AGP Executive Report

Public Safety & Crime: Newly released bodycam footage has reignited outrage after Orange County deputies fatally shot a knife-wielding woman; deputies say they backed away and ordered her to drop the blade, while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is reviewing the incident. Violent Holiday Weekend: Pensacola saw a “teen takeover” spiral into gunfire early Sunday, leaving 19-year-old dead and six others injured; police say the shooting was targeted and no suspects are identified. Traffic & Accidents: A fatal crash shut down parts of I-75 in Hamilton County after a pickup hit the rear of a semi on the shoulder; in Indiantown, a two-vehicle crash left one dead and another airlifted. Weather Hazards: Lightning struck Fort Myers Beach, killing one swimmer and injuring three; officials also reported another lightning-related death on the holiday weekend. Community & Health: Clean Beaches Week urges “leave no trace” behavior to protect shorebirds and sea turtles, while Lee Health’s Cancer Support Community continues offering free help for patients and caregivers. Policy Watch: Florida’s new pharmacy benefit manager rules took effect July 1, tightening how PBMs manage drug coverage and pricing.

Alligator Survival Story: A 71-year-old North Fort Myers man fought off an alligator with a fishing pole after it grabbed his leg, then used his bulldog to help him crawl back home. Emergency Housing Rules: Lake Placid is drafting rules for temporary shelter permits so storm- or wildfire-displaced residents can live in campers/RVs while repairs are underway. Public Safety—Sex Crimes: A North Port man was sentenced to 67 years for sexual battery of a child, with prosecutors saying he exploited a “father figure” role and used threats to keep the victim quiet. Holiday Celebrations: South Florida marked America’s 250th with parades, drone shows, and fireworks, including Cape Coral’s Red, White and Boom and Tampa’s first-ever synchronized drone display. Weather & Heat: Central and South Florida baked under heat advisories and pop-up storms, with officials urging hydration and caution during fireworks. Crime & Courts: Four people were sentenced to federal prison for armed robberies at Jacksonville retail stores, stealing more than $11,000 total. New Florida Law for Drivers: Driving without a valid license is now treated as a habitual traffic offense, with repeat violations potentially escalating charges.

Extreme Heat + Storms for July 4: South Florida is baking through the holiday with triple-digit heat indexes and pop-up thunderstorms. Forecasters say storms should clear before evening fireworks and drone shows, but lightning and heavy downpours could still disrupt plans. Lightning Tragedies at the Beach: A man was killed and three others injured in a Fort Myers Beach lightning strike while swimming; officials urged beachgoers to get indoors at the first thunder. Local Holiday Events: Naples’ July Fourth parade drew big crowds downtown, while South Florida communities are rolling out free America 250 celebrations, fireworks, and drone shows. Fireworks Safety + Restrictions: Dry conditions and wildfire risk have led some Florida counties to ban personal fireworks, and officials are pushing safety reminders ahead of displays. Courts + Public Safety: A judge cleared Tiger Woods’ hospital records for prosecutors in his DUI case, and a motorcyclist died in an Osceola County crash as Florida police continue holiday enforcement.

Public Safety & Crime: A lightning strike at Fort Myers Beach killed one swimmer and injured three others as crews responded while a bystander used an AED and performed CPR. Courts & Policy: Florida’s new terrorism designation law is already drawing legal fire, with CAIR suing Gov. Ron DeSantis over its “domestic terrorist” label and the broader move to brand groups under HB 1471. Health & Emergencies: Florida expanded swim-lesson voucher eligibility for drowning prevention, raising the age cap to 7 and boosting funding, as officials warn the Fourth of July weekend is a high-risk time. Local Governance & Community: UF students pitched nature-based, storm-resilient ideas for redeveloping Punta Gorda’s long-vacant $12M city marketplace property. Holiday Watch: Burn bans and drought are limiting personal fireworks in parts of Tampa Bay, while communities across Southwest Florida and the Space Coast are gearing up for America’s 250th with parades and fireworks. Food Safety: Major supermarket recalls issued “do not eat” warnings for multiple items, including a Morrisons pasta product that may contain undeclared milk for some shoppers. Human Rights & Law Enforcement: A South Florida-led World Cup sting netted arrests tied to alleged human trafficking of minors.

