AGP Executive Report

Hope Florida Fallout: A Leon County grand jury report says $10 million from a $67 million Centene Medicaid settlement was “misappropriated” and routed through the Hope Florida Foundation and then into political committees, with Gov. DeSantis’ top allies named as officials now facing renewed calls for accountability. Public Safety & Courts: A Brevard County hit-and-run suspect was arrested nearly 10 months after a crash killed a motorcyclist; in Duval County, a man convicted in a murder-for-hire plot tied to a custody dispute was sentenced to life. Education: Broward schools are weighing closure of 10 schools amid a surplus of empty seats, while Orange County reports a steep enrollment drop and families push back on school closure plans. Local Life: Collier County is spending $380,000 a year to court international tourists as visitation rebounds. Privacy Watch: Flock license-plate cameras are back in the spotlight as critics raise new concerns about tracking and misuse.

Election & Local Politics: Democrats are gearing up for November after a bruising Aug. 18 primary, with Wilton Manors’ Dolphin Democrats GOTV rally featuring Lt. Gov. candidate Gwen Graham and candidates including David Jolly’s ticket. Public Safety & Courts: A Jacksonville man was arrested in the Florida Keys on a sexual battery charge, while Miami-Dade prosecutors brought DUI manslaughter cases tied to two separate deadly crashes. Government Accountability: A Leon County grand jury found DeSantis administration officials misappropriated $10 million from a Medicaid settlement for political purposes, though no criminal charges were filed. Surveillance Debate: Southwest Florida residents and officials are pushing back as Flock automated license plate readers face vandalism and privacy concerns, with DeSantis calling the growth “out of control.” Schools & Community: Orange County schools reported a nearly 7,700-student enrollment drop in the first 10 days, and Polk County voted to keep two challenged books in libraries. Health & Crime: Humana is exiting about 600,000 Medicare Advantage members, and ICE reported record arrests in Florida in July.

Crash & Flight: A Sumter County driver, accused of fleeing a traffic stop, slammed head-on into a school bus carrying 19 children, then ran on foot; deputies captured him and all kids were safe. Medicaid Misuse Report: A Florida grand jury found the DeSantis administration misappropriated $10 million from a Medicaid settlement, sending it through a nonprofit tied to First Lady Casey DeSantis; no criminal charges were recommended. Local Recovery Funding: Manatee County is taking public comment on how it will distribute $252 million in federal hurricane recovery money, with homeowners potentially eligible for up to $450,000. Public Safety Tech: Tallahassee and Leon County launched transparency portals explaining how Flock Safety cameras are used. Health Alert: Collier County confirmed a new measles case in Immokalee, with vaccination rates still below herd-immunity targets. Community Spotlight: Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library continues expanding in South Florida, with Miami Lakes among long-time partners. Sports: Broward’s Week 2 showcase brings major national matchups, including Sierra Canyon vs. Chaminade-Madonna and Bishop Gorman vs. Miami Columbus.

School Safety & Crime: In Sumter County, a man crashed into a school bus carrying 19 children while fleeing a deputy’s traffic stop, then was arrested and faces multiple charges. Local Politics: Miami-Dade School Board District 1 runoff is set between Katrina Wilson and Linda Cothiere after Wilson led the primary with 32.7% of the vote. Public Safety & Courts: A Pasco County jury awarded $969,000 to a woman seriously hurt in a 2021 head-on crash after the defense’s pretrial offer was capped at $10,000. Community & Culture: Central Florida Vocal Arts kicks off its 2026-27 season with “Songs for a New World” at the Dr. Phillips Center. Environment: Record sargassum is washing up on Key Biscayne and Miami beaches, driving up cleanup costs and raising ecosystem concerns. Health & Policy: DeSantis announced new emergency management courses at Florida colleges and universities, starting with FIU. Invasive Species: Asian swamp eels are “abundant” in South Florida and have spread farther, according to FIU research. Local Government: Palm Beach County may consider a yearlong moratorium on large-scale data centers.

