AGP Executive Report

Elections & Voting: Trump cast a mail ballot in Florida’s primary even as he’s pushed false claims about mail voting fraud, with Palm Beach County records reportedly showing the ballot while disclosure rules limited what could be confirmed publicly. Local Governance: Gov. DeSantis suspended Palm Beach County Clerk Michael Caruso after FDLE arrested him on child sexual abuse charges; former state Sen. Lauren Book criticized the release of records as violating Marsy’s Law. Public Safety & Crime: A Microsoft executive’s ambush killing trial highlighted allegations that Jared Bridegan was lured out and shot in 2022; prosecutors say the plot involved his ex-wife and her new husband. Law Enforcement Tech: ICE shock gloves are drawing backlash as Florida and other governments consider similar less-lethal tools. Health & Community: Jacksonville Fire and Rescue’s CORE opioid recovery program earned a $64,000 state recognition award. Weather: Saharan dust over the Florida Keys is expected to reduce shower chances through the week. Sports Media: ESPN co-founder Bill Rasmussen died at 93 in Florida after Parkinson’s disease.

Elections: Florida voters head to the polls Tuesday for party primaries that could reshape November’s ballot, with Republicans testing President Trump’s influence and Democrats trying to keep momentum in newly redrawn congressional districts. Gubernatorial race: U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds is leading in the GOP field to replace term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis, while Democrats fight for a smaller set of seats after the map changes. Public safety & health: HCA plans a new $300 million full-service hospital in Cape Coral, expanding inpatient and outpatient care starting with construction in 2027. Crime & courts: A man was arrested after a dog-poop dispute escalated into an alleged feces attack, fistfight, and threats involving a child’s scooter. Privacy debate: Brevard County residents are questioning how far Flock license-plate cameras should go as more cities add limits or pull back. Heat: Extreme temperatures continue to drive safety warnings across South and Central Florida. Business: A new Home2 Suites is breaking ground in Loxahatchee, aiming for a fall 2027 opening.

Florida Primary Countdown: With the Aug. 18 governor primary hours away, candidates are in a final push in a closed-primary state where Republicans and Democrats vote separately, and polls run 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. FSU Campus Shooting: The trial for accused FSU gunman Phoenix Ikner was delayed again, now set for June 8, 2027, as defense cites a heavy case load and mental health issues. Broward Murder Case: Hollywood police arrested Johntavis Leroy Stevenson, 25, charging him with first-degree felony murder with a firearm and attempted felony murder after a weekend shooting left one dead and another hospitalized. South Florida Crime: Miami police say three out-of-state suspects shot a scooter rider with BB guns in a Brickell drive-by, striking near the victim’s eye; arrests followed. Public Safety & Fire: Sanibel’s fire district approved station and apparatus bidding changes, while South Florida heat advisories and elevated fire risk continue to drive safety warnings. Space & Local Tech: NASA selected four companies—including L3Harris—to provide payload processing services managed through Kennedy Space Center.

Trial Update: A man accused of planning the 2022 ambush killing of Microsoft design manager Jared Bridegan in Jacksonville Beach goes on trial Monday, with prosecutors saying a tire was placed in the road to lure him out while his 2-year-old daughter sat in the car seat. Public Safety: Florida authorities are also searching for a driver after a Christmas hit-and-run seriously injured a woman on State Road 50. Mental Health & Crime: A South Palm Beach man, Darren Zhou, pleaded guilty after OpenAI flagged his ChatGPT conversations about harming his ex-girlfriend and alerted the FBI; he avoided prison with probation and monitoring. Health Care Costs: Florida spent $6.57 billion on ABA therapy for children with special needs from 2023-2025, and state Medicaid officials are reviewing the program as scrutiny grows. Wildlife & Environment: A Tallahassee couple’s private swamp sanctuary is credited with supporting 275 nesting wood storks, showing how conservation choices can protect habitat. Community Support: Manna on Meridian in Tallahassee is filling a weekend food gap for families, serving more than 2,100 neighbors monthly.

