AGP Executive Report

Cuba Tensions Spike: President Miguel Díaz-Canel warns a U.S. attack would trigger a “bloodbath,” as the U.S. and Florida watch reports that Havana has acquired 300+ drones and is discussing possible targets. Courtroom Fallout in Miami: Maduro ally Alex Saab appears in federal court facing money-laundering charges tied to Venezuela’s CLAP food program. Florida Higher Ed Power Moves: UF’s search committee names Stuart Bell as the sole finalist for president, while FSU alum Joseph Visconti’s AI app aims to make legislation easier to follow. State Government: Gov. Ron DeSantis announces nine judicial appointments. Energy Shockwave: NextEra and Dominion strike an all-stock deal to create a massive regulated utility, raising fresh questions about rates and oversight. Public Safety & Health: CDC says general public risk of hantavirus remains low after a cruise outbreak. Politics Watch: House GOP pulls a college athletics bill again after vote trouble, as DeSantis’ school safety law expands armed guardian requirements.

AI Power Rush: NextEra is moving fast on the AI boom—announcing a roughly $67B all-stock deal to buy Dominion Energy, aiming to create the world’s largest regulated utility and serve about 10 million customers across the Southeast, with a big push into data-center-heavy Northern Virginia. Education Under Strain: Florida’s school enrollment and funding squeeze is hitting the most vulnerable students hardest, with districts cutting counselors and mental health staff as student counts fall and budgets tighten. Trump/DOJ Settlement: The Justice Department unveiled a $1.7B “anti-weaponization” fund after Trump dropped a $10B IRS lawsuit over the tax-return leak—critics call it a payoff scheme, while the administration frames it as a lawful redress process. Civil Rights Flashpoint: A Florida historic Black cemetery was vandalized with “Trump” and “DeSantis” spray-painted on damaged graves, prompting an investigation. Tech & Privacy: A Florida police department detail shows facial recognition searches used thousands of times to generate investigative leads, not final IDs.

Cuba-U.S. Drone Tensions: Cuba is pushing back hard after an Axios report alleging Havana discussed drone strikes on Guantánamo and even Key West, calling it a “fraudulent case” meant to justify sanctions and possible military aggression; the U.S. says the drone buildup is a “growing threat,” though it’s not seen as imminent. Florida Immigration Detention: In Naples, protesters kept up weekly rallies outside “Alligator Alcatraz” as Florida emergency management officials said they’ve only been told to “continue to expect individuals,” while costs are reported at over $1 million a day and reimbursement questions remain. Budget & Public Safety: Florida lawmakers are still negotiating a 2026-27 spending plan, including a fight over funding for earplugs for sworn law enforcement officers. Travel Costs: Spirit’s collapse is adding pressure on summer travel options, with travelers facing higher fares tied to broader fuel and inflation pressures. Health Care: Miami Beach leaders toured Mount Sinai’s new Braman Comprehensive Cancer Center, aimed at expanding local access to full-spectrum cancer care.

Foreclosure Fight in Brickell: Michael Stern’s Mercedes-Benz Places project is now in a lender showdown after Cottonwood Management moved to foreclose, while Stern’s Miami Beach tower plan is still advancing—showing how one developer can lose control in one market and gain momentum in another. Cuba Pressure Escalates: The U.S. is reportedly preparing to indict Raul Castro over the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue aircraft attack, as Cuba also weighs drone options amid rising tensions. Florida Campaign Push: Evelyn Castillo-Bach says she’d ban data-center NDAs and fund affordable housing through mandatory Big Tech fees—aiming at secrecy and cost-shifting. Campus Security Upgrade: Gov. DeSantis signed HB 757 expanding the armed “school guardian” program to Florida colleges and universities, adding training and stricter response requirements. Energy Cost Rules: DeSantis also signed a law requiring large energy users, including data centers, to bear their own electric service costs. Local Governance & Community Needs: Sarasota’s Newtown neighborhood is getting a fresh-food pilot through All Faiths Food Bank’s Margie’s Market, targeting long-running food desert gaps.

FEMA Money Finally Moves for “Alligator Alcatraz”: Florida is set to receive the first $58.29 million FEMA reimbursement for the controversial Everglades detention site, with an electronic payment expected within 3 to 5 business days—after environmental holds were lifted and long after the center opened. The reimbursement is for operational costs only, not construction or upgrades, and it arrives as shutdown rumors swirl. Animal Welfare Crackdown: Florida temporarily banned sloth imports after 55 sloths died at an Orlando facility, with the ban running until July 10 while permit rules are revamped. Local Politics: Clearwater City Council races are heating up as qualifying closes, with Bianca Latvala and Sam Wilson leading their fields. Health Care: Health First and Parrish signed a stroke-care network partnership to coordinate and standardize treatment across Brevard County hospitals. Housing Pressure: South Florida labor leaders launched “Labor 2026” to push candidates on the region’s affordability crisis.