Dolly Parton’s Florida legacy: Fans and families across Central Florida and Tampa Bay are remembering Dolly Parton after her death at 80, from Orlando’s Dixie Stampede days to local murals and the Imagination Library’s book impact for kids. School traffic crisis: Angeline Academy parents in Land O’ Lakes say dismissal car lines are costing hours and money; the district says it’s improving. Data centers meet resistance: Taylor County residents pressed for stronger rules and public hearings, while Volusia County opened a new St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop trail segment and Ormond Beach weighs an 18-month data center moratorium. Public health and safety: Alachua leaders tackled overdose impacts ahead of an awareness walk; Bay County reported a Vibrio vulnificus death; and a child was hospitalized after a vehicle hit in Oakland Park. Local government funding: Orange County accepted recommendations for tourism development tax spending, with some projects favored and others denied. Other notable Florida news: A Tarpon Springs father of two died after an industrial accident; and a viral Kissimmee hospital arrest video is fueling questions about ICE detainers.

Higher Ed Access: Florida’s new college rule requires proof of legal status for admission to the Florida College System, taking effect Aug. 5 and raising questions for programs like dual enrollment at Tallahassee State College. Public Safety: A man died in a Wakulla County motorcycle crash after colliding with an SUV and then being hit by another vehicle. Fire & Displacement: A Fort Lauderdale mobile home fire displaced two people and left a cat missing; investigators are looking for a cause. Immigration Enforcement Accountability: A Krome ICE facility security guard was arrested after video allegedly showed him stealing $5,382 from a detainee. Child Safety & Courts: A Lee County judge denied bond reduction for a middle school teacher accused of possessing child pornography; he remains jailed on a $5 million bond. Politics in Miami: Byron Donalds is set to announce his running mate Tuesday at the Freedom Tower, with Sen. Bryan Avila widely expected. Internet Expansion: Comcast/Xfinity service is now available to more than 3,300 homes and businesses in Columbia County, with more fiber buildout planned through end of 2026. Local Government & Taxes: A grand jury cleared Key West mayoral candidates of law violations in separate complaints, but issued recommendations for city operations.

Budget Watch: Altamonte Springs may cut its massive Red Hot & Boom fireworks event next year as rising inflation, security and supply costs push the price tag to nearly $950,000, with a city commission vote expected in September. Public Safety: Polk County’s stop-arm school bus cameras issued 94 citations on the first day of school, and Sheriff Grady Judd says deputies screen out “close calls” before writing tickets. Courts & Crime: Palm Beach County Clerk of Court Michael Caruso remains jailed on felony child sex abuse charges as his wife, Tracy Caruso, resigns from public boards and calls the allegations false. Health: Florida logged 16 new locally acquired dengue cases in one week, bringing the state total to 23, with Hillsborough leading local transmission. Environment: An invasive Asian swamp eel is spreading in parts of the Everglades, and experts say there’s currently no effective way to remove it. Transportation: FDOT plans a 4-lane expansion of a 2-mile stretch of Crawfordville Highway to ease congestion between Wakulla and Leon counties. Local Politics: Polk County primary results set up November matchups for key judicial and school board races.

Lightning Safety: A mother and her 2-year-old daughter were killed in Margate after being struck by lightning, bringing Florida’s total to four lightning deaths this year—plus tips on what to do when you hear thunder. Public Health: Florida reported its third 2026 death from Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria linked to saltwater exposure and raw/undercooked shellfish; officials urge wound care and avoiding raw seafood. Local Infrastructure: Tallahassee’s data-center growth is raising cost questions, and a new state law shields many residents from big new power-customer charges—though municipal and cooperative utilities aren’t covered. Aviation: The FAA changed flight paths for planes to and from Trump International Airport in Palm Beach after residents complained about noise tied to a Mar-a-Lago airspace restriction. Traffic & Safety: A fatal single-vehicle crash in Marion County killed the driver after the pickup left the road, hit obstacles, and caught fire—marking the weekend’s second deadly crash. Elections: Lake County’s machine recount for the GOP primary in U.S. House District 11 ended with the unofficial outcome unchanged. Community & Crime: UCF held “Dorm Storm” to help students register to vote, while multiple recent jail bookings across Broward and Miami-Dade highlight ongoing local court activity.

