AGP Executive Report

Terror Designation Fight: Florida’s Cabinet approved an emergency process to designate groups as terrorist organizations, with the state proposing labels through FDLE and a fast objection window—setting up an immediate constitutional showdown over groups like CAIR and Antifa. Courtroom Fallout: Gov. Ron DeSantis weighed in on the Lindsay Clancy mistrial holdout juror controversy, offering “asylum” in Florida after NBC10 Boston reported on the juror’s past. Public Safety—Crime: Two women were killed in separate Lake City-area investigations, with boyfriends arrested; in Miami, a suspected domestic-violence shooting left two dead and two hospitalized near NW 17th Street. Health & Emergencies: A bomb threat triggered a partial evacuation at HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce; and a kitten survived a 55-foot fall from I-275 in St. Petersburg after FHP and animal control rescued it. Weather/Environment: Sarasota lifted a Brohard Beach water quality advisory after Enterococcus levels fell; Safety Harbor reopened its pier two years after hurricanes destroyed it. Tech/Surveillance: Florida DOT revoked permits for automated license-plate cameras on state highways as lawmakers and communities push back on mass surveillance. Sports & Culture: Inter Miami hosts Nashville SC in a key MLS matchup; and Miami Beach advanced a “GTA VI” marketing campaign tied to Rockstar’s release.

Public Safety Leadership: Haines City named Darrell Wilson as its new Public Safety Director, overseeing both police and fire after he previously served as deputy chief in Bartow. Criminal Justice: Florida executed Daniel Owen Conahan Jr. for the 1996 Charlotte County strangling of Richard Allen Montgomery, and the Florida Supreme Court is weighing whether Zephen Xaver’s death sentence should be vacated. Courts & Rights: A federal appeals ruling blocked a Trump administration order to keep a Michigan coal plant running, saying there was no real emergency. Cybersecurity: Florida’s DMV is investigating a data breach tied to compromised credentials from a Plant City Police Department user. Health & Safety: Florida issued swim advisories for beaches after bacteria concerns, and a body-camera release showed first responders’ dramatic rescue after a lightning strike in Winter Garden. Food Safety: Walmart recalled Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend over an E. coli risk—check the batch code and “best if used by” date. Remembering 9/11: Palm Bay and other Florida communities marked the 25th anniversary with ceremonies and memorial climbs.

9/11 Commemoration Across Florida: Tallahassee marked the 25th anniversary with a memorial service featuring a World Trade Center steel beam and 2,977 flags, while South Florida communities held ceremonies honoring first responders and the lasting health toll from toxic dust. Public Safety & Health: Sarasota County issued a water advisory for Brohard Beach in Venice due to elevated bacteria. Police & Courts: North Miami released body-cam footage showing officers finding two children locked out of their home and police said their mothers were unconscious inside; the women were arrested for child abuse. Animal Cruelty: Sunrise police charged a man after surveillance video allegedly showed him kicking and stomping a French bulldog and spraying it with a hose. Local Crime: Homestead police said a 63-year-old woman was attacked by two pit bulls and is undergoing surgery. Community Reminders: Jacksonville TSA and travelers paused for a moment of silence at the airport during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony.

Capital Punishment: Florida executed Daniel Owen Conahan Jr., 72, Thursday—its 15th execution of 2026—linked to the “Hog Trail Murders,” including the 1996 kidnapping and strangling of Richard Allen Montgomery. Public Safety/Crime: Florida police and courts kept busy with multiple cases in the past week, including a Florida man accused of carjacking at knifepoint after an I-95 pursuit and a Florida panel ordering a murder retrial over prior shooting evidence. Health & Emergencies: Florida health officials investigated possible dengue deaths as cases rise in Hillsborough, while another report flagged a flesh-eating bacteria death. Weather & Risk: A Disney College Program participant died after an apparent lightning strike in Florida, underscoring storm dangers. 9/11 Observances: Patriot Day coverage included Florida memorial events and local 25-year reflections, plus a minute-by-minute Sept. 11 chronology. Policy/Tech: California passed new limits on addictive social media features for kids and restrictions on AI companion chatbots.