IRS Fight: Democrats are blasting reports that the Justice Department may steer a $1.7 billion “settlement” in Trump’s IRS tax-return leak case into a taxpayer-funded compensation fund for allies. Cuba Pressure: The DOJ is reportedly preparing to seek an indictment of Raúl Castro tied to the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown, as the Trump administration ratchets up coercion and the CIA director visits Havana. Florida Finance: CFO Blaise Ingoglia is again under fire over the Florida Cabinet’s February land giveaway for a potential Tampa Bay Rays ballpark, with critics arguing the state is “gifting” valuable acreage. Medicaid Spending: Deerfield Beach and Lauderhill both show sharp spikes in Medicaid alcohol and drug abuse treatment billings in 2024, while Ormond Beach sees big growth in temporary non-Medicare codes. Public Safety & Health: Florida’s new armed-guardian college safety law is moving forward, and a viral wave is boosting interest in women’s Olympic handball trials. Sports & Weather: FIFA World Cup planning ramps up for Miami’s matches during hurricane season, with emergency managers tightening weather messaging.

Stadium Deal Momentum: Tampa Bay Rays’ non-binding MOU with Tampa, Hillsborough County, and the CRA is out, with a “floor” near $976M in public money—critics immediately flag missing accountability and no clear clawback if the team moves. Higher Ed Power Play: The House used the special budget session to revive the fight over moving USF Sarasota-Manatee to New College, while the Senate signals it “might not budge.” Redistricting Clash: Jacksonville Democrat Rep. Angie Nixon was arrested after a five-hour sit-in outside Gov. DeSantis’s office, as a Leon County judge weighs whether to block Florida’s new congressional map over claims of partisan gerrymandering. Cuba Pressure Escalates: DOJ is preparing to seek an indictment of Raúl Castro tied to the 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown, as U.S.-Cuba tensions and talk of regime change keep rising. Statehouse Watch: The map fight and budget stalemates are colliding right as the 2026 elections approach.

Campus Safety Push: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 757, expanding Florida’s “school guardian” program to public colleges and universities and adding new rules for threat-management teams, mental health training, and a tougher offense for firing a gun within 1,000 feet of a school. Redistricting in Court: A Tallahassee judge is weighing whether to pause Florida’s newly redrawn 2026 congressional map as lawyers argue it violates the Fair Districts Amendment; the case has a May 25 ballot-printing deadline. Public Safety Overhaul: Sen. Ashley Moody cleared the way for a sweeping package of six bills aimed at law enforcement support, including officer mental health. Aviation Funding: The FAA is set to spend $835M to replace aging control towers, including a new tower planned for Tamiami, Florida. Politics & Legal Notes: A Republican congressional bid launched in FL-11 by neurosurgeon/attorney Dr. Nizam Razack; meanwhile, Palm Beach County’s Michael A. Barnett was formally invested as a county court judge.

Cuba Pressure Escalates: The U.S. is moving toward indicting 94-year-old Raúl Castro over the 1996 shootdown of civilian aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue, with sources saying the case could be “imminent” and would need grand jury approval—another escalation as Washington tightens sanctions and Cuba faces fresh instability. Florida Redistricting in Court: Florida’s newly approved congressional map heads into its first legal challenge Friday, with voters and groups arguing it violates the state ban on partisan gerrymandering and could shift seats toward Republicans. Local Governance & Public Safety: In Vero Beach, a threat call tied to Thrive’s planned addiction intake and housing center is raising questions about security as the agency moves forward. Politics & Power: A Reuters look at Democratic governor candidates highlights how a future Democrat would have to use executive authority to counter a GOP supermajority in the Florida Legislature. Community Impact: Police are investigating vandalism at a historic Black cemetery in Palmetto, where graves were damaged and “Trump” and “DeSantis” spray-painted.

Protest Crackdown: A Florida law is now blocking Monroe County tourism money from going to LGBTQ+ events in the Keys, including Key West Pride starting in 2027—another sign of how state rules are tightening local control over public life. Immigration Detention: The “Alligator Alcatraz” migrant detention site is still in the spotlight as federal pressure and cost questions mount, with Florida officials insisting it “served its purpose” while closure rumors swirl. Courts & Power: Miami residents are suing over Florida’s donation of prime land for Trump’s presidential library, arguing the deal amounts to an improper gift to a sitting president. Budget Fight: In Tallahassee, lawmakers remain split on higher education funding and other priorities, with Senate and House offers still far apart. Tech & Oversight: Florida is also pushing new guardrails on data centers, aiming to stop utility costs from being shifted onto households. Global Watch: Trump and Xi say Iran can never have nuclear weapons and that the Strait of Hormuz must stay open.

