AGP Executive Report

Capital Politics: Sen. John Cornyn flexed against President Trump by holding up ambassador nominees until more than $270 million for PEPFAR was released, a rare move that comes after Cornyn lost his own GOP primary. Foreign Policy Rift: A Reuters report says Democratic support for Israel is eroding as Gaza and the Iran war strain party unity, with more Democrats backing limits on aid than in past years. Florida Executions: Florida carried out two lethal injections in one day—former police officer James Duckett and 80-year-old Dominick Occhicone—marking the first double execution in more than 60 years and the first in nearly a decade for two on the same day. Local Governance & Cost of Living: Miami-Dade commissioners face a November vote on an independent pay review for county commissioners, while a separate property-tax amendment fight threatens major cuts to services if approved. Elections & Schools: Leon County School Board approved a tentative 2026-27 budget in a 4-1 vote, and sample ballots are being mailed ahead of the Aug. 18 primary. Immigration Fallout: South Florida’s Haitian community is bracing as TPS ends, with job and stability fears rising.

Death Penalty Push: Florida executed James Aren Duckett Tuesday, the first of two lethal injections planned for a single day—part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ aggressive capital punishment push—while Dominick Occhicone, 80, is next, setting up the state’s first double execution in more than 60 years. Courts & Transparency: A federal fight is heating up over whether Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon must release parts of Jack Smith’s final report, with advocates arguing the public has a right to know what was suppressed. Elder Care Crisis: Families say more than 150 residents are still displaced after an assisted living roof collapse in Bradenton, with loved ones’ medical records and belongings reportedly trapped in the damaged building. Local Land-Use Backlash: North Port homeowners are pushing back after rezoning turned parts of their neighborhood toward commercial development, and the city admits “glitch fixes” were needed. Homelessness Enforcement: Miami voted to drop a written-warning step before police enforce its public encampment ban, a move supporters call streamlined while opponents say it accelerates criminalization. Public Safety Tech: Florida is among states testing pepper-spraying drones to respond to active shooter threats, as schools weigh new high-tech security measures. Politics & Ballots: A judge kept Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback on the ballot after a residency challenge by Lt. Gov. Jay Collins. Health Policy: Florida issued new guidance discouraging psychotropic meds for most children with depression, anxiety, and related conditions.

Executions Watch: Florida is set to carry out two lethal injections Tuesday—James Aren Duckett (noon) and Dominick Anthony Occhicone later—marking the first time in nearly a decade the state schedules back-to-back executions. Politics & Redistricting: Highlands County voters are getting shuffled into a new congressional map, moving from District 18 to District 9, with no Democrats on the District 9 ballot. Campaign Trail: District 9 Republican candidate Marcus Carter is set to address the Highlands Tea Party, pitching his military and business background and a smaller-government message. Utilities & Costs: Lakeland approved a 15.87% increase in Lakeland Electric base rates, while also weighing housing changes tied to public housing conversions. Everglades: The South Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed an agreement to expedite key Everglades restoration projects using federal funding. Data Centers: Florida’s new data center law is reshaping deals by forcing more public-facing approvals and tying power and water impacts to the process. Ballot Fight: A judge ruled James Fishback can stay on Florida’s governor ballot despite residency challenges. Legal: A federal judge let Trump amend his $15 billion defamation suit against The New York Times. Education & Immigration: The Trump administration is pressing lawsuits to block undocumented students from qualifying for in-state tuition.

Florida Politics & Elections: A new Florida House race is drawing national attention as polling and the Cook Political Report flag at least one seat as a toss-up, adding pressure to Republicans heading into the fall. GOP Power Struggles: Nationally, Republicans are pushing to keep the Senate in session until the SAVE America Act moves, with Sen. Darline Graham saying she’ll stay put to get it done. Courts & Rights: A federal appeals court blocked Trump’s vote-by-mail restrictions, ruling states—not the president—run elections. Public Safety & Courts: Florida is set for a rare double execution, and St. Petersburg mayoral candidate Charlie Crist is weighing in as the state prepares lethal injections. Schools: Seminole County superintendent Serita Beamon touts academic gains while warning budget cuts and enrollment declines are forcing tough decisions. Local Government: Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero drops out of the Clerk of Courts race after a lawsuit over her “resign-to-run” paperwork. Immigration: Haitian TPS protections end, with thousands in Florida facing uncertainty about what happens next. Business & Growth: Indiantown officials are weighing how to handle future data center proposals as residents ask for more information before any major decisions.