Altamonte Springs Crime: Police responded to the Sunday shooting death of a woman on Conrad Court, and later charged 65-year-old John Schmalz-Riedt with murder after a multi-hour standoff in Volusia County. Lake Rescue: A 911 call from Lake Woodruff led to a dramatic rescue involving Air One and CPR—plus a Good Samaritan who brought his own boat; the 56-year-old man ultimately died. Child Safety & Health: Seminole County schools raised classroom AC settings to save $1.5 million, while parents question the heat; in Stuart, a 3-year-old was hospitalized after being found unresponsive in a pool. Public Safety Incidents: Florida wildfires continued in the Everglades, prompting closures like Shark Valley; and a possible tornado funnel was reported near Port St. Lucie/Jensen Beach as warnings were issued. Local Life: Martin County mourns longtime choral teacher Ronald L. Corbin, and Lyonia Environmental Center announced September nature programs. Keys & Courts: A man was arrested for illegally harvesting queen conchs in the Keys, and a woman in Marathon faces a felony charge after allegedly throwing a bag at a deputy.

Medicaid & Autism Care: Florida spent $6.57 billion on ABA therapy for kids with special needs from 2023-2025, and state officials are now reviewing the program after a new federal CMS toolkit. Local Parks: Black Lake Preserve opened in Melrose, a 287-acre nature park funded through Alachua County’s conservation program. Wildfires: Two Everglades National Park fires burned over 9,000 acres and shut down the Shark Valley area. Public Safety: A 43-year-old man died in a Marion County single-vehicle crash on State Road 25 after striking a utility pole and fence; troopers say he wasn’t wearing a seat belt. Legal Fallout: Convicted teacher Brooke Anderson faces a civil lawsuit from a former student alleging lasting psychological harm. Online Gambling Crackdown: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued major “sweepstakes” casino operators including Stake and VGW, calling them illegal gambling. Internet Access: Florida ranks near the top for speeds, but county-by-county gaps remain. Crime & Courts: A Lake County jury convicted a woman in a $350,000 scheme targeting an elderly widow.

Wesley Chapel Fire: Nearly 200 residents were displaced after a lightning strike sparked a massive fire at the Cobalt Apartments; the building is now condemned and may collapse soon, with belongings left inside and no injuries reported. Child Abuse Case: Michael Caruso, a DeSantis ally and Palm Beach County clerk, faces possible death-penalty charges tied to allegations of sexually battering a child under a law he supported; prosecutors may need a secret grand jury step before capital charges. Public Safety: A Hillsborough man is accused of a 100-mph wrong-way chase and trying to ram a patrol car, according to FHP. Local Law Enforcement: Orange County Sheriff’s Office honored Sgt. Julie Rezex after her unexpected death. Health Watch: Citrus County confirmed a locally acquired dengue case, prompting expanded mosquito control. Elections: Lake County began a machine recount in the razor-thin District 11 GOP primary. Education Policy: Florida schools will require “History of Communism” instruction starting 2026-27. Community & Weather: Rain chances rise next week in Central Florida; Southwest Florida stays mostly dry tonight with storms possible Sunday.

Keys Cleanup: Monroe County Sheriff’s Office arrested Stephen James Dean, 42, for allegedly dumping 3,500 pounds of trash and debris at a makeshift campsite in Key Largo near Mile Marker 98; deputies say they warned him to clean up, but the site was never cleared, and the sheriff’s office removed the trash before his arrest. Child Safety: A 63-year-old Florida man faces a child neglect charge after police say his 4-year-old wandered onto a busy road in Miami-Dade, carrying a half-eaten slice of pizza. Heat & Water Quality: Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is hosting a virtual Biscayne Bay Science Roundtable Aug. 27 to tackle extreme heat impacts on the bay and improve water quality. Privacy vs. Policing: South Florida agencies are expanding the debate over Flock and other automated license plate readers, while some departments push residents to register private security cameras to help investigations. Local Politics: Volusia voters showed an anti-incumbent streak in summer primaries, with multiple mayors and council candidates falling short of runoffs. Property Taxes: Florida TaxWatch launched a new online tool to map Amendment 3’s county-by-county impact and explain how the measure could change homestead exemptions and assessment caps. Animal Adoption: Humane Society of Broward County is featuring puppies and an adult dog looking for forever homes.