Heat Advisory: The entire state is back under a heat advisory, with Central Florida heat indices again pushing well above 100 and Volusia/Flagler facing feels-like temps near 110. Public Safety—Drugs: Lee County deputies arrested two people after a 10-year-old was found unresponsive at a Fort Myers hotel from a possible fentanyl overdose; investigators say fentanyl and drug paraphernalia were accessible to children. Traffic Fatality: A Hillsborough County Sheriff’s deputy was involved in a fatal crash with a pedestrian near Tampa; the pedestrian died and the Florida Highway Patrol took over the investigation. Sports Medicine Legacy: Baseball legend Tommy John, the namesake of the elbow surgery that changed the sport, died at 83 in Bradenton, Florida. Local Environment & Wildlife: Turtle Hospital in Key West celebrated the return to the Atlantic of Timmy, a 270-pound loggerhead sea turtle after rehabilitation. Law & Courts: Environmental groups say a legal fight over “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Everglades involves claims that state and federal officials withheld key information from judges. NHL Update: Florida Panthers face uncertainty around Brad Marchand after offseason surgery, with training camp approaching.

Election & Cost of Living: Gov. candidate Evelyn Castillo-Bach says Florida’s “ALICE” numbers show 46.8% of households are struggling, pushing for a living wage tied to the real cost of living. Public Safety & Crime: Jupiter police are investigating a Brightline fatality after a train struck a person walking near the tracks. In Hialeah, a shots-fired call near Westland Mall shut down roads and led to at least one arrest after a tense police response. Road & Fire Incidents: A 12-year-old died in a Holmes County crash after a pickup ran a stop sign, while Bay County Fire Rescue contained a wildfire off Steelfield Road. Health & Community: OmniRx Health hit 10,000 subscribers and expanded virtual primary care to 44 states. Local Economy: Tallahassee Chamber leaders urged a more unified regional strategy as FSU Health nears a final deal. Education/Abuse Allegations: A Hillsborough County teacher was arrested over claims of inappropriate messages with a former teenage student.

Local Ballot Fight (SWFL): Bonita Springs voters head to the polls Tuesday on a $35 million bond referendum for the Bonita Estero Rail Trail, with opponents warning about taxpayer costs and supporters calling it a long-term safety and community investment; the measure would add about $57 a year in property taxes for 30 years. Public Safety/Justice: A Florida high school preseason game between Hernando and Sunlake ended early after a bench-clearing brawl, with officials stopping play in the fourth quarter. Health & Emergency Response: Jacksonville Fire and Rescue’s opioid recovery program (CORE) earned a top-10 statewide performance recognition and a $64,000 award to expand care coordination in emergency departments. Road & Traffic Tragedy: A cyclist was killed after being struck by a driver in Lauderhill, and a separate early-morning two-car crash near Greenacres left one man dead and two women with minor injuries. Crime & Courts: A mother in a separate case nationwide faces murder charges after a baby died in a hot car, reigniting debate over whether such tragedies should be treated as criminal acts. Environment: Florida Keys coral restoration teams are moving vulnerable corals to deeper, cooler water as warming threatens another bleaching risk.

Healthcare & Community Recognition: Citrus County honored Dr. Andrew Barnes as its youngest Physician Excellence winner, spotlighting his patient-first approach and long path through mental health work. Public Safety & Health: Manatee County was named Florida’s top performer in reducing opioid-caused deaths through its CORE Network, citing a 56% drop in 2023-2024. Crime & Courts: A South Florida man accused in a delivery-driver confrontation says the story was exaggerated after court filings added details about surveillance video and the package mix-up. Local Crime Watch: Miami Lakes police recovered a stolen bronze statue honoring 5-year-old Jakey Duque after an anonymous tip; two men were arrested. Sports & Legal Trouble: Miami Hurricanes RB Jordan Lyle was arrested on charges tied to fleeing police and reckless driving. Environment & Weather: Heat advisories continue, with North Florida and the Panhandle facing a flash-flood risk from spotty storms. Aviation Incident: Frontier reported a midair medical emergency after four flight attendants fell ill on a flight into Fort Lauderdale.