Capital Punishment: Florida is set to execute two inmates Tuesday—James Duckett (68) and Dominick Anthony Occhicone (80)—the first time since 1964 the state will carry out double executions in one day, with appeals still circling around DNA issues and health/age concerns. Immigration Detention: A California ICE facility death of a Mexican detainee is raising fresh questions about medical neglect and communication limits with families. First Amendment in Court: The 11th Circuit is weighing a major free-speech fight tied to the “Uhuru 3” case, where convictions hinged on how opinions were treated as alleged foreign-agent activity. Florida Higher Ed & DEI Backlash: A University of Florida early childhood education professor removed “anti-racist/anti-bias” readings from her syllabus after inquiries, spotlighting the ongoing legal and political pressure on DEI-focused coursework. Elections & Voting Rules: A federal appeals court left in place an injunction blocking parts of a Trump mail-ballot executive order in 23 states and D.C., keeping limits on USPS rules and DHS citizenship lists. Local Governance: New College of Florida officials move to dissolve the school’s long-running alumni association, replacing it with a foundation-controlled committee. Community & Health: Florida Community Health Centers marks 50 years of care access across Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. Immigration Policy in Florida: DeSantis says “Alligator Alcatraz” is now closed with zero detainees, as critics question the cost and purpose of the Everglades detention site.

Daylight Saving Fight: The U.S. House passed a bill to end the twice-yearly clock changes, but Senate Republicans are split—so Florida’s “permanent” future may still hinge on whether leaders can find 60 votes. Local Infrastructure Boost: Cocoa landed $7M for a future Brightline station access road, stormwater upgrades to protect the Indian River Lagoon, and improvements at Provost Park. Public Health Alert: Florida health officials reported the first 2026 death tied to the rare flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus in Palm Beach County, with cases linked to warm salt/brackish water exposure. Crime & Courts: Gov. DeSantis signed five public safety bills targeting drugs, gangs, repeat offenders, and penalties for crimes against officers. Property Tax Amendment Backlash: Florida police groups—including the Fraternal Order of Police—opposed Amendment 3, warning it could leave public safety underfunded. Utilities Costs: Tampa-area residents say electric bills have doubled or tripled in brutal heat, even as a hurricane-recovery surcharge is set to drop soon. Election Legalities: An Orange County candidate’s election lawsuit was transferred to Leon County, reshaping the timeline for the Aug. 18 ballot. Corrections Update: Andrew Tate renewed claims about dirty water in a Miami federal detention unit while his extradition fight continues.

Florida Politics & Elections: A federal appeals court kept a block on parts of Trump’s election-integrity order in 23 blue states and D.C., including limits tied to federal citizenship lists and mail-ballot rules ahead of the 2026 midterms. State & Local Governance: Florida’s property-tax amendment fight is heating up, with police groups joining opposition and local leaders warning about knock-on effects. Public Safety & Justice: A Florida man was charged in a crypto-wallet malware scheme that allegedly infected about 8,000 devices via eight games and helped attackers access roughly 80 wallets. Housing & Homelessness: A Central Florida homelessness nonprofit says summer demand is draining supplies, forcing it to use lines of credit while serving more than 1,300 people weekly. Health & Consumer Life: Florida’s surgeon general addressed rising measles cases as national totals hit a record high. Sports & Community: Florida’s youth and local sports continue to get spotlight coverage, from Special Olympics swim events to pro baseball signings tied to Florida high schools.

Property Taxes & Public Safety: Florida’s Fraternal Order of Police has joined firefighters and fire chiefs in opposing Amendment 3, warning the proposed homestead expansion could leave local governments short on funding for law enforcement, EMS, and fire rescue. Florida Politics: Lt. Gov. Jay Collins camped out in Flagler Beach to argue his 2026 campaign can mirror DeSantis’ come-from-behind primary run, as polls keep showing Congressman Byron Donalds ahead. AI Data Centers & Power/Water: A new national push to build AI data centers is colliding with local concerns over farmland loss, noise, and strain on power and water—fueling Florida’s own debate over oversight and ratepayer impacts. Local Government Surveillance: In St. Petersburg, a 77-year-old staged a protest against Flock cameras, saying the system tracks license plates and builds AI profiles. Health: Charlotte County is expanding DOH services for school and sports physicals plus EKGs, with more adult screenings planned. Public Safety Elsewhere: A Volusia man faces child abuse charges after investigators allege he fed a boy food contaminated with animal feces.

