AGP Executive Report

School Closings: Orange County Public Schools is facing a sharp enrollment drop, with dozens of campuses now under the state’s financial stability threshold—setting up more closures after seven schools shut last spring. Campaign Finance: A federal court ruling could let Florida’s major parties make unlimited coordinated spending on state and local candidates, reshaping the rules heading into November. Florida Politics: Byron Donalds has scrubbed most Trump references from his campaign site as polls show softer support for the president, while David Jolly continues to clash with him over debates. Public Health: Florida’s updated vaccine/consent paperwork for patients under 18 adds an opt-out notice tied to the state immunization registry, raising compliance questions for providers. Legal Fight: A Duval County teacher removed after a Charlie Kirk-related social media post has sued the school board, alleging viewpoint retaliation. Energy & Growth: U.S. Rep. Greg Steube pushes a Myakka River protection bill in Congress, aiming to add a Sarasota segment to a federal wild-and-scenic program. Transportation: Freebee and Beep announced a merger to combine electric microtransit with autonomous mobility tech across Florida communities.

Florida Politics & Elections: Mail ballots have started arriving statewide for the Nov. 3 midterms, with early returns showing Democrats submitting more ballots than Republicans in the first batch. Governor Race Watch: Byron Donalds’ campaign scrubbed most Trump references from its website as polls show a tight race with David Jolly, while Lt. Gov. Jay Collins endorsed Donalds for governor. Statehouse & Courts: Florida AG James Uthmeier proposed tougher authority to investigate and shut down spam calls and texts, including AI voice scams and fake warrants. Education Policy: Democrats and education experts urged Congress to repeal an incoming national school voucher program, warning it would divert money from public schools. Local Governance: Tallahassee commissioners are reviewing how to comply with Florida’s new ban on local DEI funding and programs. Immigration & Accountability: A Florida teacher faces calls for firing after allegations she tried to “cancel” an eighth grader over conservative views. Environment & Infrastructure: Sarasota County updated commissioners on efforts to keep Midnight Pass open after recent hurricanes. Business & Tech: Miami-Dade Democrats pushed back on Donalds’ pro-data-center comments, arguing AI facilities could reshape the state’s future.

Florida Politics & Elections: Florida’s governor race is set to go without debates, with David Jolly declining a Byron Donalds faceoff and other statewide races also lacking scheduled matchups—raising concerns from good-government voices about what voters will miss. Campaign Finance: Florida’s public campaign finance program is sending more small-dollar money to Democrats, with Jolly pulling in about $123,000 in one weekly distribution versus Donalds’ roughly $27,000. State Policy: The Florida State Board of Education adopted new AI and educational technology rules, aiming for statewide guardrails that protect student privacy and keep teachers in charge. Housing & Local Rules: A new Florida law bars zoning discrimination against factory-built homes, requiring “as of right” approval for qualifying off-site constructed dwellings where detached single-family homes are allowed. Courts & Appointments: Gov. DeSantis is moving to fill two Fourth District Court of Appeal vacancies, seeking nominees for the judicial nominating commission. Public Safety: A nationwide investigation found DUI arrests in multiple states—including Florida—where later blood tests showed no alcohol or drugs, spotlighting reliability questions around field sobriety tests.

Governor’s Race Without Debates: Democrat David Jolly says he’s skipping all general-election debates with Republican Byron Donalds, calling the campaign “bad faith” and warning a debate would deepen division; Donalds counters that Jolly is dodging scrutiny, especially on property insurance. Homeowners Insurance Fight: In separate coverage, Jolly backs a state-backed catastrophe fund to move hurricane and wind risk out of private insurance, while Donalds pushes a different approach as Florida’s insurance market keeps roiling. School Budget & Taxes: Alachua County School Board approved a $623M budget for 2026-27 and raised the property tax rate to 6.3270 mills, estimating about $47 more for a $200,000 home. Local Schools Under Pressure: Pinellas County is weighing possible school closures and mergers amid declining enrollment, alongside questions about Florida Fish and Wildlife surveillance of activists. Immigration & Deportations: Human Rights Watch reports hundreds of deported Haitians, including people with pending asylum claims, and urges Congress to restore Temporary Protected Status. Daylight Saving Time: Nineteen states have approved permanent daylight saving time, but Florida’s clock change still hinges on Congress acting in the Senate.

