AGP Executive Report

Florida Primary Countdown: With polls open Tuesday 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Florida’s closed primaries will decide nominees for governor, U.S. Senate, and key House races under new congressional maps. GOP Governor Race: Rep. Byron Donalds is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination, buoyed by President Trump’s endorsement, while Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former House Speaker Paul Renner, and James Fishback chase an upset amid sharp intra-party attacks and debate drama. Democratic Stakes: Democrats are also fighting over who can win in November, with David Jolly positioned as the likely nominee for governor and progressive challengers testing whether left-leaning politics can break through in Florida. Redistricting Fallout: The new maps are reshaping down-ballot contests and could determine whether Democrats gain ground in a state that’s moved sharply right. Housing Affordability Watch: A new report says HUD spending has not meaningfully lowered prices, and Florida’s affordability gap is among the worst in the country. Election Access & Turnout: Coverage highlights early voting and vote-by-mail participation, plus reminders on ID rules and how to find your sample ballot.

Florida Primary Preview: With early voting over and a GOP edge expected to widen, Tuesday’s Florida primaries could set up a Donalds-vs.-Jolly showdown for governor and decide key congressional races. Election Integrity & Consultants: A conservative California county plans to hire election denier Tina Peters as an elections consultant, raising fresh concerns about election administration. SNAP Fraud Hits Families: Florida families say SNAP benefits were stolen through a California address tied to DoorDash deliveries, with frustration over slow or missing local law enforcement responses. Religious Freedom vs. State Policy: Florida Catholic bishops push back on Attorney General James Uthmeier’s vaccine-exemption demands tied to school voucher participation, arguing First Amendment limits. Aviation Security Fight: The FAA defends around-the-clock flight restrictions over Mar-a-Lago, saying they were lawfully requested by the Secret Service amid local noise and pollution complaints. Energy Merger Watch: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger formally intervenes in the proposed NextEra-Dominion merger, focusing on affordability, jobs, and clean-energy goals. Workforce & AI Industry Push: SBA, DOL, and OpenAI announce a Manufacturing Workforce Expo in Coconut Creek, aiming to connect students to apprenticeships and jobs. Local Government Ops: Sanibel’s fire district approved station and purchasing changes, including streamlined change-order approvals funded through federal disaster recovery dollars.

Property Tax Amendment Watch: A Florida judge ordered a neutral rewrite, and Florida AG Uthmeier has updated the ballot language for the Nov. 3 property tax homestead exemption push—opponents warn it could cost counties and cities nearly $12 billion, while DeSantis appears less involved than usual. Local Elections: In St. Petersburg’s nonpartisan mayoral race, Charlie Crist leads in polls but may fall short of the 50% threshold, setting up a possible Nov. 3 runoff; key issues include housing costs, utilities, and the Tropicana Field site. Healthcare & Autism Services: Florida’s Medicaid program is spending billions on ABA for children, and a new task force is reviewing how services are delivered as federal guidance and fraud scrutiny ramp up. Nonprofit & Community Aid: Miles for Military, which donates unused airline miles, helped bring a Navy sailor home from Pensacola for her daughter’s final cleft palate surgery. Crypto Oversight: World Liberty Financial’s Bay Harbor Islands trust bank received conditional OCC approval to issue the USD1 stablecoin, pending pre-opening requirements. Public Safety: Florida’s primary election is Tuesday, with GOP frontrunner Byron Donalds making a final push on affordability, insurance, and property taxes.

Election Money & AI Policy: New reporting says AI super PACs are pouring unprecedented cash into state and federal races, with Florida among the states seeing big spending as lawmakers debate whether to preempt state AI rules. Heat & Public Safety: The National Weather Service issued a renewed heat advisory across Florida, with Central Florida heat indices again topping 100 and rain unlikely to bring relief. Everglades Environmental Fight: Environmental groups updated a lawsuit over Alligator Alcatraz, alleging state and federal officials withheld key information from judges about federal involvement and environmental review. Local Campaigns & Nonprofit Politics: A Sarasota County commission race is at the center of claims that a nonprofit’s “war-room” materials were built to steer voters, raising questions about whether the group acted like an election operation. Schools Under Strain: Highlands County is dealing with a bus driver shortage “all hands on deck,” while school board members weigh deeper budget cuts to stay within state reserve requirements. Healthcare & Child Services: A proposed overhaul of Head Start would cut back more than 1,400 regulatory provisions, worrying providers that it could weaken protections for low-income families. FDA Oversight: FDA inspection results in Florida showed mostly “no action indicated” outcomes for companies in Tampa, Broward, and Palm Beach, with one Palm Beach firm flagged for voluntary action. Sports & Community: Tommy John, whose elbow surgery reshaped baseball, died at 83 in Bradenton, Florida.