U.S.-China Summit: Trump and Xi opened Beijing talks with a push for “stable” management of ties, even as Xi warned of possible confrontation and the agenda stayed heavy on trade, Iran, Taiwan, and tech rivalry. Florida Courts & Federal Oversight: Miami residents sued over DeSantis’s donation of downtown land for Trump’s presidential library, arguing it’s an unconstitutional benefit to a sitting president. Medicare Crackdown: CMS paused new hospice and home-health provider enrollment for six months, citing fraud concerns and tying the move to Vance’s anti-fraud push. Immigration Detention Fallout: “Alligator Alcatraz” closure reports kept swirling—DHS says it’s not announcing a shutdown, while Florida and critics point to costs, reimbursement delays, and what happens to detainees next. Public Safety & Daily Life: Publix quietly shifted its open-carry stance, asking only law enforcement to carry firearms in stores. Health & Community: Florida reported continued declines in opioid deaths, while Volusia officials said they’re preparing for possible hantavirus cases.

Medicare Crackdown: The Trump administration is freezing Medicare enrollment for new home health care and hospice providers for at least six months, citing widespread fraud risk and aiming to protect patients while stopping improper payments. Florida Courts & Guns: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Jacksonville over alleged secret gun logbooks tied to firearms recorded at city buildings. Trade Fight: An appeals court paused a tariff ruling, so businesses keep paying while the government appeals. Budget Showdown: Tallahassee lawmakers opened a special session to close a $1.4B gap between House and Senate spending plans, with education and other big items still in dispute. Alligator Alcatraz: DeSantis said federal reimbursement for the Everglades detention facility was approved, but reporting and officials’ comments keep pointing to a shutdown and detainee transfers in coming weeks. Local Watch: Charlotte County posted next week’s meeting calendar.

Epstein Accountability in Palm Beach: Survivors returned to West Palm Beach to press Democrats for answers, saying key files were missing or mishandled and warning, “If we continue down this path, the question isn’t whether abuse will happen again, but who will be the next Jeffrey?” Immigration Detention Shutdown: Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” Everglades detention camp is expected to close in June as costs mount and DHS weighs next steps. Redistricting Fight: Missouri’s new U.S. House map heads to court while South Carolina lawmakers weigh whether to redraw the state’s lone Democratic-held seat—another test of how far GOP mapmaking can go after the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act. Florida Courts & Policy: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Jacksonville over gun logbooks, seeking a $5 million fine. Animal Welfare: DeSantis signed new laws raising penalties for animal cruelty and tightening pet-sale protections. Energy at the Pump: Trump floated pausing the federal gas tax, but Congress would still have to act.

Budget Sprint: Florida lawmakers are back in Tallahassee for a special overtime session to lock a near-$116B budget by May 29, with House and Senate leaders pushing bills into “proper posture” for conference talks. Gas Tax Fight: Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman renewed calls to suspend the state gas tax for summer relief, pointing to $4.50 average pump prices and ongoing federal gas-tax debate. Penny-to-Nickel Shift: Gov. DeSantis signed a bill letting cash payments round to the nearest nickel as pennies fade out—no change for sales tax math or credit-card payments. Succession Politics: DeSantis still hasn’t endorsed Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, but Collins says voters should read between the lines as time runs short. Local Watch: A Palm Beach newly built home sold for $15.8M, while FAMU’s developmental research school moves to raise its grade from C to A.

ICE Detention Scrutiny: New reporting says border-surveillance tools bought for immigration enforcement have been used to track and warn American citizens, raising fresh alarms about a “dragnet” that can reach hundreds of millions of people. Local Fallout in Florida: In the background, Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” detention debate keeps simmering—DeSantis says he hasn’t heard from the feds about shutting it down, even as speculation grows. Public Safety & Health: Florida’s new ECG heart-screening rule for first-time high school athletes kicks in July 1, while measles concerns continue to rise as vaccine resistance lingers. Politics & Power: Redistricting fights keep spreading nationwide, and Florida Democrats are pressing for gas-tax relief as the state heads into budget-focused special-session talks. Environment: West Broward’s wildfire surged past 11,000 acres as crews battled fast-moving flames and shifting winds.

Gas Tax Relief Push: Florida House Democrats are urging Gov. DeSantis to suspend the state gas tax as lawmakers return to Tallahassee for a special session to finish the 2026-27 budget, arguing prices are squeezing families and seniors and “relief” can’t wait. Affordable Housing Funding Gap: Jacksonville is still sitting on about $13.4 million in unallocated SHIP money meant for affordable housing, with officials blaming state rules and the difficulty of repairs—while Mayor Donna Deegan calls housing her top priority. Election-Map Fallout: A week of redistricting chaos continues after court rulings and GOP map changes are creating voter confusion and forcing election officials to scramble. Cyber + Education Disruption: Canvas is back online after a May 7 cyberattack, but the outage hit schools during spring finals. Home Renovation Rule Change: A new law raises the permit threshold for many small home projects to $7,500 starting July 1, with limits on splitting larger jobs. Public Health Watch: Florida measles cases are rising heading into summer travel, and the state is tracking suspected and confirmed cases.