Violent Crime: Two brothers were arrested in St. Petersburg after a pre-dawn shooting where a rifle blast reportedly went through a home while two people slept, with investigators saying one brother circled the house in a silver SUV as a getaway. Election 2026 (Florida): Florida’s governor debate is off the table after David Jolly said he won’t share a stage with Byron Donalds, as campaigns push into the final stretch. State Politics & Policy: Florida lawmakers and sheriffs are seeking middle ground on Flock-style license plate cameras as permits are pulled and communities push back on surveillance. Public Safety & Courts: In a major federal case, 18 suspects tied to the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse were extradited to Florida for trial. Healthcare Leadership: Lee Health CEO Dr. Larry Antonucci announced his retirement after steering the system through COVID and Hurricane Ian and overseeing major investment plans. Local Governance (Southwest Florida): Lee County voters are getting practical election guidance ahead of November, with more races and ballot measures on the way.

Governor’s Race: Democratic nominee David Jolly says he will not debate Republican Byron Donalds, arguing Donalds is acting in “bad faith” and using misinformation, after the GOP accepted debate offers without matching Jolly’s preferred formats. Immigration & Campuses: FIU students staged an “ICE off FIU” protest after DeSantis-era 287(g) deals deputized campus police as ICE agents, as the broader crackdown continues. Haiti Assassination Case: Eighteen suspects tied to the 2021 killing of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse were flown to Florida for trial, marking another step after U.S. convictions earlier this year. Local Ballot Access: Miami-Dade officials and partners will push accessible voting for neurodiverse residents ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Property Tax Fight (Amendment 3): Oviedo is weighing possible service cuts or fee hikes, warning the measure could reduce city revenue by millions. Tech & Public Trust: Flock Safety is offering buyouts amid backlash to its license-plate surveillance network, citing morale damage and contract losses.

Redistricting Reality Check: A new look at the GOP’s redistricting push suggests the “safe seat” map may be less secure than promised, with competitive districts raising the odds Republicans fall short of expected gains. Florida Governor Race: Byron Donalds is leaning hard into his Florida State ties as he campaigns for governor, while analysts say race is quietly shaping how voters read the matchup with David Jolly. AI Data Center Anxiety: A Florida Observer poll finds 91% of readers worry AI data centers will strain the state’s resources and environment. Amendment 3 Backlash: Florida TaxWatch and rural-county critics warn the proposed homestead exemption hike could hollow out local budgets. Alligator Alcatraz Fallout: A DHS inspector general report says the closed Everglades detention site failed standards on health, food, hygiene, and more, drawing sharp reactions from Florida officials. Spam Crackdown: Florida AG Uthmeier proposes legislation that could put spam callers behind bars. Local Safety: A Dania Beach dog attack sent a baby and mother to the hospital; two dogs were seized. Politics + Courts: A federal judge says a challenge to Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund is still “alive and kicking.” Sports: Alabama rallied to beat Florida State 50-36, while Florida opened SEC play with a 44-39 win over Auburn.

Florida Politics & Elections: A Florida Democratic candidate says Rep. María Elvira Salazar’s anti-Trump video is a reaction to tight District 27 polling, while Salazar’s break with Trump on immigration keeps fueling a wider GOP civil war. Border Update: U.S.-Mexico apprehensions fell 5% from July to August, with Mexico and Central America making up most cases; lawsuits against DHS/CBP are mounting. AI & Federal Power: Trump says he’ll create an “AI Force” and appoint an AI “czar,” offering few details as fears grow about out-of-control systems. Utilities & Energy: A Virginia editorial argues residents’ concerns about the Dominion–NextEra merger must be taken seriously amid transparency questions. Local Government: Stuart’s commission cut its 2027 millage after last-minute opposition, then directed staff to patch the budget with reserves. Community & Culture: Girls in Aviation Day at Orlando Melbourne drew 900+ attendees to spotlight aviation careers. Public Safety: A Hollister man died in a Putnam County ATV crash after veering off the road and hitting a utility wire. Sports: Florida hosts Auburn Saturday night; LSU–Ole Miss headlines primetime with Lane Kiffin back in Oxford.