Florida Politics & Elections: Rapper Nicki Minaj endorsed Byron Donalds for Florida governor in the final stretch before the Aug. 18 primary, while candidates and officials urged voters to turn out during early voting. Campaigns & Living Costs: Evelyn Castillo-Bach, a gubernatorial candidate, tied her living-wage push to United Way ALICE data, arguing nearly half of Florida households struggle to afford basics. Local Government & Infrastructure: Punta Gorda addressed resident complaints about dark tire marks on decorative crosswalks, saying tack coat and truck tire tracking during paving caused the issue and staff will work with the contractor. Public Safety & Justice Funding: The Middle District of Florida received more than $3.5 million in federal criminal justice grants through the Byrne program, supporting local law enforcement and community safety priorities. Nonprofits & Community Health: A Tallahassee Chamber conference highlighted how FSU Health could unify regional economic development and tackle affordable housing challenges. Environment & Wildlife: The Villages is seeing a boom in critically endangered gopher tortoises, prompting debate over relocation and how to prevent road deaths. State Policy Watch: Florida’s proposed Amendment 3 ballot language is being rewritten after a court ruling, with the property-tax measure still driving scrutiny from local officials.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Ron DeSantis announced nearly $188M in awards to expand rural health care access across 31 counties, including workforce support for EMS and paramedics in places like Glades County. Property Tax Amendment 3: Florida’s AG rewrote the Amendment 3 ballot language after a court ruling, with critics warning it could have major fiscal knock-on effects, including possible constitutional pathways tied to a state income tax. Local Landfill Oversight: Sumter County residents are pressing for clearer public information on a landfill’s future capacity, monitoring, and planning—especially as Heart of Florida studies deep-well injection for leachate management. Rail-to-Trail Vote: Bonita Springs voters will decide a $35M bond referendum for the Bonita Estero Rail Trail, with supporters touting long-term safety and opponents questioning the taxpayer cost. Democratic Rally Canceled: A Fort Lauderdale venue canceled a Rashida Tlaib rally after a state lawmaker labeled it “anti-Jew,” citing security concerns. Education & Workforce: A Jacksonville educator’s tuition-free K-12 STEM school, Minds of the Future Academy, received full accreditation and is positioned to expand access via Step Up For Students. Public Safety/Justice: A Jacksonville man was sentenced to three years in federal prison for stealing a U.S. citizen’s identity to vote in elections for more than two decades.

Property Tax Fight: Florida AG James Uthmeier rewrote the ballot title and summary for Amendment 3 after a judge said the original language was misleading, shifting the wording toward higher homestead exemptions and a lower non-homestead cap. Public Safety & Courts: A federal court order took effect in states tied to a lawsuit, easing rules on firearm suppressors and certain guns after a judge said the tax basis for the regulations was removed. Immigration Enforcement Concerns: Lawmakers and critics raised fresh alarm over plans to equip ICE agents with electric-shock “distraction and de-escalation” gloves, arguing the force is already overzealous and under-trained. Democratic Party Fracture: A Fort Lauderdale venue canceled a rally featuring Rep. Rashida Tlaib after a Florida Jewish caucus chair labeled it “anti-Jew,” citing security concerns. Health Care Funding: Florida lawmakers approved $2 million for FIU’s myFORCE personalized cancer treatment program to expand clinical trials and tumor-response recommendations. Community & Nonprofits: Historic Films Inc., a Florida nonprofit, opened a free digital Museum of Motion Picture Journalism and launched a fundraising push to digitize Universal Newsreels. Weather Watch: A severe thunderstorm warning extended for parts of the Big Bend, with damaging winds and hail possible.

Property Tax Overhaul: Florida AG James Uthmeier rewrote the ballot language for Amendment 3 after a judge said the original summary was “misleading and inaccurate,” changing the framing and clarifying how the homestead exemption and non-homestead assessment caps would work. Local Government Finance: Monroe County leaders are set to review how Amendment 3 could cut property tax revenue, with estimates of millions in losses and warnings from the Florida Association of Counties about budget strain. Opioid Funding: Volusia County opened registration for organizations seeking a share of $2.5 million in state opioid abatement settlement funds, with applications due Sept. 21 and projects required to match the county’s opioid plan. Election Watch: With Florida’s Aug. 18 primary approaching, Trump issued Truth Social endorsements for GOP races, while voters head into the final stretch of early voting. Disaster Readiness: A watchdog warns FEMA staffing cuts could leave Southwest Florida more exposed this hurricane season, citing major workforce losses and lingering assistance delays. Tech & Privacy: A nationwide look at Flock camera vandalism highlights growing backlash to license-plate tracking systems used by law enforcement. Higher Ed: UWF begins its fall semester with about a 1% enrollment bump and a record-strong freshman class.