Free Speech & Government Accountability: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will pay $615,000 to settle free speech lawsuits from three fired employees tied to social media posts about conservative influencer Charlie Kirk after his death. Campus Surveillance Fight: Students at UF protested Flock Safety cameras and automated license plate readers after FDOT banned ALPRs on state roads, while UF police continue using the tech on campus. Health & Public Safety: Florida reported a fourth death this year linked to flesh-eating bacteria (Vibrio vulnificus), and health officials are also tracking dengue activity in Tampa. Insurance Costs: KFF data shows 12 ACA insurers filed for 2027 rate increases, with fewer plan options for Floridians as some carriers exit the marketplace. Crime & Courts: Authorities say a baby formula theft ring tied to more than 150 store heists moved about $1 million in product, and a former Port Orange jiu-jitsu coach was arrested in New Mexico on alleged sexual abuse charges involving a teen student. Local Impact: A multi-vehicle crash shut down southbound lanes on the Howard Frankland Bridge before reopening, sending two drivers to the hospital.

Death Penalty Fight: Florida’s only woman on death row, Tina Brown, is seeking a new hearing after repeated attempts to overturn her conviction, arguing gender bias in her trial. Public Safety & Crime: A Jacksonville motorcyclist was critically hurt after crashing on I-295 near Commonwealth Avenue, according to Florida Highway Patrol. Local Governance: Fort Meade commissioners voted to retain city manager Troy Bell after sharp criticism over revenue and workplace morale. Health Watch: Florida health officials are investigating a possible dengue-related death in Tampa as cases surge statewide. Homelessness Pressure: Sarasota and Manatee counties report a sharp rise in people “at risk” of homelessness, even as overall homelessness declines. Food/Water Safety: A fourth Florida death has been linked to Vibrio vulnificus, a bacteria tied to raw seafood and warm coastal waters. Aviation Tragedy: Miami authorities identified five Cuban workers killed in an Amazon cargo plane crash that also injured others on the ground. Tech & Policy: Florida’s free-speech landscape is shifting after Charlie Kirk’s death, with changes to campus and public-worker conduct.

UF Campus Open-Carry Clarification: University of Florida police say two people seen walking near campus with rifles did not break Florida law because open carry is allowed on public sidewalks, though firearms are still banned on university property. Public Safety & Crime: Miami Gardens is still searching for a missing K-9 named Gael after he ran off during an alarm response and was later hit by a car; Orange Park police are asking for help identifying a suspect tied to multiple unlocked-vehicle and home break-ins. Health Care Accountability: A Florida administrative judge recommended reprimand and a $250 fine for a Boca Raton nurse who posted a TikTok mocking a pregnant former White House press secretary; in Jacksonville, a mother has filed a federal lawsuit against UF Health over a court-ordered C-section she says was done without consent. Housing & Insurance Costs: Florida Realtors is backing Amendment 3’s property tax cut with $10 million; a new report says fewer home insurance claims are being filed, but the ones that get paid are far more expensive—driving higher premiums even for non-filers. Courts & Public Safety: A Tallahassee registered sex offender is jailed after an alleged assault of a 65-year-old; and a judge denied bail for Andrew and Tristan Tate as they fight extradition to the UK. Local Government: Marathon City Council voted 3-2 to hire interim City Manager Steve Williams as permanent manager.

Property Tax Fight: Florida Realtors poured $10 million into a “Vote Yes on 3” campaign backing Amendment 3, which would raise the homestead exemption but needs 60% voter approval—opponents warn it could cut local tax revenue and strain services. Public Safety & Surveillance: The anti–Flock camera push keeps spreading, with Florida moving to ban license plate cameras on state roads while other states debate restrictions amid privacy and misuse concerns. Health & Crime: A Florida woman in Opa-locka faces burglary and battery charges after police say she threw a bucket of feces at a neighbor during a dispute over an alleged affair. Public Health: Florida’s dengue situation remains a focus as cases climb, with officials warning residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Legal/Justice: In Florida’s death penalty pipeline, “Hog Trail Killer” Daniel Conahan is set for execution Sept. 10, with ongoing questions about possible additional victims. Food Safety: More than 1,500 pounds of imported pork guanciale are recalled over Listeria concerns.

