AGP Executive Report

Emergency Response: A Delta flight bound for Florida made an emergency landing in Atlanta after crew reported cockpit fumes; all 199 passengers evacuated and were moved to a new flight to Orlando, with no injuries reported. Public Safety & Health: Florida’s Surgeon General issued new guidance advising against prescribing psychotropic drugs to most children ages 5–17 for conditions like depression and anxiety. Crime & Courts: New details emerged in the DeLand double homicide case, including claims the deadly encounter lasted minutes and that the suspect’s father faces an accessory charge. Animal Cruelty: A Lee County man was jailed on aggravated animal cruelty allegations after police say he killed kittens in front of his teen daughter, including one case involving a blow dryer and bleach. Coastal Health Alert: Louisiana health officials reported five deaths from Vibrio vulnificus this year, urging people to avoid exposing open wounds to seawater and to be cautious with raw seafood—Florida has also reported a death tied to the bacteria. Local Life: Broward County early voting for the Aug. 18 primary starts Saturday, with multiple locations open through Aug. 16.

Capital Punishment: Florida carried out back-to-back lethal injections July 28, killing two inmates in the same room—part of a fast pace that has drawn fresh scrutiny of how the state schedules executions. Public Safety & Health: Health officials report a second Florida death tied to Vibrio vulnificus, warning beachgoers and seafood lovers to take extra precautions in warm coastal waters and around raw shellfish. Local Crime: A man is charged with murder after his stepfather’s dismembered remains were found in luggage in Orange County, with investigators citing surveillance and conflicting claims. Courts & Elections: Gov. Ron DeSantis says Florida’s property tax amendment rewrite is already underway after a judge ordered changes to the ballot language; the measure still heads to the Nov. 3 ballot. Community & First Responders: A 7-year-old K-9, Ace, was shot while helping deputies track down a suspect in a Polk County shootout and remains hospitalized after surgery. Weather: A tropical wave is bringing elevated rain chances through the weekend, with heavy downpours possible.

Airport Security & Crime: A Broward man, Sammuel Prescott Lackey, 32, was charged after deputies say he climbed into a JetBlue Airbus A320 at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood during maintenance, hid in the bathroom, and was found sleeping hours later—delaying a flight and costing about $2,400. Public Health: Florida reported a second death this year from flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus linked to oysters and coastal exposure; health officials say 14 cases have been recorded so far, with higher risk for people with weakened immune systems. Water Quality: A new report says most Florida waterways fail state water-quality standards, pointing to lax policy and poor enforcement. Emergency Response Innovation: Tampa General and Hillsborough Fire Rescue plan to start a drone program to deliver whole blood to trauma scenes, aiming to speed transfusions before patients reach the hospital. Outbreak Watch: The Cyclospora outbreak now spans 47 states with nearly 23,000 cases nationwide, and Florida continues to track new infections. Local Safety & Community: Volusia deputies helped rescue about 75 baby sea turtles after hatchlings crawled inland instead of reaching the ocean.

Hospital Leadership: Becker’s Hospital Review named Parrish Medical Center President/CEO George Mikitarian a “Community Hospital CEO to Know,” marking the fourth straight year for the recognition. Wildlife Rehab: Florida Wildlife Hospital released two rescued otters after months of rehabilitation, including learning to swim and hunt. Court Fight Over Animals: “Doc” Antle asked a federal judge to undo forfeiture of chimpanzees tied to his guilty plea, arguing the government seized the animals under the wrong legal theory. Violent Crime: Orange County authorities say Jose L. Proano, 44, killed and dismembered his stepfather and tried to conceal the body in three suitcases. Public Safety/Crime Tech: Gainesville police chief says there’s been no identified misuse of Flock Safety license-plate reader data, after privacy concerns at a city meeting. Firefighter Health: Titusville firefighters got new decontamination equipment to better remove carcinogens and soot from gear after fires. Community & Schools: Bay District Schools and HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital teamed up for “Stuff the Bus” to stock teacher resource stores ahead of the school year. Surveillance Backlash: Port Orange reported vandalism of Flock cameras, adding to the growing debate over license plate reader surveillance.