Florida Politics & Elections: Democratic governor hopeful Dotie Joseph pitches a focus on affordability and civil rights as the Aug. 18 primary nears, while the Wasserman Schultz race keeps roiling Democrats with generational insurgents challenging long-timers. Judicial & Public Safety: A panel of lawyers says Florida judicial candidates should be judged first on trial experience, not typical campaign tactics. Immigration Enforcement: ICE’s planned electric-shock “distraction and de-escalation” gloves draw fresh backlash from Florida Rep. Maxwell Frost and rights groups, as critics warn the tech could be misused. Local Governance & 287(g): In Lake Worth Beach, immigrant rights advocates urge commissioners to rethink a Palm Beach County Sheriff contract extension over fears of expanded immigration crackdowns and profiling. State Courts & Taxes: Florida AG James Uthmeier rewrote the property tax amendment ballot title and summary after a judge found the original language misleading; voters must approve it by 60%. Health & Human Services: Florida expanded a swimming lesson voucher program for young kids under 200% poverty, aiming to reduce drowning risk. Environment & Tourism: Walton County is sinking more concrete reefs and ships off the Gulf Coast to push year-round tourism. Government Contracts: The U.S. Navy awarded a $78M Florida-based firm a Sicily ordnance storage and maintenance facility contract. Tech & Privacy: Flock Safety says it will tighten license-plate camera privacy rules after Florida abuse allegations.

Vaccines & schools: President Trump signed an executive order urging changes to the childhood vaccine schedule, but Florida pediatric groups say they’re not planning immediate changes; legal experts warn states could face court fights and that most Florida families won’t see quick shifts. Gun policy: A federal injunction took effect in Texas allowing unregistered silencers, signaling a potential broader shift in suppressor regulation nationwide. Florida primary politics: With Tuesday’s Aug. 18 primary looming, voters will decide Florida’s governor nominees and other key races; election officials also warned some Keys precinct results could be delayed because landline/fax lines were removed. Election integrity & access: Florida reminded voters not to “over vote” for governor due to ballot wording that says “Governor and Lieutenant Governor (Vote for one),” and replacement ballots are available if mistakes happen. Public health & misinformation: A homophobic text in CD 24 falsely claimed Sen. Shevrin Jones was HIV-positive and blamed Equality Florida; Jones and Equality Florida condemned it and are investigating. Local government: Marathon’s city council appears set to move forward with interim manager/attorney Steve Williams as the permanent city manager after finalists withdrew. Nonprofits: One More Child named Dr. Leon Battle regional president for Tampa Bay to expand foster care, anti-trafficking, and child hunger services. Economy & housing: A new mortgage “how-to” guide highlights the upfront document and credit steps Florida buyers should expect before closing.

Florida Politics & Elections: David Jolly, a Republican-turned-Democrat running for Florida governor, is pitching a “values” message to voters in Leesburg as the state’s primary season heats up. Democratic Primary Watch: In Florida’s District 25, Democratic socialist Oliver Larkin is challenging Rep. Jared Moskowitz, drawing attention for his anti-Zionist stance while Moskowitz refuses to debate him. Adoption Policy: A national spotlight is on unregulated adoption brokers; Pennsylvania is one of the few states where they operate with minimal restrictions, raising concerns about high fees and exploitation. Local Government & Budgets: Clearwater officials warn Amendment 3 could force cuts of nearly 140 positions, including impacts to police tech and parks services. Conservation Funding: Pinellas County leaders are weighing reductions that could end county support for Weedon Island and Shell Key preserves starting in 2027. Public Safety & Community: Tampa General Aeromed helped save K9 Ace after he was shot during a Polk County warrant search, with the dog now retiring at home. Nonprofits & Research: CHTA selected FIU to conduct a Caribbean-wide tourism demand study aimed at strengthening regional economic linkages. Real Estate & Fraud: A Boca Raton man was sentenced to four years after pleading guilty to a $13 million real estate fraud scheme.

Property Tax Ballot Rewrite: Gov. Ron DeSantis says Florida won’t appeal a Leon County judge’s order requiring the title and ballot summary for Amendment 3’s homestead exemption to be rewritten after the court found it “clearly and conclusively defective.” Public Safety & Elections: Florida Supreme Court rejected a Miami attorney’s bid to get on the ballot for the District 34 state Senate race, ruling his qualifying-fee payment method violated state law. Healthcare Funding: DeSantis announced nearly $188M in rural health awards under the Rural Health Transformation Program, including $1.31M for MCR Health in the Southwest region. Economic Development: DeSantis awarded Pensacola $9M from the Job Growth Grant Fund to expand shipbuilding infrastructure for Birdon, targeting submarines and warships and about 2,000 jobs. Local Governance: A federal lawsuit challenges Florida’s sex offender registry as unconstitutional “perpetual punishment,” filed by the Florida Action Committee against FDLE and dozens of local governments. Community & Nonprofits: Seminole Hard Rock hosted a women’s leadership event in Immokalee that raised $14,000 for period supplies for Alliance for Period Supplies of Southwest Florida.

