AGP Executive Report

Crash & Safety: A 57-year-old Weeki Wachee woman is seriously hurt after her Harley-Davidson trike slammed into a fence in Hernando County, according to Florida Highway Patrol. Boating Tragedy: Broward County investigators are probing the death of American Airlines flight attendant Kellie Melinda Williams, 31, who was found on Hollywood Beach after an apparent boat strike while snorkelling. Court Update (UTV): In Okeechobee County, a woman accused in a fatal drunk UTV crash pleaded not guilty to DUI manslaughter and related charges; the victim was 34-year-old Seydi Dariela Galeano Salinas. Road Work: FDOT is continuing I-4 “Moving I-4 Forward” closures with nightly lane/road shutdowns in June—drivers should check the project site for detours. Flood Resilience: Sumter County launched a new public flood risk portal to help residents understand property-specific risk and speed up floodplain reviews. Public Health/Community: Miami-Dade schools will offer free summer breakfast and lunch to kids up to 18 at 170 sites, with meals required to be eaten on-site. Wildlife & Recreation: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission temporarily suspended recreational snowy grouper harvest in Atlantic state waters starting June 7. Local Recognition: Indian River County honored Peyton Cooper as its 2026 Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year.

Health Care: Cigna is exiting Florida’s Obamacare marketplace effective in 2027, following Aetna’s 2025 departure—raising fears of a “death spiral” as premiums climb and more insurers pull back. Property Taxes: Florida lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment to boost the homestead exemption to $250,000, sending it to voters in November; city and county leaders warn it could mean cuts to services or higher fees. Hurricane Prep: The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is underway, with forecasters calling for an El Niño pattern that may mean fewer storms, but local readiness still matters. Utilities: FPL plans major grid work in Brevard County in 2026, including converting neighborhood lines to underground and trimming vegetation to reduce outages. Public Safety: Two toddlers were fatally shot in an Orange County apartment; deputies say the father died by apparent self-inflicted gunshot. Wildlife & Environment: Lee County is urging a low-chemical lawn approach during summer fertilizer bans, and South Florida is seeing more Nile monitor lizard reports—experts warn not to handle them. Local Community: Parrish Healthcare launched a Brevard homelessness supply drive through June 30.

Sports & Local Recruiting: Florida football keeps stacking talent for 2027, adding more blue-chip commits as the Gators push toward a top-ranked class. Space Coast Celebrations: Brevard is gearing up for America’s 250th birthday with space-themed events, concerts, parades, fireworks and drone shows. Courts & Public Safety: Two Flagler County child sex crime cases ended with sentences after major case unit investigations. Business Litigation: A South Florida law firm won an $8 million unanimous jury verdict in a Broward County business dispute, including punitive damages. Health Care: OMNI Healthcare added trauma surgeon Dr. Edgar Figueroa to its Brevard physician group. Emergency Preparedness: Flagler County is working toward National Weather Service “tsunami ready” certification, using hurricane-style planning for a rare but real risk. Crime & Courts: A Miami-Dade caregiver was arrested for allegedly stealing jewelry from elderly women under her care. Road Safety: A head-on crash in Citrus County killed one and sent two others to the hospital. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports show some of the week’s lowest local prices, including premium at $4.27 in Miami-Dade and diesel at $4.67 in St. Lucie.

Gun Rights: Florida AG asked a federal judge to strike down the state’s three-day “cooling off” waiting period for most gun purchases, arguing it violates the Second Amendment. Politics: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings suspended his 2026 governor campaign after a prostate cancer diagnosis, reshaping the Democratic field. Local Safety: Sarasota County firefighters contained a brush fire that grew to about 41 acres and led to precautionary evacuations of 10 homes in the Stoneybrook at Venice area. Road Tragedy: A 51-year-old Boynton Beach woman died in a head-on crash in Marion County on County Road 42; the other driver had minor injuries. Public Health & Care: CMS data highlighted nursing home performance across multiple counties, including a 5-star facility in Sarasota and lower-rated for-profit centers elsewhere. Invasive Species: Florida experts warned about invasive lizards like Peter’s rock agama and tegus, with removal methods and public safety concerns discussed. Community & Education: Volusia’s “Kids Tag Art” program raised $22,000 for elementary art programs.