Florida Politics & Elections: Fran Tate, a longtime East Tampa community leader, filed for Tampa City Council District 5—despite reporting zero campaign dollars so far—setting up a challenge to incumbent Naya Young. Property Taxes: Florida TaxWatch is urging a “No” vote on Amendment 3, warning it could shift burdens and squeeze local budgets even as it boosts homestead exemptions. AI in Schools: Lee County schools are rolling out AI classroom policies with parent notice and opt-outs, while banning AI “companionship” tools for younger students. Economy: Florida’s jobless rate fell to 4.5% in August, the third straight monthly drop, though economists warn an uptick could come later. Public Health: Measles is spreading beyond Florida’s borders, with new cases in Pennsylvania and Minnesota underscoring the stakes of low vaccination rates. Local Government: Auburndale approved a $124.5M budget while keeping its millage rate unchanged. Minimum Wage: Florida’s minimum wage heads to $15 on Sept. 30, with tipped workers’ cash wages set to rise too.

AI in Schools: Florida’s State Board of Education finalized rules requiring districts to create AI policies and banning “AI companions,” with districts getting until July 1, 2027 to comply. Property Taxes & Politics: A St. Pete Polls survey finds support for Amendment 3 at about 45%, below the 60% threshold, setting up a clash between Gov. Ron DeSantis and law enforcement leaders over what the measure could mean for local services. Data Centers Backlash: Florida’s governor race keeps circling AI data centers, with David Jolly pushing a one-year moratorium after hearing complaints about noise, health impacts, and rising community disruption. Surveillance Cameras: Flock Safety is facing renewed scrutiny after lawmakers flagged alleged contradictions in the company’s automated license plate reader answers, with concerns spreading to Florida. Courts & Accountability: A former FAU director pleaded guilty to falsifying documents to obtain $750,000 from the Jeffrey Epstein victims’ fund, and restitution is already underway. Florida Election Watch: New polling shows the governor race between Byron Donalds and David Jolly essentially tied, while the attorney general contest also tightens.

Florida Politics: A new St. Pete Polls survey finds the governor’s race tightening, with Byron Donalds up by a hair over David Jolly (43.5% to 43.4%) with 47 days left, and independents leaning Jolly. Immigration & Health: Rep. María Elvira Salazar breaks with Trump in a new ad, saying his immigration enforcement has “gone too far,” while DHS replies there will be “no amnesty.” Campaign & Culture Wars: USF football drew debate after Donalds and Sen. Ashley Moody appeared at the season opener, sparking questions about whether universities should host political candidates. Public Safety: Parents and a crossing guard in Jacksonville’s Oceanway say speeding drivers are repeatedly endangering students, with complaints about a crossing signal that may not trigger. Economy & Cost of Living: Florida’s minimum wage is set to rise to $15 on Sept. 30, including a tipped-worker rate. Tech & Kids: Florida’s AI and social-media debate keeps heating up, from chatbot harms to calls for tighter rules for minors. Aviation: The FAA radar replacement schedule slips two-plus months to September 2028, citing supply-chain and tariff issues.

Property Taxes & Public Safety: Florida’s Amendment 3 fight is heating up as Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood warns the tax shift could gut public safety staffing, with a projected $37 million shortfall. Health Care Costs: A new bill would reverse a Trump-era move ending a Medicare Part D premium stabilization program, while Florida residents brace for 2027 health insurance premium jumps. Consumer Protection: Florida AG James Uthmeier backs tougher action against spam calls and texts, including “phone farms” and AI voice scams, with felony penalties proposed. Election Integrity: A Supreme Court decision keeps Florida mail voting rules largely unchanged, even as voter fraud claims persist and investigations find fraud is rare. Campaign Trail: Governor candidates Byron Donalds and David Jolly are trading barbs over property insurance plans in Orlando, with affordability front and center. Workforce Training: DeSantis announced Florida’s initial list of programs eligible for the new federal Workforce Pell Grant. Attorney General Race: The Uthmeier vs. Jose Javier Rodríguez contest is playing out under the shadow of the Hope Florida scandal.

