AGP Executive Report

Florida Politics: Byron Donalds says he’s “not concerned” about Gov. Ron DeSantis’ cold shoulder, pointing to term limits as the key timeline in the GOP governor’s race. Elections & Representation: Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s bid for Florida’s 20th District is drawing alarm from Black Democrats, who argue it undermines a district built to protect Black representation. Abortion Policy: GOP gubernatorial candidate James Fishback says he would shut down all Florida abortion clinics and replace them with crisis pregnancy centers. Local Governance: Zephyrhills is moving forward with a temporary moratorium on data centers, citing water and electricity strain; Alachua County says large-scale data centers aren’t currently allowed without code and plan updates. Public Safety: Brevard police report a rise in e-bike crashes, with many involving juveniles and confusion over what counts as an e-bike under state law. Hurricane Readiness: Insurance experts urge Florida homeowners to prepare now—starting with roof inspections and wind-rated upgrades—even with a quiet forecast.

Immigration Funding: Florida Rep. Mike Haridopolos says the House is poised to move on a Senate-passed $70B package to keep ICE and other immigration enforcement funded through the rest of Trump’s term, arguing sanctuary cities didn’t do enough to arrest violent offenders. Courts & Elections: Republicans filed briefs urging the Florida Supreme Court to toss the voter-approved Fair Districts Amendment in full, after a key U.S. Supreme Court ruling raised new questions about gerrymandering bans. Property Taxes: Rural Glades County residents are split on Gov. DeSantis’ property tax exemption push, warning it could force cuts to roads, sewers, and schools. Energy Costs: The Trump administration ordered Orlando’s Stanton coal plant to keep running past retirement, a move critics say will raise bills and prolong pollution. AI & Consumer Safety: Florida’s lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman alleges the tech fueled violence. World Cup in Florida: Fans are gearing up for matches in Miami, with local bars rolling out soccer-themed drinks and big-screen viewing. Hurricane Recovery: All Hands & Hearts highlights long-term rebuilding after 2024 storms, including in Florida flood zones. Cuba Quake: A 6.1 quake off Cuba rattled parts of Florida; officials say there’s no tsunami threat.

CFO Race Heats Up: Former state Sen. Annette Taddeo formally launched her bid to unseat GOP CFO Blaise Ingoglia, pitching herself as a “watchdog” on insurance and state spending as Florida families face rising costs. Budget Watchdog: Florida TaxWatch says the 2026-27 budget is packed with “budget turkeys,” flagging 621 projects totaling about $830 million that it says bypass review rules or violate budgeting practices. Local Power Resilience: FPL outlined Brevard County upgrades for 2026, including storm-secure underground work, major tree trimming, and pole inspections aimed at cutting outages. Miami Marina Fight: Miami commissioners will decide whether residents vote on an $80M Virginia Key marinas redevelopment after years of lawsuits and claims of favoritism. Public Safety Online: St. Johns County officials say they stopped planned “teen takeovers” at St. Augustine Beach by using social media intelligence and a zero-tolerance approach. Housing Pressure: New rent data shows some South Florida markets cooling, but renters still face high prices and warnings that property tax changes could shift costs onto non-homesteads.

Immigration & Education: Florida’s Department of Education is proposing a rule requiring community college applicants to show proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status, a move immigrant advocates say would block undocumented students from higher education and state benefits. Public Safety: Brevard County police report a rise in e-bike crashes, with many involving juveniles, as cities debate how to regulate electric bikes versus higher-powered “e-motos.” Local Crime: Miami-Dade Sheriff’s deputies arrested a man accused of multiple indecent exposure incidents, allegedly targeting victims while fleeing on an electric scooter. Politics & Voting: The U.S. Senate failed to extend a key warrantless surveillance program (Section 702), with Florida Sen. Rick Scott among Republicans joining Democrats. Business/Tech: Rumble says it has secured about 85% of Northern Data shares in its exchange offer, setting up a mid-June closing. Sports/Community: DC Defenders beat Orlando in the UFL semifinal in Daytona Beach, punching their ticket back to the United Bowl.

