23M in workforce and defense-industry grants, including training expansions in Jacksonville and maritime fabrication in Niceville. Health Watch: Pinellas County is ramping up mosquito fogging as dengue cases top 30. Community Concerns: Martin County residents and a school board member questioned a proposed school merger over worries about a nearby potential data center.

Public Safety & Privacy: Florida’s Department of Transportation ordered the removal of Flock and other automated license plate readers from state highway rights-of-way, and local agencies across Central Florida are scrambling to comply—Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood shut down readers immediately, while Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil suspended use pending “oversight and accountability.” Health Watch: Dengue is rising in Hillsborough County, with cases doubling from 15 to 30 in the latest report as more infected mosquito surveillance pools were found. Weather & Storm Prep: Forecasters say Tropical Rainstorm Dolly could reorganize near the Bahamas or Florida later this week, with South Florida urged to monitor for possible impacts. Local Crime: A man was arrested in Brevard County for allegedly stealing firefighters’ credit cards and making more than $1,000 in unauthorized purchases. Community & Roads: Residents in Estero raised concerns about noise walls as FDOT explains the $578 million I-75 widening plan. In the Courts/Justice: An Osceola County deputy’s deadly-force shooting is under investigation, including whether a quick-release vest attachment failure affected access to a Taser.

Bridge Traffic Disruption: A van fire shut down northbound lanes on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge near mile marker 11, sending heavy smoke across the span; no injuries were reported and lanes reopened after crews put it out. Deadly Crash: Florida Highway Patrol says a woman died and three others were seriously hurt in an Orange County crash on East Colonial Drive when a left-turning SUV was hit by an oncoming Mercedes; troopers say none were wearing seat belts. Southwest Florida Growth: The “Unbuilt Triangle” in eastern Lee and parts of Hendry is accelerating fast, with major retailers and new housing projects signaling a major population shift ahead. Public Health: Dengue is spreading locally again, with 41 confirmed cases statewide and 30 in Hillsborough; mosquito alerts are in effect for multiple counties. Local Safety: Duval County schools warned drivers after a stop-arm camera showed a car illegally passing a stopped school bus and nearly hitting children. Roads & Weather: Strong storms and dangerous heat are expected across Brevard County, with lightning and brief flooding possible. Gas Prices: AAA reports Florida’s regular average is about $3.89 per gallon heading into Labor Day. Pageant Spotlight: Miss America week is underway in West Palm Beach, with the map-signing ceremony and competition events set through Sunday, Sept. 6.

Healthcare Spotlight: Health First’s Viera Hospital earned a 5-star Overall Hospital Quality Rating on Forbes’ 2026 Top Hospitals by State list—one of just 10 Florida hospitals and the only Brevard County facility to get the five-star mark. Public Safety & Weather: A flood warning hit South Florida after heavy rains tied to tropical moisture from Tropical Storm Dolly remnants, with humid conditions and daily storm chances expected. Crime & Courts: Florida has three executions scheduled for September, including cases involving Harold Gene Lucas, Daniel Owen Conahan Jr., and Curtis W. Beasley. School Safety: A 15-year-old from Lakeland was arrested after allegedly making TikTok threats toward McCracken County High School; officials say the suspect is in custody and there’s no active threat. Community & Environment: Publix is donating $1 million to The Nature Conservancy for freshwater and forest habitat projects, including work to protect Florida’s Indian River Lagoon. Local Notes: Orange County warned residents about rising West Nile virus activity as mosquito numbers increase.

Brevard County: Deputies arrested four people accused of harvesting about 200 pounds of palmetto berries from private property without permission, charging them with harvesting without permission and related offenses. Orange County safety: Florida Highway Patrol says two speeding motorcycles crashed on Innovation Way; one rider died after hitting a fence, while the other was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Space Coast/spaceflight: NASA and SpaceX delayed the Crew-13 launch after an oxidizer leak was found during Dragon prelaunch processing; a new date will be announced after extra testing. South Florida environment: Miami-Dade plans more than 70 International Coastal Cleanup events, including major shoreline efforts on Sept. 19. Public safety tech debate: A Jacksonville report raises concerns about Flock camera surveillance beyond public roads, with renters saying they can’t opt out. Health & weather: South Florida faces hot, humid conditions with flash-flood risk and ongoing rain chances, while Tropical Storm Dolly remnants are being watched. Consumer/lottery: A Mega Millions winner near Sarasota claimed an $800 million jackpot with a $344.2 million cash option.