Public Health: Florida is facing a measles surge as national cases hit a record high not seen since 1991, with CDC data showing 2,318 infections nationwide and spread across age groups. Immigration & Courts: A federal judge temporarily delayed the end of Haitian TPS, pushing work authorization terminations to July 27 and leaving thousands in Lee and Collier counties in limbo. Politics & Ethics: A new push in Congress would tighten rules on lawmakers dating staffers, as leaders weigh broader ethics changes after recent scandals. Local Infrastructure: Cocoa won a $2 million state appropriation for an access road tied to a future Brightline station, with officials still hunting major federal funding. Property Taxes: Floridians will vote in November on a homestead property tax amendment that could raise the exemption level, but local governments warn of major budget hits. Tech & Health Risks: A Florida pastor’s lawsuit claims ChatGPT medical advice nearly led to a fatal emergency, adding to growing scrutiny of AI guidance. Elections: Duval County’s vote tabulators passed a public logic and accuracy test ahead of the Aug. 18 primary.

Data Centers vs. Florida Counties: Escambia County commissioners passed a resolution treating data centers as effectively “not permitted” under local land rules, while residents pushed for stronger protections and even a moratorium. Voting Access Fight: The Trump administration is urging states to use the SAVE system to scrub voter rolls for non-citizens, but legal challenges and a Florida judge’s block keep the fight alive. Florida Elections Reminder: Florida voters must request a new vote-by-mail ballot for the Aug. 18 primary even if they voted by mail in 2024, with ballots due by 7 p.m. Public Health: Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo suggested the measles outbreak may be linked to vaccine refusal at Ave Maria University. New College Clash: New College of Florida officials seek to dissolve the alumni association and replace it with a foundation-controlled committee. Energy & Utilities: Dominion and NextEra filed for approval of a $66.8B merger, with Congress also eyeing how data centers shift electricity upgrade costs.

Death Penalty: Florida is set for a rare double execution after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed warrants, with opponents pushing back as the state keeps carrying out sentences at a fast pace. Local Politics: A judge halted an Aug. 4 recall election in Avon Park, ruling the petition was legally insufficient. Ethics/Accountability: A special prosecutor found probable cause to pursue impeachment of Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa over conflicts tied to a COVID-era business grant program. Elections & Courts: In Palm Beach County, two attorneys are competing for a county court judgeship, while other local races and primary contests continue to heat up. Public Safety & Crime: A Sumter County detective was arrested and fired after alleged misuse of law enforcement databases for personal reasons. Education & Community: Wellington’s school-zone speed cameras are credited with reducing speeding and crashes near schools, and Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday is underway. Immigration & Work: A federal judge blocked termination of Haitian TPS before July 27, buying time for workers and Southwest Florida businesses. Tech & Costs: Trump expanded a pledge aimed at shielding consumers from higher utility bills tied to data centers, as AI spending fuels political backlash.

Data Centers & Costs: Trump is pushing a new round of a voluntary “ratepayer protection” pledge with governors and electricity companies, promising lower utility bills as AI power demand rises—though critics say the nonbinding deal may not stop higher rates. Florida Elections & Ballot Measures: A CBS Miami report finds opposition committees to Florida’s proposed homestead property tax exemption increase have raised under $30,000 since early June, as voters decide whether the exemption jumps from $50,000 to $250,000. Back-to-School Tax Holiday: Florida’s monthlong sales tax holiday is underway (July 20–Aug. 20), covering qualifying school supplies, clothing, and computers under set price limits. State Politics: Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia launched his first TV ad for a full term, pitching himself as a watchdog on insurance enforcement and immigration. Local Governance: Marathon approved a resolution waiving parking and boat ramp fees for registered military veterans. Public Safety & Environment: Officials are warning boaters to expect heavy enforcement during the lobster mini season (July 29–30). Cyber/AI Policy: Rep. Laurel Lee introduced bipartisan legislation to require transparency from “stealth bots” and identify AI web crawlers. Courts: A judge ordered Trump to hand over financial records sought by the BBC in a defamation case.