Municipal Power Fight: St. Petersburg City Council voted 4-3 to spend up to $590,000 to study replacing Duke Energy with a city-run electric utility as Duke’s 30-year franchise nears its Aug. 1 expiration. Local Politics & Costs: The move echoes similar work in Clearwater and adds to Florida’s growing debate over who should control electricity, rates, and hurricane resilience. Florida in the National Spotlight: A Florida Senate race gets nastier as Trump-world attacks Alex Vindman, who is fundraising off the backlash and arguing Florida could decide Senate control. Health Watch: New research links GLP-1 therapies to fewer emergency visits and lower serious heart-event rates for adults with obesity plus autoimmune disease. Public Safety & Scams: Police say an elderly Coconut Creek woman fell for a “sweepstakes” scam, sending thousands while believing she’d win millions. Energy Resilience: FPL continues Miami-Dade grid upgrades, including undergrounding and smart-grid devices, aimed at faster restoration during storms.

Property Taxes: Florida lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment to raise the homestead exemption under “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes,” with school taxes left intact—setting up a major November fight as South Florida cities warn of budget fallout. Local Politics: Tampa City Council Chair Alan Clendenin wants to delay a Tampa Bay Rays CRA vote while stadium talks and Tallahassee property-tax uncertainty play out. Public Safety: A 15-year-old on an electric scooter collided with a Flagler County deputy’s patrol car after running a stop sign; officials say the teen wasn’t seriously hurt. Courts & Crime: A man accused in the April Boca Raton shooting that killed Arman Motiwalla was denied bond after his arrest. Health & Policy: New research links GLP-1 meds to fewer serious cardiac events and fewer ER visits for adults with obesity plus autoimmune disease. National Security: The Senate blocked a FISA Section 702 extension, leaving a June 12 deadline and raising stakes for surveillance and related policy fights. Hurricane Readiness: FPL outlined year-round grid hardening and storm response steps as hurricane season ramps up. Sports & Culture: Byron Donalds drew a crowd in Flagler County with an affordability message aimed at Florida families.

Property Taxes: Florida lawmakers approved a sweeping homestead property tax cut plan that now heads to voters after a fast special-session sprint, with local leaders warning it could shift power toward Tallahassee and squeeze city services. Immigration & Education: Proposed Florida rules could restrict immigrant students’ access to adult education and state colleges, drawing criticism for vague standards and potential harm to students already navigating language barriers. Courts & Elections: The Florida Supreme Court is fast-tracking a request to block a gerrymander, as voting-rights groups push to pause new congressional lines. Public Safety: A new Florida law requires first-time high school student-athletes to get ECG heart screenings before playing, starting July 1, after past athlete deaths. Local Politics: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings suspended his Florida governor campaign after a prostate cancer diagnosis, while Byron Donalds urged GOP unity. Health Care: OMNI Healthcare added trauma surgeon Dr. Edgar Figueroa to its Brevard physician group, alongside his pending Eastern Florida State College board reappointment. Sports & Community: Fort Myers Beach faces pressure over post–Hurricane Ian redevelopment approvals, with critics saying politics and rising costs are scaring off investment. Transportation: A 15-year-old electric scooter rider in Bunnell crashed into a police patrol car after allegedly running a stop sign; officials urged riders to obey signals and wear helmets.

Gun Rights Fight: Florida AG James Uthmeier asked a federal judge to strike down the state’s three-day “cooling off” waiting period for most gun purchases as unconstitutional, arguing it violates Second Amendment rights. Elections & Courts: The Florida Supreme Court fast-tracked a voting rights coalition’s request to block a new GOP congressional map, ordering lawmakers to respond by Monday as qualifying deadlines loom. Property Taxes: Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is pushing back on DeSantis’ property tax overhaul, with local Republicans arguing county spending proves the case for cutting homeowner payments. Immigration Funding: Congress is poised to approve a nearly $70 billion Homeland Security package with few guardrails, fueling Trump’s deportation push. Local Governance: Naples is suing over a state law that changes who appoints the Naples Airport Board, setting up more mediation and possible counter-suits. Hurricane Prep: Florida Power & Light urged residents to plan now—know evacuation zones, keep gas topped off, and don’t wire generators directly into home panels. Culture & Community: Southern Baptists meeting in Orlando will debate tightening rules around women serving in pastoral roles.