Surveillance Backlash: Florida’s Flock cameras are becoming a national campaign flashpoint, with candidates pushing bans or warrant rules as critics warn about mass surveillance and supporters tout crime-fighting value. AI Accountability: Florida AG James Uthmeier is proposing criminal penalties for companies behind AI chatbots if their tools are found to aid crimes, including a push to suspend chatbots tied to criminal liability. Plane Crash Aftermath (Miami): Investigators identified five people killed on the ground after an Amazon Prime Air cargo jet overran the runway at Miami International, while three more victims remain hospitalized. Public Safety & Courts: A live-streamer who filmed the crash site says he won’t remove the footage. Local Government: Lakeland is raising fines for water-restriction violations while adjusting utility charges. Mental Health: Northeast Florida’s 988 Lifeline calls are up 18% year over year, signaling more people seeking crisis support. 9/11 Remembrance: Florida continues marking the 25th anniversary, including research on first responders’ long-term health impacts and local memorial blood drives.

Airport Safety & Policing: Melbourne Orlando International Airport launched its first K-9 program, with Milo and Zip trained to detect explosives and patrol ticketing, baggage and cargo areas. Historic Florida Tourism: St. Pete Beach’s Don CeSar—“the Pink Palace”—celebrates nearly 100 years since opening in 1928, with a legacy that includes celebrity stays and wartime hospital use. Aviation Disaster Response: A small plane carrying four family members went missing off the Bahamas coast en route to Miami; the U.S. Coast Guard joined the search after air traffic lost contact near Andros amid reported storms. Public Safety Tech Backlash: St. Lucie County voted to eliminate automatic license plate readers from county roadways, echoing Gov. DeSantis’ move to curb the surveillance tool statewide. Local Law Enforcement & Community: Boynton Beach Police Captain Paul Deale marked 9/11 by honoring his cousin’s memory, returning to the city after the attacks despite not being authorized to respond. Health Care Watch: A new report ranks Vermont highest for hospital patient experience and Florida last. Emergency Preparedness: Avon Park Fire Department is preparing its first car seat safety event, training staff to help families install seats correctly.

Child Safety Oversight: A Florida grand jury says the Department of Children and Families in the Fifth Judicial Circuit is failing to protect children and vulnerable adults in central Florida, citing missed abuse hotline calls, delayed cases, and allegations of falsifying records. Aviation Tragedies: A small plane crash near Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville killed the pilot after an engine failure and a crash into trees and power lines; Columbia Boulevard was shut down during the investigation. Major Airport Crash Fallout: Investigators are probing Amazon Prime Air’s Boeing 767 crash at Miami International that killed at least five after the jet overran the runway and hit vehicles; reports say the airport lacked an EMAS safety system that can help stop aircraft. Health Care Coverage: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reversed course on surgical mesh coverage for breast reconstruction, approving it as medically necessary after a year-long investigation into denials. Public Safety & Crime: In Collier County, bullet damage shattered hurricane-rated doors after shots crossed a property line; no injuries reported. Legal Deadline: The U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to stay the execution of Florida death row inmate Daniel Conahan Jr., scheduled for Thursday, as he seeks DNA testing in a 1996 murder case.

Aviation Disaster in Miami: An Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 cargo jet overran the runway at Miami International Airport, hit vehicles, and burst into flames Sunday, killing at least five people and injuring five more; officials say the pilot and copilot were trapped in the cockpit and firefighters had to reach inside the aircraft as crews also dealt with a fuel leak while the FAA and NTSB investigate. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Florida ordered the removal of Flock license-plate cameras from state roads, and Southwest Florida agencies are responding differently—some comply while sheriffs and police leaders argue it weakens crime-fighting tools. Health & Care Access: A Supreme Court fight over Medicaid home-care access is resurfacing in Florida-linked coverage, with advocates warning policy shifts could push more disabled and elderly people into institutions. Cancer Awareness Story: A St. Petersburg man says he ignored early symptoms until months later, when he learned he had testicular cancer—another reminder to get checked. Local Law Enforcement Spotlight: Former UFC fighter Marlon “Magic” Moraes, now a Coral Springs police officer, went viral for taking down a confrontational motorist during a traffic stop. Sports & Culture: Florida revived the “gator bait” cheer for the first time in years, after it was banned over racist imagery.