Cape Coral Hospital Plan: HCA Florida and city leaders announced a $300M, full-service hospital to replace the area’s one-hospital era, expanding the existing emergency room on Pine Island Road. Charter School Fight: Sarasota County Schools is still resisting a charter takeover under the Schools of Hope law while rolling out major facility upgrades and a new South County high school. Election Updates: Leon County judge ordered revised ballot language for Amendment 3, and Florida voters are also watching early-voting deadlines ahead of the Aug. 18 primary. Public Safety—Murder Suspect Caught: A 45-day, multi-state manhunt ended with Isabelle Rose Johnson’s arrest in Cottondale, accused in the buried-body killing of Jason Coulthart. Rural Health Funding: Northwest Florida Community Hospital is set to lead care-at-home and preventive-care programs after $188M in rural health awards statewide. Health Watch: Florida reported 66 new cyclosporiasis cases (total 405 since June 1), with Palm Beach County driving the latest spike. Tech + Privacy: Flock is tightening rules on its license plate reader network after backlash and misuse concerns.

Space & Aviation Safety: A new study warns extreme space storms could raise radiation at typical flight altitudes and disrupt aircraft systems, with researchers pointing to recent solar events. Public Health: Florida health officials say flesh-eating bacteria cases are rising, with a new report highlighting 14 Vibrio vulnificus cases statewide this year and urging people to avoid water with open wounds. Crime & Courts: A Florida dad was fatally shot while trying to break up a fight after dropping his daughter off at school in Apopka; the suspect is facing second-degree murder charges. Law Enforcement Tech: Flock Safety says it will tighten privacy guardrails for license plate cameras nationwide after Florida-related abuse concerns. Drugs: A Monroe County man was sentenced to five years for cocaine trafficking after an undercover buy in Key Largo. Community & Safety: A Florida police K-9 returned for a hero’s welcome after being shot while protecting deputies, with his leg amputated and retirement ahead.

Public Health: Florida cyclosporiasis keeps climbing, with the Florida Department of Health reporting 407 cases statewide from May 1 to Aug. 8 (up 19% from the prior week) and new local increases in Leon, Bay, Palm Beach, Polk, Marion and Miami-Dade. Water Safety: Sarasota health officials issued a North Lido Beach advisory after Enterococcus bacteria levels exceeded state guidelines, warning residents to avoid water contact until levels drop. Immigration Detention Aftermath: Miami-Dade has regained control of the “Alligator Alcatraz” TNT property in the Everglades after a joint inspection, with the county documenting environmental and airfield impacts and expecting state remediation. Privacy & Policing Tech: Flock Safety says it’s adding safeguards for its license plate reader network after reports of misuse, including requiring a case code for searches and making an audit tool mandatory. Crime & Courts: Florida AG James Uthmeier announced charges against a Lee County middle school teacher accused of possessing child pornography and animal sex abuse files. Elections: Florida’s gubernatorial race heats up as Gwen Graham votes at FAMU and Byron Donalds campaigns on affordability issues.

ICE Enforcement: ICE says nearly 70% of its arrests this week target illegal immigrants charged or convicted of serious crimes, including assault, attempted murder, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. Local Public Safety: Clearwater officials warn a Florida property tax amendment could force cuts of nearly 140 jobs, including police and fire-related impacts. School Zone Crackdown: Bradenton police ticketed 68 speeding drivers in school zones on the first day of school, up from 50 last year. Surveillance Backlash: A Volusia County teen is accused of cutting down multiple Flock cameras with a saw, leading to felony criminal mischief charges. Animal Incident: A Florida man is accused of killing family kittens as punishment, with Lee County deputies arresting him after bodycam footage. Healthcare Workers: HCA Florida Osceola workers picket for better pay, safety, and benefits amid contract talks. Rural Health Funding: North Central Florida law enforcement agencies are set to share more than $10M in DOJ grants for programs including internet crimes against children and victims’ services.