Property Taxes & Homestead: Florida lawmakers passed a property tax relief plan that would raise the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, sending it to voters in November—but Southwest Florida leaders warn it could cut local budgets and shift more power to Tallahassee. Gubernatorial Race: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings suspended his run for governor after a prostate cancer diagnosis, leaving David Jolly as the top Democrat heading into qualifying. Congressional Map Fight: Voting rights groups asked the Florida Supreme Court to pause new congressional lines, arguing the process may violate the state’s ban on partisan gerrymandering. Drought & Water: A water shortage warning for most Lee and Collier counties was lifted after heavy rain, though conservation is still encouraged and a modified order remains for parts of Cape Coral. World Cup Logistics: Miami-Dade transit officials say they’re ready for hundreds of thousands of World Cup fans, including free shuttles to Hard Rock Stadium. Public Health: Blue-green algae toxins warnings were issued for Seminole County’s Lake Howell, urging residents to avoid contact with blooms. Road Safety: A truck pulling a trailer slowed traffic on I-10, and a Bradenton pedestrian was killed on SR 70 while fixing a bicycle.

Public Safety & Courts: Florida executed Andrew Lukehart, the state’s eighth execution of 2026, tied to the 1996 death of a 5-month-old in Duval County. Law Enforcement Accountability: A Collier County deputy is under investigation after allegedly letting a driver go hours before a fatal wrong-way crash; the driver now faces DUI manslaughter charges. Health & Community: Florida reported a week with no new measles cases, but officials warn more could come with summer travel. Local Government & Budgets: Marco Island is weighing whether to replace its police department with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office as property-tax uncertainty looms. State Services: DMV customers in multiple counties report major delays after Florida rolled out the Orion system, with outages and crashes blamed on the new software. Property Taxes: Orange County and other local leaders are warning that a proposed homestead tax cut could force budget cuts or new revenue. Human Services: Hunger is rising as storms and higher costs strain food banks across Central Florida. Nursing Homes Watch: CMS ratings updates highlight a mix of facilities statewide, including a 1-star Marion County center and several higher-rated Volusia and Martin County homes.

Property Taxes & Local Budgets: Orange County officials warn a November homestead exemption boost could cost the county $430 million over two years, raising fears about cuts to fire, law enforcement, and services. Public Safety & Crime: Hillsborough deputies identified USF student Hansel Pearson as the man found dead after a Tampa double stabbing; the investigation remains active. Health Alerts: Bahia Beach in Hillsborough County is under a bacteria advisory, with officials urging people to skip swimming. Weather & Outdoor Safety: Florida’s lightning season is underway after an 18-year-old died kayaking in the Panhandle; meanwhile, dangerous rip currents are expected along parts of the Gulf Coast through the weekend. Community & Local Life: Second Harvest’s Mobile Farmers Market reports reaching hundreds of Volusia residents and distributing thousands of pounds of produce; and Key West Pride kicks off with “more passion” as DEI funding changes loom. Business & Consumer: Sprouts is expanding in Florida, adding stores in Naples, Lecanto, and a June 12 opening planned near Orlando.

Property Taxes & Local Land Use: Highlands County is pausing its Ridge to River land preservation vote after the Legislature approved a November property tax overhaul, saying the two ballot questions could “skew the results.” DMV Delays: Polk County customers are dealing with hours-long waits after a statewide DMV system update (Orion) began crashing and shutting down during registration and title work. Courts & Public Safety: Lawmakers approved nearly $1 million in the $114.5B budget to help address threats against Florida judges, including support for a statewide workgroup and deputy court marshals. Elections & Deadlines: The Sixth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission pushed the deadline to June 11 for applications to fill two judicial vacancies. Business & Community: A Florida mother and daughter sued Campbell’s and Walmart over alleged SpaghettiOs contamination with worms or parasites. Public Safety: A Florida Missing Child Alert was issued for a 16-year-old boy last seen in New Port Richey. Health Care: CMS data highlights nursing home rankings across multiple counties, including top facilities in St. Johns, Marion, and Broward.