Violence at Walmart Parking Lot: A 62-year-old man, Bart Diguglielmo, was shot and killed in North Lauderdale after an argument over a parking space; the woman involved stayed on scene and told investigators she acted in self-defense, with no charges filed yet. Domestic Violence Vigil: Jacksonville’s Northside is holding a candlelight vigil for a 27-year-old mom and her two young daughters after a father allegedly shot and killed one child and critically injured the mother and another daughter. Holiday Safety—Drownings and Heat: Health and youth-safety groups warned Florida could top last year’s drowning toll as families head to beaches and pools for the Fourth; officials also stressed heat dangers and the need for constant supervision. Fourth of July Weather: Southwest Florida expects scattered downpours and storms through the weekend, with lightning and gusty winds possible. Fireworks and Fire Risk: With drought still lingering in parts of the state, officials urged people to extinguish fireworks fully and follow local burn restrictions. Venezuela Earthquake Rescue: Miami-area fire crews helped free a man trapped under rubble for eight days in Venezuela, part of an international rescue effort. Legal Fight Over Terror Designations: Left-leaning groups sued to block Florida’s new domestic terrorist designation law, arguing it’s unconstitutional. Local Planning: Road closures and fireworks schedules are rolling out across Southwest Florida for July 4 events.

Public Safety & Crime: A 36-year-old Jacksonville man suspected in a Carter Lake hotel death was arrested in Lincoln, Nebraska, after a struggle at an Arby’s led to a gunshot and a taser use. Fourth of July Preparedness: Florida Realtors urged homeowners to lock up, use timers, and avoid posting travel plans in real time to reduce burglary risk while families are away. Emergency Response Training: HCA Florida Highlands Hospital ran an active-shooter drill with Sebring police, stressing that the first minutes can be life-or-death. Wildlife Protection: Florida wildlife officials reminded beachgoers that sea turtle and shorebird nesting is still underway, urging no personal fireworks and safe distances from nests. Local Legal Watch: A judge approved prosecutors’ access to Tiger Woods’ hospital records in his DUI case, under a protective order. Health & Safety: A Brevard County mother and her four children escaped a van fire on U.S. 1 after a mechanical failure. Sports & Community: Sebring’s Fourth of July will include a free Patriotic Revue and a fireworks show Saturday night.

Alligator Tragedy: A 31-year-old woman, Brittany Clark, died after a deadly alligator attack in Little Big Econ State Forest; wildlife officials trapped two large gators and are analyzing which one was involved. Public Safety Over July 4: Tampa police say they’ll deploy officers on land, water, in the air, and in plain clothes for Liberty by the Bay, urging residents to avoid impaired driving and report suspicious activity. Crime & Courts: Prosecutors in Martin County have been granted access to Tiger Woods’ hospital records tied to his March DUI case, including substance-use and drug-screen information, under a protective order. Local Health Care: Orlando Health and Watson Clinic opened Lakeland Highlands Hospital, expanding inpatient beds and emergency services in Polk County. Water Safety: Sarasota police stopped an 8-year-old riding a personal watercraft alone off Lido Key; Florida law requires operators to be at least 14. Violence in South Florida: A man was shot and killed after a dispute over a Walmart parking spot in North Lauderdale, with the shooter claiming self-defense.

Public Safety & Crime: A Jacksonville dispute turned deadly when a man allegedly opened fire outside a home, killing a 4-year-old and critically injuring her 2-year-old sister and mother; the suspect was arrested after police located the stolen SUV. Domestic Violence Law: New Florida domestic violence and dating violence changes took effect, including tougher penalties for repeat offenders—coming right after the Jacksonville shooting. Alligator Risk: In Central Florida’s Little Big Econ State Forest, 31-year-old Brittany Clark died after an alligator attack while she was swimming; officials say the water was shallow and murky, and a local hiker shared a warning video about how fast gators can disappear. Holiday Fireworks & Fire Danger: With dry conditions and burn bans in play, Southwest Florida residents face patchwork rules for July 4 fireworks, including restrictions even where bans have lifted. State Politics & Security: Gov. Ron DeSantis says Florida will use a new law to designate dozens of alleged terrorist groups, with final approvals still requiring the governor and Cabinet. Higher Education: The UF Board of Trustees tapped Stuart Bell as the university’s new president, ending a long, contentious search. Health Care: HCA named Philip Marchesini as CEO of HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital.