Health & Public Safety: A new Florida Atlantic University-backed study using national NHANES data found higher ultra-processed food intake is linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer in men. Rural Healthcare Funding: Gov. Ron DeSantis announced nearly $188M in rural health awards, including MCR Health receiving $1.31M in the Southwest region for value-based care and workforce/telehealth support. Crime & Courts: FIU students sued after the university disciplined them for a silent ICE protest; separately, a sex-offender registry case in Illinois involves carnival owners near a school saying they didn’t hire the accused man. Local Law Enforcement: Milton Police arrested a second suspect in the 2025 Tervon Jackson homicide, adding a second-degree murder charge. Public Health Alerts: Florida and Louisiana reported more deaths and cases tied to flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus, prompting renewed beach and seafood warnings. Politics: DeSantis criticized AOC’s “defund the police” past remarks, saying Florida won’t treat it as a “mulligan.” Business/Healthcare Workplace: BayCare was named No. 21 on PEOPLE’s 2026 “Companies That Care” list.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. DeSantis announced nearly $188 million to expand rural health care access across Florida, with more money headed to organizations improving services in underserved areas. Public Safety & Crime: FDLE arrested a Venice teen on threats to kill and bomb a mass shooting plan, seizing a handgun and devices after an investigation tied to online communications. Health Care & Hospitals: UF named Dr. Brian Hoh dean of the College of Medicine, and a DeLand woman is back to daily walks after an A-fib heart procedure at AdventHealth Daytona Beach. Justice & Accountability: A federal appeals court rejected a whistleblower’s bid to revive claims against Olympus, including allegations tied to FDA compliance. Local Governance & Privacy: A Florida-linked debate over surveillance tech continues as residents challenge automated license plate readers and question how data is used. Education & Community: Highlands County seniors and law enforcement meet-up (S.A.L.T.) moved locations, and UF/area school health coverage remains a hot topic as families plan for the new year.

Child Health Fight: U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel blasted President Trump’s executive order reshaping the childhood vaccine schedule, saying it pushes dangerous misinformation and conflicts with pediatric guidance. Rural Health Funding: Gov. Ron DeSantis announced nearly $188M to expand rural health care access across 31 rural counties, backing hospitals, clinics, and workforce growth. Public Health Warning: Florida and Louisiana are tracking more cases of the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus, with officials urging Gulf Coast beachgoers to avoid swimming when there are open wounds. Crime & Courts: Miami police charged a man after an Instagram video allegedly showed him dumping trash into Biscayne Bay from a bridge. Violence at the Beach: A Port Charlotte man was arrested after police say he threatened beachgoers with a gun. School Rules: Florida’s phone restrictions are back in focus as students return, with elementary/middle school bans during the day and high school limits during class. Alligator Attacks: A woman was hospitalized after an alligator bite in the Silver River; officials removed a nearly 10-foot gator. Transportation Future: DeSantis highlighted SunTrax’s expansion for air technology, with electric air taxi testing expected by year’s end.

Alligator Attack: A woman in the Silver River near Ocala lost her arm in an alligator attack, but a nearby boater rushed in with a rope to help stop the bleeding. Public Safety Tech Backlash: St. Petersburg residents are escalating their fight against Flock license-plate cameras after one was vandalized with spray paint, as privacy concerns keep spreading. Crime & Courts: A former Florida cop accused of using Flock cameras to track an actress avoided jail through a pre-trial intervention deal; separately, a Florida woman was arrested for allegedly faking cancer to scam more than 200 people out of over $40,000. Health Alert: Florida confirmed another death tied to “flesh-eating” Vibrio vulnificus as cases rise along the Gulf, with officials urging caution around seawater and raw shellfish. Local Governance: Orlando is weighing new rules for e-bikes and e-scooters after hundreds of police interactions and injury crashes. School Zone Enforcement: Cape Coral activated speed cameras in school zones to push drivers to slow down.