Property Taxes: Florida lawmakers approved a sweeping property tax overhaul that now heads to voters in November, including a phased-in “super” homestead exemption and tighter limits on how cities and counties can raise and spend property tax revenue—sparking sharp pushback from local leaders and a defense from GOP officials. Elections: Miami-Dade released its early voting schedule for the upcoming primary: early voting runs Aug. 3–Aug. 16. South Florida Politics: Rep. Frederica Wilson says she won’t seek reelection, opening up Florida’s 24th Congressional District race. Hurricane Readiness: Gov. Ron DeSantis urged Floridians to prepare for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season and announced a new education-focused emergency management workforce initiative. Public Safety (Tampa): Hillsborough deputies are investigating a USF student double stabbing; later, the suspected attacker was found dead in a separate investigation near USF. Crime (Polk/Pasco): A Haines City police officer was arrested in Polk County for allegedly stealing over $10K from a dead man, and a Pasco County clerk was arrested after a Florida Lottery “safe-cracking” theft of scratch-off tickets. Health & Environment: Google is seeking permission to release millions of bacteria-treated mosquitoes in Florida as part of its disease-reduction program. Local Government (St. Johns): After years of odor complaints, St. Johns County took a step toward replacing its troubled composting/biosolids operation.

State Budget: Florida lawmakers passed a $114.5 billion budget after months of delays and overtime work, with the Senate voting unanimously and the House passing 99-6; Republicans tout funding for education, public safety and healthcare, while Democrats criticize the plan for not addressing voucher abuse and affordability pressures. Local Economy: Highlands County and the Town of Lake Placid toured Amazon’s Lake Placid delivery facility, highlighting jobs, workforce training and a $10,000 United Way donation for disaster preparedness. Environment & Land Use: Highlands County staff are recommending the county deny a proposed 243.7-acre sand mine in Venus, with residents warning of impacts to wells, Fisheating Creek and nearby sensitive wetlands. Health Care (Nursing Homes): CMS data spotlights Volusia’s Beachside Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing as the county’s largest nursing home in Q1 2026 and one of the top-rated facilities, while other counties’ nursing homes show a wide range of CMS star ratings and fines. Weather: A slow-moving front is keeping South Florida in a wetter pattern, with increasing chances for showers and thunderstorms and localized flooding risk. Elections: Florida’s 2026 primary is set for Aug. 18, with early voting running Aug. 8–15 and the voter registration deadline July 20. Public Safety: A warrant was issued for a driver accused of killing a beach toll booth attendant in Daytona Beach Shores after a crash into the booth.

Property Taxes on the Ballot: Florida lawmakers passed Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax overhaul for the November vote, boosting the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, while carving out protections so school taxes and key constitutional offices keep funding. Local Impact Fears: Cities and counties warn the cuts could mean major service reductions and shifting costs to renters and businesses. School Bus Safety: Lee County is cracking down on drivers who pass stopped school buses, showing how dangerous “right-side pass” behavior can be. Road Safety Questions: After a deadly I-75 crash in Collier County killed three, including a Good Samaritan, FDOT says existing lighting is working and new ramp lights are being added. Tragedy at the Beach Ramp: A Daytona Beach Shores toll attendant was killed when a pickup smashed into her booth and drove into the ocean; the driver is in custody. Flood Risk Tools: Sumter County launched a public flood risk portal to help residents understand their risk and support floodplain management. Wildlife Rescue: CROW is treating a bobcat kitten rescued from a Charlotte County brush fire. Elections Watch (Islands): Seats are up for election on Sanibel and Captiva, with qualifying set to open June 8.

Property Taxes: Florida lawmakers are moving toward a special-session vote on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan to expand the homestead exemption up to $250,000, with major debate over whether cities and counties can keep funding essentials like public safety, parks and roads. Local Impact: Orange County cities say they could lose a big share of property tax revenue, while lawmakers say education and key local offices are carved out. Space Coast: Blue Origin’s New Glenn test explosion triggered seismic readings, and officials say limited access has returned as damage checks continue. Public Safety: A beach toll booth worker was killed in Daytona Beach Shores when a pickup crashed into the structure and drove onto the sand/ocean. Environment: FGCU researchers are testing whether clams can help revive struggling seagrass beds in Estero Bay. Missing Person: FDLE issued a Missing Child Alert for 16-year-old Elissa McCarthy from Jasper. Crime & Courts: Florida’s next execution is set for Tuesday for Andrew Richard Lukehart, convicted of killing a girlfriend’s infant daughter in 1996.