Florida Politics: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings suspended his Florida governor campaign after a prostate cancer diagnosis, saying he must step off the trail to focus on treatment. Local Elections: Pinellas County Commissioner Kathleen Peters picked up support from Sen. Nick DiCeglie ahead of her District 6 re-election bid. Property Taxes: Democrats are warning Florida’s proposed property tax cuts could “defund essential public services,” pushing cities toward higher fees or budget cuts. Public Safety: Florida’s summer lightning season is already turning deadly—an 18-year-old kayaker died after being struck on the Blackwater River. Legal/Justice: The Florida Supreme Court approved a change to how interest rates are set for lawyer trust accounts tied to IOTA, aimed at keeping legal aid funding steady. Business/Consumer Watch: Texas AG Ken Paxton is investigating Boca Raton-based Celsius over claims it marketed an energy drink to teens. Culture/Community: Sen. Rick Scott urged Tampa officials to cancel Kanye West concerts at Raymond James Stadium over antisemitic remarks.

Property Taxes & Local Budgets: Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan is urging voters to read the “fine print” on Florida’s November homestead exemption ballot measure, warning it could cut city revenue by more than $300 million by 2029 and force service cuts. Local Utilities: St. Petersburg City Council voted 4-3 to spend up to $590,000 to study whether to leave Duke Energy and build a city-run electric utility as the franchise nears its 2026 expiration. Hurricane Season Prep: Fort Myers seniors got door-to-door hurricane preparedness kits from FPL and a local cooperative as the season kicked off. AI & Public Safety: A Jacksonville case shows how facial recognition can misfire—an NC man spent 50+ days in jail before prosecutors dropped charges after it turned out he was far away. Courts & Politics: Trump’s lawyers refused BBC access to financial details in his $10 billion defamation fight filed in Florida. Foreign Policy: The House passed a Ukraine aid and sanctions package with 18 Republicans joining Democrats, sending it to the Senate.

Property & housing rights: Hulu’s new docuseries spotlights Florida squatting cases, including Jacksonville homeowner Patti Peeples, framing “loopholes” that let squatters weaponize tenant protections. Public safety & traffic enforcement: A Florida town is weighing adding school-zone speed cameras after a study found thousands of violations in just two days. Hurricane readiness: Florida Power & Light and state emergency guidance urge residents to plan now—review evacuation routes, prep supplies, and keep EVs charged and gas tanks at least half full. Conservation politics: A governor’s race argument pushes for Fish and Wildlife commissioners with strong conservation backgrounds, warning current oversight can drift from science to politics. Judicial vacancies: DeSantis announced new circuit court openings and extended deadlines for other judicial nominations. Elections & governance: St. Pete Democrat Rep. Lindsay Cross says she won’t run again, setting up a new HD 60 bid. Federal legal shakeup: Trump says he’ll nominate Florida’s acting AG Todd Blanche as permanent attorney general.

Property Taxes (Florida ballot): Florida lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment that would raise the homestead exemption from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 the next year, with voters needing 60% approval in November—local officials warn it could gut funding for services like libraries, parks, and infrastructure. Local Governance (Duval): Duval County’s elections chief says the office is still waiting on the final ballot language, underscoring how much residents don’t yet know about timing and impacts. Immigration (South Florida courts): Immigration courts in the Miami area are accelerating “master calendar” hearings, leaving families and attorneys scrambling as dates move up by months or even years. Federal Justice (Trump AG pick): President Trump says he will nominate Todd Blanche as attorney general, after Blanche’s aggressive DOJ moves and a controversial plan tied to compensating allies. College Sports (NIL debate): Nick Saban told Congress NIL shouldn’t become pay-for-play driven by bidding wars, warning the transfer and spending arms race could reshape college football. Everglades Cleanup: Florida appears to be missing pollution cleanup deadlines for Everglades stormwater treatment areas, raising fresh concerns about progress. UF Leadership: Former Alabama president Stuart Bell met with UF students and staff as the presidential search nears a conclusion, including questions about DEI and his vision for the university.