Aviation Safety & Emergency Response: Miami International Airport shut down after an Amazon Prime Air Boeing 767 overshot the runway, hit multiple vehicles, and caught fire; the FAA issued a ground stop and officials reported “multiple patients” while runways and taxiways stayed closed. Crash & Fire: In Bradenton, a car crashed into the Cortez Village Plaza building “Turning Tides,” damaging nearby businesses and sending the driver to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries; the cause is under investigation. Road Tragedy: Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly I-4 crash in Orange County where a 44-year-old Lakeland woman died and a 9-year-old girl was seriously hurt after the driver allegedly had a medical episode; the car hit barriers and caught fire. Public Health: More than 400 Floridians have been diagnosed with Cyclospora linked to recalled iceberg lettuce, and health officials are urging people to check for recalled products. Health & Mosquito Control: Dengue continues to climb in the Tampa Bay area, with Hillsborough and Pasco stepping up mosquito control, including helicopter spraying, and Orange County increasing efforts after a locally acquired case in Pine Hills. Local Crime & Courts: Detectives in Jacksonville arrested a murder suspect within 24 hours of a fatal shooting, according to reports. Reef Conservation: Florida’s coral restoration push is in trouble after the state cut funding for the Coral Reef Restoration and Recovery Initiative, leaving groups scrambling for new support.

Public Safety & Crime: Pasco County fired and arrested deputy Donald Valverde after “absolutely horrendous” child sex abuse allegations; the sheriff called him a “monster.” In Port Orange, a 71-year-old woman died after firing a gun inside the police department lobby and refusing orders; FDLE is investigating. Police & Courts: Fort Lauderdale YouTuber Jack Doherty was arrested on domestic battery charges. In Brevard County, multiple recent arrests were listed in a suspects-roundup. Health & Fraud: A grand jury report says Florida shorted about $800,000 in a Medicaid settlement tied to Hope Florida. Two men were sentenced for a $34.8 million Medicare brace fraud scheme. Surveillance & Privacy: FDOT ordered removal of Flock license plate readers on state highway right-of-ways, and South Florida agencies are pulling back amid backlash. Sports: Florida routed FAU 66-21 in the Jon Sumrall era opener. Weather/Outdoors: Labor Day dengue warnings continue as cases rise.

Hope Florida Medicaid Scandal: A grand jury says Florida shorted itself about $800,000 after a Centene Medicaid settlement, even as $10 million was diverted to Hope Florida. Police Shooting (Fort Myers): Fort Myers police say an officer-involved shooting on Katherine Street left a suspect dead; FDLE is leading the investigation and officers are on paid leave. Domestic Violence Case (Jack Doherty): YouTuber Jack Doherty was arrested in Fort Lauderdale on a domestic battery charge; legal experts note the maximum could be up to a year in county jail depending on conviction details. Port Orange Police Station Shooting: A 71-year-old woman died after firing inside the Port Orange Police Department lobby and advancing toward officers; FDLE is investigating. Immigration Detention Abuse Allegations: Two guards at the former “Alligator Alcatraz” Everglades detention center face battery charges tied to an alleged Jan. 25 incident. Public Safety/Health: Good Samaritans are credited with saving a couple after a lightning strike on a Central Florida trail; separately, Florida’s hunting/fishing/camping sales tax holiday is underway through Dec. 31. Surveillance Backlash: Florida ordered removal of Flock license-plate cameras from state roads amid privacy concerns. Elder Exploitation: Miami-Dade officials highlight arrests tied to alleged fraud against seniors, warning Florida’s aging population is increasingly targeted.

Surveillance Backlash: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis moved to revoke permits for license plate readers on state highways, arguing the tools risk turning traffic enforcement into a “surveillance state,” as bipartisan criticism of Flock-style tracking keeps growing. Public Safety—Police Use of Force: A 71-year-old woman, Linda Jean Croteau, died after firing a gun inside the Port Orange Police Department lobby and being shot by officers; police released surveillance video from inside and outside the station. Crime & Courts: A grand jury report accuses the Florida Department of Children and Families of “failing catastrophically” in Central Florida counties, citing systemic neglect and preventable deaths. Domestic Violence Arrest: Social media influencer Jack Doherty was arrested in Fort Lauderdale on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge after police responded to a dispute at a home. Health & Weather: Yale research estimates air conditioning prevents thousands of heat deaths each year, while South Florida continues facing lightning risk and Labor Day weekend flash-flood chances. Traffic Fatalities: A motorcyclist died after a head-on crash on Celery Avenue in Seminole County when a driver passed in a no-passing zone. Emergency Birth: A first-time father helped deliver a breech baby girl in a Brandon pawn shop parking lot while waiting for EMTs.