Immigration & Detention: A DHS inspector general report says Florida’s now-closed “Alligator Alcatraz” held detainees in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions, including cages the report calls unprecedented and inhumane. Public Safety Tech: Collier County is removing 72 license plate readers from state roads after DeSantis ordered LPR and Flock cameras taken down statewide, while local officials argue some readers still help solve crimes. Property Taxes & Housing Costs: Amendment 3 supporters say higher homestead exemptions could help homeowners stay put, while opponents warn local services could lose funding; separate reporting also shows more condo boards borrowing after Surfside as inspections and reserve rules tighten. Energy Bills & Data Centers: Bank of America finds utility bills rising faster than inflation, with data center build-outs and grid modernization cited; meanwhile, Florida lawmakers and Congress push bills aimed at shielding ratepayers from data-center electricity costs. Elections & Courts: The Florida Supreme Court keeps mail voting rules unchanged, and the broader national fight over vote-by-mail continues as candidates gear up for the midterms. Politics & Campaigns: David Jolly gains cross-party support from two Polk Republicans as he challenges Byron Donalds for governor.

Kids’ Health Under Pressure: Florida pediatric clinics are warning that federal cuts and Medicaid/CHIP changes are already forcing denials, tighter hours, and even doctor departures—leaving medically complex kids and uninsured families squeezed. AI + Data Centers as a Florida Campaign Fight: In the governor race, David Jolly is pushing a one-year pause on new data centers while Byron Donalds warns a freeze could push investment out of state; both sides are tying the debate to electricity costs and local impacts. Amendment 3 Public Safety Alarm: First responders say the property tax relief measure lacks a clear funding plan and could slow 911 response times. Susie Wiles Health Update: White House chief of staff Susie Wiles says Mayo pathology results show she has no evidence of cancer after early-stage breast cancer treatment. ICE Detains Nicaraguan Journalist: Exiled reporter Luis Galeano was detained in Florida despite a long asylum process, raising fears of deportation to Nicaragua. Cybersecurity in the Spotlight: Florida’s DMV driver database breach is linked to compromised credentials stored on a personal device. AM Radio for Emergencies: The House passed a bill requiring AM radio capability in new cars, with Florida Rep. Gus Bilirakis backing it as a hurricane and disaster lifeline.

Election & Voting Fight: Trump escalated his attack on the Supreme Court after it blocked his plan to restrict mail-in ballots, while Florida election watchers also keep an eye on how courts could shape voting rules going into November. Florida Children Funding: A new Florida Policy Institute report warns Amendment 3 could cut children’s services councils funding by more than $278 million over two fiscal years, putting programs for childcare and early learning at risk. Public Safety Tech & Privacy: Florida’s debate over automated license plate readers and “Flock” style surveillance keeps heating up, with lawmakers pushing to rein in or ban the systems amid privacy and tracking concerns. Immigration Detention Scrutiny: DHS watchdog findings on “Alligator Alcatraz” renew pressure on how detainees were held, with critics pointing to cramped enclosures and restricted access to hygiene and recreation. Law Enforcement & FBI Hiring: FBI Director Kash Patel defended updated hiring rules after a Senate Judiciary hearing, arguing the changes prevent automatic disqualification of trafficking and abuse victims. Energy & Power Bills: The U.S. House again voted to end the Iran war, while Florida’s own cost-of-living pressures—especially energy—remain a major political backdrop. Local Politics: Miami Gardens voters head to a Nov. 3 runoff for City Council Seat 4 between educator Mykita Cherry-Prime and youth football leader Roderick “Rod” Mack.

Cybersecurity & Privacy: Florida says hackers accessed the state driver database through a Plant City police employee’s login, renewing calls to tighten safeguards and limit how driver data is sold. Public Safety: Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $10M+ in recruitment bonuses for 1,506 new law enforcement officers, pushing the program past $83M since 2022. Elections: On National Voter Registration Day, Florida voters were reminded how to check registration and update details ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Politics & Policy: Florida’s Amendment 3 fight is heating up, with sheriffs warning the higher homestead exemption could cut property-tax funding for police, fire, and emergency services. Immigration Detention: A new DHS inspector general report says detainees at “Alligator Alcatraz” were sometimes held in tiny enclosures and faced limited shower and recreation access. Education & AI: Florida’s Board of Governors is moving toward statewide ground rules for how universities handle AI use by staff and students. Local Partnerships: Pompano Beach Housing Authority and FAMU signed a “housing to college” pathway partnership to reduce tuition barriers.