Property Taxes Ballot Fight: Florida lawmakers approved Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax amendment for the November ballot, but they rewrote it to exempt public school funding—setting up a 60% voter threshold and a new round of local budget warnings about service cuts. Local Impact: Baker County officials estimate the change could cost the county about $3.31 million a year starting in 2027, rising to nearly $4.79 million by 2028, with cities like Macclenny also facing losses. AI Legal Clash: Florida AG James Uthmeier’s lawsuit against OpenAI over ChatGPT safety is backed by a new poll showing 65% support statewide, with voters also favoring restrictions and financial penalties. Public Safety: Boca Raton narrowed its search for a new police chief to two finalists—an assistant chief from Maryland and a Jacksonville, N.C. chief—after a shake-up that followed a prior chief’s departure. Crime Investigation: Divers are expanding the search for Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas after officials described it as a possible foreign murder of a U.S. national. Teen Tragedy: A 17-year-old e-bike rider died after a Charlotte County hit-and-run; the driver was identified and the investigation remains ongoing.

Property Taxes (Florida): Florida lawmakers approved a sweeping homestead tax exemption increase that would boost the break from $50,000 to $250,000, sending the measure to voters in November—while local leaders warn it could force cuts or layoffs as cities and special districts rely on property-tax revenue. Local Impact (Southwest Florida): Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue says it could lose more than $8 million over two years, raising fears about staffing, training, and service expansion. Homestead Debate (South Florida): Homeowners in Broward and beyond are split: some expect big savings, others worry about funding for police, parks, and community programs. Hurricane Prep (Utilities): Florida Power & Light is pushing grid hardening in Palm Beach County, including smart switches and vegetation trimming, ahead of hurricane season. Elections (Voter Mail): A Fort Lauderdale man reported receiving wrong voter ID cards, prompting concern about identity theft and voter fraud. Diplomacy (Florida Connection): Trump nominated former Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Johnson-Carroll as U.S. ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago. National Politics (Trump): The DOJ says it’s scrapping a $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund after backlash.

Property Taxes in the Spotlight: Florida lawmakers approved Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan to expand homestead exemptions and send a constitutional amendment to the November ballot, with the exemption rising to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 by 2028—while school funding is protected and the measure needs 60% voter approval. Local Fallout: Cities and residents are already warning that shrinking property-tax revenue could mean cuts or higher fees, and Greenacres officials say public safety funding could take a hit. Lakeland Data Center Backlash: Lakeland and Polk County residents rallied against a proposed hyperscale data center near Old Tampa Highway, arguing the deal would shift costs to families while big companies chase tax breaks and cheap utilities. National Intelligence Shake-Up: President Trump tapped Bill Pulte, Florida’s FHFA chief, as acting director of national intelligence—an unusual move that’s already raising questions about experience and political fallout. Medicaid Work Rules: New federal requirements could bring work or engagement rules to millions of Medicaid recipients starting in 2027, with major exemptions for groups like pregnant people and people with disabilities. Reentry Barriers: A Florida reentry simulation in Citrus County showed leaders how hard it can be to secure IDs, transportation, and jobs after incarceration—often pushing people back toward jail. Rubio on Iran: Marco Rubio told senators Iran’s supreme leader is alive and increasingly active, while insisting any sanctions relief would be tied to nuclear concessions. St. Pete Beach Utility Project Ends: St. Pete Beach stopped its long-running undergrounding effort as costs climbed and grant deadlines loomed.

Property Taxes in Tallahassee: Florida lawmakers advanced Gov. Ron DeSantis’ homestead and property tax overhaul with late-night amendments aimed at protecting school funding and key local services, but critics say the plan still risks major budget shocks for cities, counties, and public safety. AI Lawsuit: Florida AG James Uthmeier’s office moved to sue OpenAI and Sam Altman over alleged ChatGPT safety failures for children, adding to a fast-growing backlash against big tech. Local Politics: Maitland Mayor John Lowndes filed to challenge Sen. Jason Brodeur in Florida Senate District 10, setting up a high-stakes Central Florida race. Hurricane Prep & Funding: FEMA’s staffing and leadership strain is raising alarms as the Atlantic hurricane season begins, with fewer resources heading into a critical period. Nassau Data Center Watch: Nassau County launched a fact-finding effort and is weighing a possible 12-month moratorium on new data centers after residents raised concerns about water, power, and quality of life. Public Safety: A Florida man was arrested for allegedly threatening to kill Rep. Byron Donalds, while separate reporting highlights ongoing efforts to tackle organized retail theft.