Florida Politics & Elections: With the Aug. 18 primary on deck, a new look at who’s running for governor and other state races highlights a crowded field and tight attention on issues like AI data centers. Local Governance: Pinellas Park is weighing a one-year pause on new and expanded data centers while it writes zoning rules for high-power projects. Energy & Utilities: FPL says it will finish 2026 upgrades in Key Biscayne, including vegetation trimming and pole inspections, aimed at cutting outage risk. Courts & Immigration: A federal judge barred deportation of a shooting witness in an ICE-related case in Texas while a habeas petition is pending. National Security & Foreign Policy: The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a new nuclear cooperation deal that could pave the way for uranium enrichment, drawing nonproliferation concerns. Tech & Consumer Impact: A Florida teen dropped his Meta lawsuit over alleged mental health harms just days before trial. Business & Markets: Tesla missed profit targets and reported negative free cash flow as AI/robotics spending surged. Public Safety & Health: New heart guidelines could expand statin use for millions more Americans.

Legal Accountability: A Florida jury found Rep. Fabián Basabe liable for sexual harassment and defamation, awarding $450,000 to two former staffers and raising new questions about how the Florida House handled the allegations. Education & Health: Florida’s new student-athlete heart screening law is now in effect statewide, with one Leon County teen’s story highlighting how early detection can prevent sudden cardiac arrest. State Politics: The Florida Board of Education unanimously approved Henry Mack as the next education commissioner, following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recommendation. Local Government: Manatee County secured $12.4 million in the new state budget for five major 2026 priorities, including road and veterans/homelessness projects. Elections & Taxes: Escambia County commissioners are moving toward a possible November vote to renew the Local Option Sales Tax (L.O.S.T.), with ballot wording set to be approved before it goes to voters. Federal Scrutiny: Reports say DOJ opened a criminal investigation into Florida Rep. Cory Mills amid ethics and finance probes.

Back-to-School Savings: Florida’s annual sales tax holiday is underway through Aug. 20, with tax breaks on school supplies and certain tech items. Local Education Options: Highlands County schools roll out “Highlands PLUS,” letting scholarship students take one or more district courses without full-time enrollment. Homelessness Enforcement in Miami: Miami commissioners will vote July 23 on an ordinance that makes it easier to arrest unhoused people sleeping outdoors, including fewer written warnings and a “reasonable time” verbal notice. School Board Race Spotlight: Miami-Dade School Board District 1 candidates debated school choice, charters, immigration, and accountability at a NAACP town hall. Election Integrity & Data: Declassified memos describe targeting voter-registration systems as election interference, reviving debate over foreign access to U.S. voter data. Public Safety & Services: Marion County’s “Operation Southern Slow Down” ended with 929 traffic stops; Memorial Healthcare opened a new Douglas Road ER in Pembroke Pines. Environment & Community: Miami-Dade officially named the American flamingo its county bird.

Medicare/Medicaid Fraud: A new KFF poll finds many voters—especially Republicans—blame doctors’ offices and hospitals for fraud, making health-care fraud a top midterm issue. Local Courts: A Dothan-area judge denied a teacher’s request to remove an ankle monitor for an MRI, keeping him under electronic monitoring while facing serious child-related charges. Immigration Detention: Even after Gov. DeSantis said ICE’s “Alligator Alcatraz” closed, litigation continues over claims detainees were denied access to lawyers. Florida Politics: A UNF poll suggests tighter statewide races, with Byron Donalds leading in the governor’s race and Ashley Moody up in the Senate contest. Gubernatorial Eligibility Fight: Lt. Gov. Jay Collins is suing to knock James Fishback off the GOP ballot over Florida residency requirements, with testimony underway. Voting Update: State data shows Democrats have returned more mail ballots than Republicans ahead of Florida’s Aug. 18 primary. Public Safety & Health: Florida now requires EKG screenings for high school athletes, and HCA Florida is urging families to schedule sports physicals early. Weather Prep: Tropical Storm Bertha is forming, with Florida and Texas bracing for heavy rain and gusty winds. Wildlife: A 450-pound distressed sea turtle was rescued in the Lower Keys and taken to The Turtle Hospital for treatment.