Orange County Veterans Story: Dishon Lewis, 60, told a judge his Revolutionary War ordeal—captured, imprisoned in Florida, escaping and nearly starving—while seeking a veteran’s pension. Charlotte County Public Safety vs. Privacy: The sheriff’s office is asking residents to register home security cameras, arguing it helps investigators contact owners for video, while critics worry it could become “Big Brother.” Weather & Water: Florida’s summer heat is running above average in many areas, with a broader rainfall deficit tightening conditions as drought and heat advisories continue. Immigration Debate in Florida Politics: Democratic socialist Senate candidate Angie Nixon escalated attacks on ICE, calling it “state-sanctioned violence” and drawing comparisons to concentration camps and slave catchers. Property Taxes—Amendment 3 Tools: Florida TaxWatch launched a county-by-county online resource center to show how Amendment 3 could cut local property taxes, including an interactive map and estimates. Local Public Health: Walton County confirmed a locally acquired human West Nile case, prompting mosquito-control and prevention efforts. Crime & Courts: Julie Sulpizio was ruled competent to stand trial in the deadly Lake County deputy ambush case. Tampa Bay Rays Stadium: Tampa, Hillsborough County and the Rays reached a tentative deal for a $2.3 billion ballpark. Sports: High school football Week 1 is underway across Florida.

Power & Public Safety: A Citrus County judge sentenced Immanuel Zachariah Smith to 5 years in prison for opening fire on utility workers restoring power. Property Taxes & Local Budgets: Florida TaxWatch launched PropertyTaxFL.org to help voters research Amendment 3, while Palm Beach County’s administrator warned the measure could make towns insolvent by cutting local revenue. Courts & Crime: A Hernando County jury convicted Jeffrey Crum in the 1993 murder of 12-year-old Jennifer Odom. Immigration Enforcement: ICE arrested Cuban influencer Chichy after a stop in Charlotte County, with the case escalating to federal custody in Florida. Health Watch: Florida reported its third Vibrio vulnificus death of the year, including a new Bay County case. Infrastructure & Travel: FDOT is holding open houses for the $578 million I-75 widening in SW Florida, and an overnight crash shut down eastbound I-4 in Orange County before lanes reopened. Local Life: Lee County will temporarily close Royal Palm Park in Tice for fishing pier restoration funded by FEMA.

Severe Weather & Power: Strong storms tore through parts of Brevard County Thursday, damaging homes, splitting trees, and knocking out power lines as wind gusts hit 50–60 mph. Animal Welfare: Lake County Animal Services took in 85 dogs and 14 horses from a single Groveland property, with a temporary off-site shelter set up to handle the surge. Public Safety & Courts: FDLE arrested a Miami-Dade woman tied to an overdose death involving her 18-month-old child, charging aggravated manslaughter of a child. High-Speed Chase: A Volusia County carjacking suspect, Scott Taylor, was arrested after a pursuit that reached 137 mph, ended with a crash into multiple vehicles. Local Government Budgets: Wakulla County released a contingency plan for a potential $6.5 million shortfall if property tax reform passes. Transportation: PSTA’s Tampa–St. Petersburg ferry service moved closer to launch as the first vessel, Bay Breeze, arrived for refurbishment in Pinellas County. Education Funding: Escambia County says fewer than 900 teachers qualify for the state pay raise under TSIA rules. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports show the lowest regular gas in Hillsborough County at $3.49 and diesel in St. Lucie County at $5.15 for the week ending Aug. 15.

Florida Politics: Byron Donalds won the GOP governor nod, beating Jay Collins 48%-25%, and heads into November as the favorite against Democrat David Jolly. Democrats’ Shake-Up: In the Senate primary, state Rep. Angie Nixon pulled a major upset over Alex Vindman, setting up a long-shot challenge to Ashley Moody. Public Safety & Courts: Palm Beach County’s suspended clerk Michael Caruso was denied bond and moved to Orange County jail on alleged child sex abuse felonies; DeSantis floated the death penalty if convicted. Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis cases keep climbing in Florida, now reported in 45 counties with 460 total since May 1; officials say lettuce-linked outbreaks are still unfolding. Animal & Environment: Orange County says Sloth World deaths won’t bring criminal charges, citing no evidence of criminal neglect; meanwhile, Miami-Dade unveiled a Zero Waste Master Plan aiming for near-80% diversion over 13 years. Community: Volusia’s ECHO committee will score $13.1M in grant requests Aug. 27, and Charlotte County is taking sign-ups for horseshoe crab and Master Naturalist freshwater classes.