Property Taxes Showdown: Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling a special legislative session to advance a constitutional amendment that would expand Florida’s homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, with the final vote headed to November. Local Fallout Fears: County and city officials warn the plan could shift costs to non-homestead property owners and cut funding for core services, sparking a “property tax war” mood ahead of the vote. Space Coast Update: Florida’s Space Coast logged a record 109 orbital rocket launches in 2025, with 37 launches already in 2026; Blue Origin’s New Glenn explosion has knocked it off the launch calendar. Public Safety: A registered sex offender was arrested after walking into the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office; and a Florida mom was charged after police say she left a 3-year-old in a hot car for two hours. Health Alert: Florida health officials confirmed at least five cases of flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus across multiple counties as summer begins. Local Crime/Justice: Sarasota deputies are investigating construction workers’ discovery of partial human skeletal remains.

Mosquito Fight: Google is asking the EPA for approval to release up to 32 million Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes across Florida and California over two years, with public comments due June 5. Public Safety & Health: Lee County mosquito officials say property tax reforms could threaten mosquito-control funding, even as the district expands sterile-mosquito releases by drone. Local Crime: A 17-year-old was shot on Clearwater Beach during a social-media-driven teen gathering, and police detained multiple people as the night turned chaotic. Courts & Accountability: Gov. DeSantis convened a Hillsborough County judicial nominating commission to fill a circuit vacancy, and the Florida Supreme Court disciplined dozens of attorneys, including disbarring two. Education Costs: Highlands County School Board members heard proposed changes to health insurance, including a major deductible increase, as the district tries to stop losses. Weather: More clouds and a chance of afternoon showers and storms are expected, with heat staying intense in South Florida.

Miami-Dade Schools: The district announced revised early dismissal times for the final three days, with elementary/K-8 at 1:50 p.m., middle schools at 2:40 p.m., and senior highs (including MAST and Coral Gables) at 12:30 p.m. Public Safety & Weather: Central Florida is bracing for tropical moisture-driven rain and storms this weekend, with a marginal risk for stronger storms. Hurricane Prep: Miami-Dade officials urged residents to use calm days to review plans and stock emergency supplies ahead of hurricane season. Road Tragedy (Collier/I-75): A box truck crash on southbound I-75 near Pine Ridge Road killed three and seriously injured four, including a Good Samaritan who stopped to help; lanes have reopened. Crime & Courts: A 17-year-old was arrested in a Tampa smoke shop burglary after deputies found nearly $5,000 in stolen merchandise; in Marion County, a man was sentenced to 15 years for sexual battery of a child. Health Alerts: Flagler County issued a blue-green algae toxin warning for Haw Creek–Confluence of Dead Lake, Haw Creek and Crescent Lake—no swimming or drinking, and keep pets away. Community: Alachua County held a memorial to kick off gun violence awareness month.

Property Tax Fight: Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing a special session starting June 1 to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would sharply raise Florida’s homestead exemption and cut property taxes for most homeowners, but Jacksonville officials warn the plan could cost the city more than $300 million a year. Local Governance: Miami-Dade canceled 4,707 disability parking permits after auditing more than 40,000 credentials, aiming to crack down on fraud and protect people who truly need the permits. Public Health: Florida health officials say “flesh-eating” Vibrio vulnificus cases are showing up earlier than usual, with five confirmed infections already this year across multiple counties as warm brackish water ramps up. Road Safety: I-4 shut down westbound in Volusia County after a fatal crash near Lake Helen, and a Tallahassee man died after his SUV hit a tree on U.S. 98 in Wakulla County. Community & Events: St. Lucie County is taking public input on the 2026 Port of Fort Pierce master plan update, and Miami-Dade hosted “World Pup” at Haulover Park mixing World Cup fun with pet adoption and environmental education.