AGP Executive Report

Florida Primary Countdown: Tuesday’s Aug. 18 primary is the last stop before the Nov. 3 general election, with polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and voters told not to mail ballots at this point. Escambia Referendums: Escambia voters will weigh whether the school superintendent should be elected again, while another sales tax extension heads to November. Election Watch: Early voting is already strong statewide, and one analysis points to turnout and margins as a quick read on party enthusiasm. South Florida Heat Safety: A heat advisory is in effect across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach, with health risks and fire concerns—hydration, shade, and limiting afternoon outdoor work are key. Cost Help for Families: FPL’s “Saving Steps” offers eligible households a one-time $200 credit plus tips to manage monthly energy bills. Local Governance & Services: Volusia County will hold meetings to elect low-income representatives to its Human Services Advisory Board. Environment & Growth: A long-term study in the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed is tracking reptiles and amphibians as development pressure grows. Keys Conservation Win: Monroe County schools earned NOAA “Ocean Guardian” status for hands-on watershed and marine protection projects.

Elections Update: Early voting wrapped up across Central Florida ahead of Tuesday’s Florida primary, with Orange County voters casting tens of thousands of ballots at 27 locations before polls closed Sunday; Election Day voting runs 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fatal Crashes: Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly Sumter County tractor-trailer crash on SR-91 and a separate Orange County crash where a driver ran a red light, killing a person. Hit-and-Run: Troopers are asking for help identifying a driver after a vehicle struck a woman standing outside her car on Colonial Drive in Orange County, leaving her in critical condition. Public Safety: In Holmes County, a notorious intersection claimed another life after a second fatal crash in less than 24 hours. Wildlife Protection: Brevard Zoo euthanized two loggerhead sea turtles after injuries from derelict fishing gear, while a third is recovering. Health & Oversight: FDA inspection reports show multiple Florida cities with food and cosmetics facilities receiving “no action indicated” results in July, including Miami-Dade, Leon, Seminole, Lake, Brevard, Broward, and Volusia. Local Crime: Indian River County deputies identified a person of interest in a Vero Beach homicide after a woman died from a gunshot wound.

AI for Small Business: A new report says 58% of Florida small businesses are using AI, and owners are being urged to get training so they can use it safely and boost revenue. Fatal Crashes: Florida Highway Patrol reports an 80-year-old pedestrian was killed in an Orange County crash near I-Drive/Hawaiian Court, and another 80-year-old died in a separate I-Drive crash. Road Work Alerts: Citrus and Hernando counties are scheduling lane closures on US 19/US 41 and Cortez Boulevard, with delays expected. Violent Arrests: Lee County investigators arrested a man tied to skeletal remains found in a hidden grave behind the Lee County Elections Center. Public Safety & Courts: A Jacksonville case alleges four children were confined in a semitruck cab for nearly six years; the mother faces child neglect charges and the fiancé faces capital sexual battery. Elections: With Florida’s Aug. 18 primary days away, Republicans and Democrats are making final pushes, including a GOP candidate forum in Highlands County and major school-board outreach from pro-equality groups. Space Coast: SpaceX launched Globalstar replacement satellites from Cape Canaveral, with sonic booms reported across Brevard County. Tourism: Pinellas County approved nearly $4 million in contracts to market St. Pete-Clearwater in Europe through 2027.