Public Health Alert: Florida reported a second death from Vibrio vulnificus this year, with two more cases added in Brevard and Marion—another reminder that the “flesh-eating” bacteria can strike fast after raw seafood or open wounds in brackish water. Hospital Watch: A federal patient-satisfaction analysis found Florida hospitals earning some of the lowest ratings in the country, with Palm Beach-area facilities among the worst. Elections & Politics: A judge ordered Florida to redraft the ballot language for the property tax amendment after ruling the title/summary defective; Attorney General James Uthmeier will rewrite it. Crime & Safety: A teen accused in a DeLand double murder was arrested at a Bradenton-area motel. Local Law Enforcement Tech: Privacy advocates say at least two Florida sheriff’s offices bought Meta smart glasses for officers, raising concerns about recording the public. Space & Science: Blue Origin says a faulty oxygen valve on its BE-4 engine caused the New Glenn explosion and expects modified hardware by month’s end. Sports Medicine: Central Florida doctors warn fall athletes to ease into training to avoid overuse injuries as seasons ramp up.

Mental Health & Public Safety: Perez Hilton was hospitalized after a TikTok livestream that prompted emergency calls; TikTok says a moderator error delayed removal, while deputies de-escalated at his Miami home and his family later asked for privacy as he receives medical care. Local Government Finance: Florida’s Amendment 3 ballot language must be rewritten after a Leon County judge said it used misleading “political rhetoric,” with Brevard warning the measure could hit core services like law enforcement and fire rescue. Health Care Rankings: UF Health Shands and UF Health Jacksonville landed among Florida’s top hospitals in the latest U.S. News rankings, with Shands earning national specialty recognition. Crime & Courts: A Flagler County man was arrested for allegedly stalking a dating-app acquaintance and stealing a teddy bear holding her child’s ashes. Public Safety Ops: New Smyrna Beach approved a police boathouse to support marine law enforcement and emergency services. Law Enforcement & Community: A memorial run is set to honor police K-9s who died in the line of duty, including Florida cases.

School Calendar: Monroe County and the Florida Keys will welcome students back Aug. 12, with Marathon High holding an “A” rating and parents being pointed to Keys Kids Health Centers for physicals and wellness visits. Public Safety & Crime: DeLand police arrested a suspect in the double homicide of Citadel cadet Dustin Rose and his childhood friend Samson Campbell, charging Keyan Rundell with two counts of second-degree murder. Child Death Investigation: Boynton Beach police say 3-year-old Briella Holmes died after her head became stuck in a kitchen playset bought via Facebook Marketplace; the investigation is ongoing and the toy had no identifying brand markings. Health & Emergencies: Florida health coverage highlights new CDC leadership as the Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director, while a drug-resistant fungus alert notes Candida auris has been confirmed in 23 states this year. Law Enforcement & Policy: Florida AG James Uthmeier proposes upgrading poaching near homes or people to felony charges, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders. Local Recovery: Fort Myers’ Lakes Regional Park splash pads reopened after Hurricane Ian repairs, funded by a $2.6 million state emergency program.

Mental Health & Public Safety: Miami-Dade deputies responded to reports that celebrity blogger Perez Hilton livestreamed self-harm on TikTok. Officials say he was alone at his home, crisis staff were dispatched, and he was “safely recovered” and taken to a local hospital for medical attention. Local Law Enforcement: Florida’s Operation Southern Slow Down wrapped up with heavy enforcement across Southwest Florida, including DUI arrests, speed citations, and aggressive-driving stops. Tragic Child Safety: Boynton Beach police are investigating the death of 3-year-old Briella after her head became stuck in a toy kitchen playset at a babysitter’s home; she was found unresponsive and later died. Healthcare Tech: Tampa General announced drones to deliver whole blood to trauma scenes within about three minutes, with flights starting this October if approved. Wildlife & Environment: Seaweed “smothering” beaches is worsening across the Caribbean and Gulf, with Florida-linked research warning conditions are not normal.