Florida Supreme Court: The court ruled police “knock-and-announce” mistakes won’t automatically sink drug cases, overturning a decades-old rule that let judges throw out seized evidence. New Laws (July 1): More than 120 measures kicked in statewide, including harsher penalties for repeat unlicensed driving under “Isaiah’s Law,” tougher domestic violence and child abuse rules, and expanded authority tied to terrorism designations. Public Safety/Fireworks: Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia warned about Fourth of July fire hazards, while drought burn bans remain in place in Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties (Collier lifted its ban July 1). Crime/Police: A former Florida cop on death row saw his appeal move no further after a court decision tied to how arguments were filed. Local Crime: A 32-year-old Venice man died in a shooting at a south Sarasota apartment complex; police say no ongoing risk. Health/Access: Florida’s AIDS Drug Assistance Program is back to full eligibility after budget restoration. Alligator Alerts: Another deadly alligator attack was reported in the Econlockhatchee River, with wildlife officials capturing and killing gators after the incident.

Alligator Attack Tragedy: Florida wildlife officials identified 31-year-old Brittany Clark as the victim of a fatal Econlockhatchee River attack; multiple reports describe a “death roll” as her boyfriend tried to pull her free, and FWC says two large alligators were captured and killed afterward. Public Safety & Training: Pensacola police completed active-shooter scenario training with a new focus on triage and treating injured victims on scene, led by the University of Miami’s Gordon Center. Holiday Safety: Fort Lauderdale officials staged a fireworks safety demo, warning that consumer fireworks can cause severe burns and recommending professional displays. Local Governance: Voters will decide in November whether to merge the Fort Myers Beach and Iona McGregor fire departments, after DeSantis signed the measure despite a feasibility study finding no strong financial or operational case. Crime & Courts: A College Station woman was arrested in a Florida fraud case tied to an alleged $50,000 wire transfer; and a DeLand man was arrested after allegedly hitting a Daytona Beach fire truck, fleeing, and leading deputies on a chase. Health & Community: Lee Health scheduled a blood drive at the Pine Island Moose Lodge July 25.

Alligator Attack Update: Florida wildlife officials identified the woman killed in the June 28 alligator attack in the Little Big Econ State Forest as 31-year-old Brittany Clark of Orlando; FWC says she was bitten in about 3 feet of water, died from injuries, and two alligators were captured and killed for DNA testing. Public Safety—Heat & Kids: A new hot-car death was reported in Plantation: an 18-month-old boy died June 29, marking the 9th child death in a hot car this year and the third in Florida since March. Local Crime/Investigations: Plantation police are investigating the death of a child found in a black SUV parked outside a preschool; authorities say it appears to involve a parent and child situation, and the investigation is ongoing. Health Policy: A major pediatric Medicaid provider sued Florida’s AHCA over rate changes it says jeopardize care for hundreds of thousands of children. Wildfire Watch: Crews gained ground on Broward’s Atlantic Fire, now about 50% contained after burning more than 5,500 acres. New Laws July 1: About 140 bills signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis take effect July 1, including changes to traffic offender rules and airport naming.

Alligator Attack (Central FL): A 31-year-old woman died after an alligator tore off one of her arms while she was hiking and wading in the Econlockhatchee River near Orlando; officials say two large gators were trapped afterward, and the boyfriend called 911 as she suffered “horrible” injuries. Alligator Surge (Statewide): The fatal attack adds to a week of Central Florida alligator incidents, including a child bitten while fishing and another bite reported days earlier. Public Safety (Drought): Southwest Florida extended “extreme” water shortage rules through Oct. 1 and Manatee County renewed a burn ban, limiting outdoor watering by street-address schedule and banning open burning and personal fireworks. Crime/Justice (Local): Titusville’s police chief was fired after a crash involving a city vehicle and refusing a required drug test; the Florida Highway Patrol is handling the investigation. Health & Care Access: Elevance Health Foundation awarded $5.8 million in behavioral health grants to expand mental health and substance-use services. Budget Watch (Tallahassee): Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s $117.6 billion budget with major line-item vetoes, including cuts to some Central Florida projects.