FSU Health Push: Tallahassee Chamber leaders say the near-final FSU Health merger could be a game-changer, but they’re urging a more unified regional plan to turn FSU’s strength into consistent economic growth. Traffic Safety: An 82-year-old man died in a single-car crash on I-95 in Port St. Lucie, and a separate fatal crash on SR 80 in Lee County killed an 86-year-old man. Public Safety & Crime: A Bay County man was arrested after deputies say he exposed himself, threw items including a TV from a balcony, and threatened officers; in Brandon, a street takeover led to 16 arrests. Elections: With Florida’s primary days away, candidates and voters are making a final push, including in the U.S. Senate race and Florida’s 7th District GOP primary. Local Life: Deputies rescued about 75 baby sea turtles after they headed inland on a Florida beach, and FDOT is closing lanes on Miami Gardens Drive for about a year for the Golden Glades Interchange project. Health & Education: A Hillsborough County teacher was arrested over alleged inappropriate messages with a former student, and Florida’s school districts are starting the year with fewer students in some counties.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Ron DeSantis announced nearly $188M in awards to expand rural health care access across 31 counties, including $45M for Southwest Florida, with Glades County money aimed at strengthening paramedic and EMT workforce needs. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas in Hendry County at $4.51/gallon for the week ending Aug. 8. Wildlife & Environment: Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Collier County will close Aug. 17-20 for annual maintenance, with guided experiences still available by online ticket. Invasive Species: Charlotte County officials say Burmese pythons are “established” in the area, likely from escaped or released pets rather than migration. Property Tax Fight: Florida AG James Uthmeier rewrote the ballot title and summary for Amendment 3 after a judge said the original wording was misleading, reshaping how voters will see homestead and non-homestead tax changes. Public Safety: A pedestrian was struck and killed on U.S. 1 in St. Lucie County; Florida Highway Patrol took over the investigation. Heat Advisory: Dangerous heat continues across South Florida with advisories and feels-like temps above 110 degrees in parts of the region.

Severe Weather: The National Weather Service extended a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for parts of the Big Bend, including Tallahassee and nearby Leon/Wakulla areas, with damaging 60 mph wind gusts and hail, plus a flood advisory through the evening. Public Safety & Crime: A Hillsborough County juvenile detention center is set to close at the end of August, moving nearly 40 youth to other facilities, but families say relocation details are still unclear. Scams Targeting Seniors: A Miami man, Andre Hart, was indicted in Arizona for allegedly flying to Phoenix to run a scheme that tricked seniors into withdrawing money and handing it to an “undercover investigator.” Local Justice: A Mount Dora woman was found dead in her car after a suspected property-line dispute; her neighbor was found dead inside his home. Elections & Voting: With Florida’s primary days away, early voting and mail ballots are leading in turnout, and the Keys are warning results could be delayed due to landline changes. Health & Environment: Duval County issued a second red tide alert in a week, and sea turtle nesting is up on some beaches even as hatch-rate concerns linger. Transportation: New wrong-way detection systems are now active on I-75 in Southwest Florida.

Ballot Fight in Tallahassee: Florida AG James Uthmeier submitted revised Amendment 3 ballot title and summary after a judge said the original was misleading and too political, swapping in new wording about homestead exemption and assessment caps. Public Safety & Courts: A Walton County murder suspect, Isabelle Johnson, was arrested after nearly two months on the run in the killing of Jason Coulthart, with investigators saying she used multiple identities. Major Fraud Case: Seven people were charged in a roughly $100 million workers’ comp fraud scheme involving shell construction firms, underreported payroll, and an alleged unlicensed money-service operation. Animal Cruelty Crackdown: More than 40 dogs and puppies were rescued from an alleged dogfighting operation in South Carolina with help from Humane World for Animals. Heat & Health: The entire state is under a heat advisory, with extreme heat warnings in parts of the Panhandle and Big Bend; officials urge hydration and staying indoors. Local Safety Moves: Hillsborough County is adding heat-monitoring devices at athletic fields to trigger delays and extra breaks when conditions get dangerous.

Public Safety: Marion County deputies are searching for Leroy Parks III after a shooting and two vehicle thefts; he’s considered armed and dangerous. Crime & Courts: Orange County authorities say “tomb raiders” stole jewelry and other heirlooms from cemetery niches across at least nine states, including Florida. Immigration Enforcement: Lake Worth Beach residents and advocates are urging the city to reject a 10-year 287(g) extension with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office over fears of profiling and family separation. Property Taxes: Florida AG James Uthmeier filed a court-ordered rewrite of Amendment 3 ballot language, replacing slogan-like wording with clearer mechanics ahead of the Aug. 18 primary. Health Watch: Florida confirmed a fifth equine case of eastern equine encephalitis after a horse in Jackson County was euthanized; officials say it’s an early warning signal for mosquito-borne risk. Education: A new report finds 3,157 instructional vacancies statewide, with hundreds of openings in South Florida as schools open. Space Coast: SpaceX filed permits for “Project Ignition,” a new Starship testing site on Florida’s Space Coast. Local Economy: Rural Health Transformation Program grants are headed to Calhoun Liberty Hospital to expand specialty care, including telehealth.