Amendment 3 Court Ruling: A Florida judge ordered Attorney General James Uthmeier to rewrite major parts of the ballot title and summary for Amendment 3, saying the wording reads like political advertising and misleads voters about the measure’s real purpose. School Safety Drones: Florida is rolling out a pilot program that installs drones inside school buildings as a first line of defense, with deployments planned at high schools in Leon, Volusia, and Broward as students head back. Public Safety & Crime: A 91-year-old man was charged with premeditated first-degree murder after authorities say he shot his 87-year-old wife in St. Augustine Shores. In St. Lucie County, a fourth arrest was made in the death of a nearly 3-month-old boy, with the biological father facing felony child neglect—great harm. Mail & Fire: Federal prosecutors say a former Florida mail carrier burned about 500 letters instead of delivering them, while separate reports include a man facing attempted homicide charges after allegedly setting a house fire with his wife inside. Health Alerts: Palm Beach County issued a dengue advisory after confirming locally acquired cases, urging residents to eliminate standing water and protect against mosquito bites. Tech & Delivery: Walmart is expanding drone delivery in Central Florida through Wing, with orders lowered to addresses by tether near select stores. Sports/Community: Florida’s school-year push also includes drone-equipped campus security and a reminder that Junior League Baseball’s World Series returns to the region Aug. 9-16.

Immigration Detention Oversight: U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin says he found “systemic” medical neglect and other abuses at the Dilley ICE detention center, calling for a Senate Judiciary oversight hearing. Public Safety & Crime: Florida troopers broke up a 100-car I-75 street takeover and arrested four after a 140-mph chase; in Polk County, deputies fatally shot a man after he allegedly rammed a patrol car and reached for a stolen handgun. Violence at Home: Brevard deputies say an intruder stabbed a mother and her son with kitchen knives after demanding a car; the woman says she still doesn’t feel safe. Health Alerts: Florida reported nearly 100 more cyclosporiasis cases in a week, and Palm Beach and Miami-Dade issued mosquito protection alerts after locally transmitted dengue cases were confirmed. Courts & Consumer Justice: A Florida appeals court upheld a $103M jury award against Ford over a 2017 Mustang explosion. Weather/Fire: Lightning sparked a gazebo fire in Southwest Miami-Dade, and a Pensacola-area small plane made an emergency landing on I-10 after engine trouble.

Medicare Fraud: Jacksonville-based Complete Health will pay a $14.1M settlement after DOJ alleged it inflated Medicare Advantage diagnoses with “bogus” conditions to boost payments. Public Safety Funding Fight: Florida Sheriffs Association and other first-responder groups warn Amendment 3’s higher homestead exemption could shift power to Tallahassee and squeeze local budgets, potentially slowing police and fire response and cutting road and stormwater work. Health & Safety Tech: Tampa General Hospital launched an EMS-driven drone program to deliver whole blood to trauma scenes in Hillsborough County, aiming to cut transport times to under three minutes. Crime & Community: Three months after a Plant City family was killed, investigators still haven’t announced an arrest, leaving neighbors demanding answers. Hate Crime: Sarasota police arrested a man accused of throwing a brick through a Chabad synagogue window, calling it a hate crime. Public Health Alerts: Florida confirmed locally transmitted dengue in Palm Beach County, while a Publix recall pulled frozen GreenWise blueberries and mixed berries over possible E. coli contamination. Law Enforcement Surveillance: A report says officers nationwide have misused Flock license plate cameras for unauthorized stalking.

Public Safety & Courts: A Marion County father, James Westervelt III, was indicted for first-degree felony murder after authorities said he used a leaf blower on his 6-month-old son as a “fatal prank,” with the death ruled shaken baby syndrome. Sentencing: Selina Harvey was sentenced to 20 years for DUI manslaughter after a crash that killed one man and injured three others. Crime & Investigation: DeLand police executed a search warrant tied to the double homicide of Dustin Rose and Sampson Campbell, and detectives say they’re pursuing multiple leads. Violence: Port St. Lucie police identified a domestic-related murder-suicide victim and suspect: Elizabeth Ortega and Ralph Varela Sr. Health Alerts: Florida confirmed its first 2026 flesh-eating bacteria death from Vibrio vulnificus, as officials warn Gulf-area exposure risks. School Safety: Duval County Public Schools will add OPENGATE walk-through weapons detection at elementary schools and expand safety tech and officers. Community: Community Cooperative released its August Mobile Food Pantry schedule for Southwest Florida.