Alligator Safety: A 31-year-old Orlando woman died after an alligator attack in the Econlockhatchee River near Oviedo; FWC says she was bitten on both arms while swimming, and two alligators were captured and killed afterward. Public Safety: The weekend also brought more wildlife danger, with officials reporting multiple alligator incidents across Central Florida, including a child bitten while fishing. Local Government & Services: Key Largo Fire-EMS District hired Jeffrey Morse as new fire chief as the district merges the fire department and ambulance corps under one umbrella. Courts & Crime: Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold was granted $1 million bond while facing felony kidnapping and armed robbery charges, with conditions including passport surrender and no contact with co-defendants or witnesses. State Policy: DeSantis signed a budget that includes $2.75 million to rebrand Palm Beach International Airport after Trump. Health & Kids: Acorn Health expanded autism diagnostic evaluations in Tampa and Orlando for children as young as 18 months. Community Aid: South Florida groups and an NFL player joined relief efforts for Venezuela after deadly earthquakes, collecting supplies and sending aid. Space & Tech: Florida’s Space Coast set a record with 109 orbital rocket launches in 2025, and 43 launches have already happened in 2026.

Immigration Enforcement: Florida law enforcement joined a wider illegal immigration operation on state highways, as Mississippi’s new law would let the state compile identities of “illegal immigrants,” alarming advocates. Cybercrime & Fraud: A 79-year-old Manatee County woman lost more than $200,000 to scammers—then helped trigger an undercover sting that netted a ring tied to millions from elderly victims. Public Safety—Alligators: A 31-year-old woman died after an alligator attack while swimming in Seminole County; two other Central Florida incidents involved a child bitten while fishing and another bite reported in the region. Local Leadership: Jacksonville swore in Deputy Police Chief Ashley Weaver as interim chief after Jarad Phelps resigned for Boca Raton. Disaster Response—Venezuela: South Florida firefighters deployed to Venezuela with FEMA Urban Search and Rescue as the quake death toll climbed to about 1,450. Health & Preparedness: DeSoto County opened registration for the Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry ahead of hurricane season. Crime & Courts: Two Argentinian YouTubers face felony charges in South Florida after allegedly sneaking past World Cup stadium security. Fire Risk: Broward crews battled a fast-growing brush fire near the Sawgrass Expressway, while other wildfires continued to burn in the region.

Alligator Safety: FWC says a juvenile was bitten Saturday at Nelson’s Fish Camp in Umatilla by an 8’7” alligator; the animal was killed and the teen was taken to the hospital. It’s the second Central Florida alligator bite in a week, after a snorkeler was bitten at Rainbow Springs. Fatal Crash: Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a Port St. Lucie driveway incident where a SUV rolled backward, knocking down a 78-year-old woman who later died at a hospital. Firefighters in Action: Jupiter and Palm Beach County firefighters joined a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Task Force deployment to Venezuela for earthquake search-and-rescue, with crews expected to stay at least two weeks. Public Safety—Hit-and-Run: FHP is asking for help identifying a driver in a fatal hit-and-run on U.S. 27 in Hendry County. Wildfire Tragedy (National): Three firefighters died and two were injured battling Colorado-Utah border wildfires. Local Justice: A federal jury in Fort Lauderdale convicted Willie James Skipper Jr. after prosecutors said he set a vehicle on fire loaded with fentanyl disguised as oxycodone, crack, cash, and a firearm.

Wildfire Watch: Utah’s massive Cottonwood Fire kept surging through rugged terrain, damaging an Eagle Point ski resort and forcing closures as crews battled extreme fire weather. Local Safety & Emergencies: A teen drowned in Florida City while another teen was airlifted in critical condition; in Sarasota County, a 100-acre brush fire in the T. Mabry Carlton reserve was reported 10% contained. Public Health & Crime: Florida’s AG stayed out of major utility rate fights as bills jumped sharply, while a new Florida healthcare fraud crackdown targeted billions in alleged schemes. Fire/Rescue Deployments: Palm Beach County firefighters joined Florida Task Force 2 heading to Venezuela after earthquakes. Courts & Corrections: A man convicted of killing his girlfriend’s infant is set for execution Tuesday, Florida’s eighth this year. Water Rules: Punta Gorda residents must keep conserving water under extended Phase III restrictions through Oct. 1, 2026. Road & Pedestrian Risk: Sarasota-Bradenton ranked among the most dangerous metros for pedestrians, with officials pointing to infrastructure and driver attention.