Human Trafficking Crackdown: Hillsborough County’s “Operation Relentless Summer” wrapped up with 116 arrests and the rescue of five alleged trafficking victims, including two 16-year-old girls, after a months-long probe into child exploitation and online predator activity. Local Schools: Miami-Dade students returned today, but nine schools are closing or consolidating for the 2026-2027 year, reshaping campuses across the district. Public Safety & Crime: Orange County investigators are seeking three people accused of breaking into cemetery niches to steal heirlooms from cremation sites, with families urged to check for tampering. Wildlife & Health: A Silver River alligator attack left a woman with her arm amputated below the elbow, and her son says she’s in good spirits despite the injuries. Business & Community: Winn-Dixie is opening a redesigned new store in Keystone Heights with raffles and gift cards, as the chain pushes Florida growth. Politics & Power: A new map for Florida’s 15th Congressional District is drawing fresh debate as it reshapes representation across the Tampa Bay region.

Marine Wildlife Protections: Federal changes to the Endangered Species Act could strip habitat protections for Florida’s green sea turtles and manatees, raising alarms from scientists and conservation groups. Local Government & Transit: Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava unveiled a $14.3B budget plan that includes “do more with less” and proposes cutting some bus routes to find savings. Public Safety: Video released from a Miami-Dade chase shows deputies using a PIT maneuver to stop an accused kidnapper; authorities say the victim was recovered. Crime: Authorities are searching nationwide for three suspects accused of cemetery mausoleum thefts across multiple states, including linked cases in Central Florida. Elections & Campaigns: State Sen. Shevrin Jones denounced a homophobic, false ad claiming he’s HIV positive, saying it violates election rules. Sports: Sarasota Booker canceled its varsity season for 2026, and Jefferson County also scrapped its season due to low participation. Environment & Community: Rehabilitated loggerhead sea turtles Hotdog and Donatello returned to the Gulf after rescues and treatment.

Elections: Early voting is underway for Florida’s Aug. 18 primary, with Palm Beach voters able to cast ballots at any of 28 locations through Sunday, Aug. 16 (7 a.m.-7 p.m.). Sarasota County reports more than 6,300 voters already cast ballots in-person, with voting continuing through Aug. 16 at six sites. Public Safety: A Pinellas County deputy, honored for bravery, was accused in a deadly murder-suicide after an argument over a TV; in another case, FDLE arrested a Venice man accused of threats tied to a mass shooting and hostage plan at a church. Law Enforcement & Crime: Hillsborough Sheriff’s Office says it netted 116 arrests in a human trafficking sting, rescuing five victims. Immigration & Violence: DHS says ICE lodged a detainer in a Broward murder case involving a suspect accused of stabbing a roommate with a machete. Community & Daily Life: Publix is opening a redesigned store in Ruskin on Aug. 13, and FDOT is seeking public input on a bridge replacement project in Baker County. Health & Weather: Florida’s surgeon general push to end vaccine mandates is still running into the reality of school requirements, while heat advisories continue across much of the state.

Primary Election Countdown: Tallahassee mayoral candidates lay out their plans a week before the Aug. 18 vote, with voters also watching a crowded GOP fight in Florida’s redrawn 9th Congressional District. Voting Access & Trust: Collier County shows a sharp drop in mail-in ballot requests as new rules require requests each cycle, while Orange County faces backlash after replacing mailed sample ballots with QR-code-only access before reversing course. Public Safety & Health: FDLE arrested a Venice teen over alleged mass-shooting threats; Hillsborough confirmed an eighth locally acquired dengue case; and Central Florida heat is driving more emergency calls. Local Government & Services: DeSantis announced $188M for rural healthcare expansion across 31 counties, and Volusia is getting a federal coastal risk review. Community News: Sarasota restaurant inspections flagged live roaches and violations; Palm Beach Schools rolled out layered campus safety for the new school year. Crime & Courts: A Florida man accused of 110 mph “super speeder” driving to catch a cheating girlfriend was arrested; and Miami-Dade regained control of the closed “Alligator Alcatraz” detention site.