Public Safety: Sarasota County firefighters contained a structure fire on Herndon Place; several people were displaced and a firefighter was treated after a medical emergency, with the Florida State Fire Marshal investigating. Crime & Courts: In Pinellas Park, police are investigating a shooting aboard a PSTA bus; the suspect fled but was arrested nearby, and the victim was hurt but not seriously. Hate Crime: Sarasota police arrested a man accused of throwing a brick through a Chabad synagogue window, charging him with criminal mischief as a hate crime. Health Watch: Florida reported 17 leprosy cases so far in 2026, continuing a sharp rise since 2022, with many cases clustered in central counties. Invasive Species: Southwest Florida officials are urging residents to watch for the giant African land snail again, warning it can spread fast and damage plants and property. Education & Free Speech: A Florida English professor is suing South Florida State College, alleging she was fired after a president objected to an assigned short story. Local Life: Bartow’s new Culver’s opens Aug. 3 with grand-opening giveaways.

Public Safety & Crime: Port St. Lucie police are investigating a domestic-related shooting that left a woman dead at a hospital and a man dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. Violence Investigation: Crestview police are probing the shooting death of 65-year-old Willie Earl Jackson found near Brock Ave and Church St. Road Safety: Orlando police arrested more than 15 drivers for going 100+ mph in a month, while a Central Florida teen’s e-bike crash highlights how a helmet can be the difference between life and death. Health & Emergencies: Flood-hit homes can trigger breathing problems months after hurricanes, with indoor mold and other lingering conditions tied to new respiratory symptoms. Animal Incidents: A Daytona Beach call about a snake ended with officers capturing a venomous cottonmouth near a front door. Courts & Accountability: A Florida man was indicted for allegedly using a leaf blower on his infant son, with prosecutors saying the child later died from blunt head trauma. Mental Health Policy: The Neurodivergent Empowerment Institute launched a whole-child health initiative after Florida guidance urged thorough evaluations and psychotherapy before psychiatric meds for kids. Elections: Florida AG James Uthmeier announced charges against a Canadian citizen accused of voting illegally seven times. Wildlife Recovery: More than 20 rehabilitated manatees were released back into Florida waters.

Public Safety: Eustis police are hunting Shakoi Donovan, 28, accused of attempting to kill an officer; he’s described as dangerous and may be driving a gray 2006 Infiniti (plate BT12VE). Crime & Courts: A Florida postal worker, Lakaysha Lockhart, was arrested for allegedly stealing and cashing a winning lottery ticket; investigators say she redeemed it at a Florida Lottery office. Health & Safety: Palm Beach County issued a no-swim/no-irrigation advisory after a wastewater spill on Singer Island tied to a lift station; officials say drinking water wasn’t affected. Public Health Alerts: Florida reported its first 2026 death from flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus, with 12 cases statewide this season. Local Government: Lakeland is moving toward a fire assessment fee for 2027, with a consultant study expected to cost $75,000–$100,000. Violence: One man was killed and another seriously injured after two pedestrians were struck by an SUV on SR-574 in Hillsborough County. Medicare Fraud: Two South Florida men were sentenced in a $19M Medicare brace scheme involving medically unnecessary equipment. Animal Welfare: Martin County authorities say a major animal hoarding case is expanding after rescuing more than 100 animals from a Stuart home.

Public Safety & Crime: FDLE arrested a Virginia woman accused of making written threats to Florida officials, with letters traced to her through forensics and extradition to Collier and Sarasota counties. Violent Crime: An Orange County mother disputes her teen daughter’s boyfriend’s account after a 17-year-old was shot and died; investigators say the boyfriend described a gun going off during an argument. Child Safety: Lakeland police say a mother watched TikTok and porn while her 6-month-old died after she allegedly threw him into a playpen; she’s now charged. Traffic & Fire/Rescue: A Tampa woman was arrested for allegedly fleeing a crash that killed an 82-year-old pedestrian. Health: BayCare introduced a robotic-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy in West Central Florida, expanding breast cancer surgery options. Community & Policy: Jacksonville residents pushed a “Free to Garden Act,” tying the idea to concerns after a parasite outbreak. Weather/Climate: Florida drought remains widespread despite showers, with most of the state still under drought conditions.