Elections: Early voting is underway statewide for the Aug. 18 Florida primary, with more than 930,000 ballots already cast as of Aug. 11, including vote-by-mail and in-person voting. Public Safety: A hit-and-run suspect was arrested after a crash flipped a car on I-4 in Volusia County; deputies charged him with DUI, fleeing and eluding, and more. Alligator Safety: A woman lost her arm after an alligator attack in the Silver River near Ocala, and another paddleboarder helped save a victim in Marion County’s Silver River. Transportation Tech: Florida plans to test flying electric vehicles by year’s end at a Polk County facility, repurposing nearly $200 million meant for EV charging. Local Government & Services: Escambia County’s West Florida Public Library director Christal Bell-Rivera resigned, ending a contentious tenure. Health & Food Safety: A Miami airport pizza shop was shut after inspectors found rodent activity, mold, dirty floors, and a stop-sale temperature violation. Community: Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County announced a leadership transition, with Chris Gentile stepping into CEO.

Violent Crime: A Pasco County deputy, 47-year-old Troy Savetz, allegedly kidnapped and fatally shot his ex-girlfriend in Hudson after a dispute over a TV, then killed himself; deputies say the woman’s kids were secured and the search involved multiple agencies, K-9s, drones and aircraft. Public Safety: Miami-Dade released body camera footage from a Dec. 28 deputy shooting; prosecutors say the deputy was legally justified after a traffic stop on a suspected stolen vehicle turned into a dangerous escape. Local Government & Schools: Manatee County held school board candidate forums for District 2 and District 5 ahead of the Aug. 18 election. Health Watch: Florida health officials reported a second 2026 death from flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus, bringing cases to 14 statewide, with warnings about open wounds and raw shellfish. Transportation Tech: Gov. DeSantis announced Florida will become a national hub for testing ultralight electric aircraft at a Polk County track, with companies expected to actively test by year’s end. Community Issues: Orlando is weighing new e-bike and e-scooter rules after hundreds of police interactions and dozens of injury crashes.

School Finance & Health Costs: Small Florida school districts are banding together through the Florida Educator Health Trust to cut rising teacher health insurance premiums, with some districts reporting millions in savings after switching to a self-insured model. Back-to-School Readiness: Duval and St. Johns counties say they closed budget gaps ahead of the new year, while Central Florida districts roll out added safety steps like expanded weapons-detection tech in Brevard. Property Tax Amendment: Florida voters will decide in November on Amendment 3, a property tax cut measure critics say could shift costs to renters and local governments. Public Safety: A woman lost her arm after an alligator attack in the Silver River area near Ocala, and a Good Samaritan helped save her. Traffic & Crime: An e-bike rider was killed in an Indian River County hit-and-run; in Broward, multiple recent jail bookings include charges ranging from trespassing and drug possession to domestic violence and warrants. Broadband Expansion: Comcast/Xfinity service is now available to more than 2,400 homes and businesses in Putnam County, with more fiber buildout planned through the end of 2026.

FWC & Fisheries: Florida set 2026 Gulf gag grouper recreational season dates: Sept. 1–Sept. 30, closing at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 1, with Monroe County state waters excluded. Space & Tech: SpaceX plans a Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral Monday to send 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. Courts & Rights: A federal court upheld Florida’s ban on children attending drag shows, ruling the law is constitutional; Hamburger Mary’s can appeal. Public Safety (Alligators): Marion County’s Silver River saw another serious bite: a nearly 10-foot alligator was removed after a woman was bitten while swimming; the river briefly closed during the search. School Safety: Volusia County requires students riding e-bikes or e-scooters to complete an online safety course and get a permit sticker by Aug. 21. Crime & Courts: A Central Florida man was arrested for exposing himself in Polk County, and a Hillsborough shooting investigation is underway after a domestic-related death. Health: Florida reported a second 2026 death tied to flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus, with 14 cases statewide this year.