Higher Ed Funding Crunch: A new pushback against higher education’s “unfunded mandates” and ballooning compliance costs highlights how state and federal rules squeeze budgets, while deferred maintenance is described as a “ticking time bomb” for colleges. Healthcare Costs & Access: Floridians could see another round of double-digit ACA premium hikes in 2027 as insurers cut plan choices; separate reporting also flags hospitals moving toward upfront payment demands. Public Health Policy Clash: Florida pediatricians and the state’s top pediatric group are rejecting a Trump executive order on childhood vaccines, saying they won’t change schedules based on politics. School Safety Rules: Orange County schools ban most e-bikes and e-scooters for students, limiting use to permit/license holders and restricting the fastest models and charging on campus. Elections & Voting Trends: Vote-by-mail requests in Florida are down sharply this cycle, with new state requirements and political skepticism cited. Law Enforcement & Culture Wars: An exclusive profile portrays Florida AG James Uthmeier as a high-profile “culture warrior,” while another story spotlights his push to remove local officials tied to “sanctuary” stances. Local Government Watch: Miami-Dade commissioners set a flat property tax rate for a tough budget year, and a PSC hearing begins on a proposed sale of Placid Lakes Utilities. Nonprofit & Community: A local nonprofit fundraiser in Charlotte County raised nearly $50,000 for Back Pack Kidz.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Ron DeSantis announced nearly $188 million to expand rural health care access across 31 rural counties, boosting hospitals, clinics, and the rural health workforce. Education & Health Policy: Florida pediatricians and the state chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics pushed back hard on a Trump executive order that would change the childhood vaccination schedule and expand exemptions. Transportation Tech: DeSantis highlighted SunTrax’s expanded role in “flying car” testing, saying Florida will begin eVTOL air-taxi tests by year’s end. Local Government & Public Safety: Lee County completed a gap-filling weather radar installation to improve near-ground visibility for forecasters and emergency responders. Elections & Civic Life: Fort Myers Beach voters face more than primaries, including universal races for Lee County Board of County Commissioners and a Lee County school board seat. Nonprofits & Community Aid: South Florida’s GEM is mobilizing donations for Colombia earthquake victims, with first distributions planned in the hard-hit region. State Politics Watch: A campaign finance review found major money behind Florida governor contenders Byron Donalds and David Jolly, including large donors and industry-linked support. Environment & Development: Martin County is reviewing its first agricultural enclave proposal under SB 686, a new law that could reshape how farmland is developed.

Python Challenge Win: Tom Rahill, founder of the veterans-focused nonprofit Swamp Apes, used electronic bicycles to reach deeper into Everglades National Park and won the 2026 Florida Python Challenge, removing 96 Burmese pythons for the $10,000 grand prize. Veterans to Trucking Jobs: A Florida-linked trucking initiative, Freedom Haulers, is pitching a faster path for veterans to get commercial driver’s licenses and fill CDL roles. Police Surveillance Fight: Flock Safety is losing municipal contracts as cities cite privacy and data governance concerns; in Florida, St. Petersburg’s Flock cameras have faced vandalism amid ongoing debate over license plate reader use. Local Elections & Governance: Brevard voters are preparing for the Aug. 18 primary, with reminders on Florida’s closed primary rules and how the governor/lieutenant governor “one choice” works. Land Use Policy: House Bill 399 would change how local governments approve zoning and development, including new rules that generally require manufactured/modular homes be allowed where site-built homes are. Courts & Money: A court ordered a forensic review of $6.7M in disputed Conch & Coconut revenue tied to a Bahamas tourism business involving a Florida corporation. Back to School & Nonprofits: South Florida nonprofits are helping families prepare for back-to-school season, as school starts and costs rise. Civil Rights in Florida: Hamburger Mary’s Orlando says it will appeal a federal ruling allowing Florida to enforce limits on minors attending drag performances. Tech in Transportation: Gov. DeSantis announced Florida will become a national hub for testing ultralight electric aircraft, with a Polk County track slated for end-of-year testing. Property Taxes: Florida’s property tax amendment is again in the spotlight, with questions about funding impacts for first responders and potential court challenges.

Legal Accountability: A Florida attorney and former judicial candidate, using the pseudonym John Doe, sued the Florida Bar and Bar officials in federal court, alleging retaliatory and discriminatory conduct tied to attorney discipline and a judicial-referral rule, plus Americans with Disabilities Act violations. Advanced Transportation: Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted SunTrax in Polk County and said Florida will begin testing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft by the end of 2026, alongside autonomous and connected vehicle work. Public Education & Nonprofits: Indian River County’s Moonshot Moment literacy push—built with help from The Learning Alliance—has become a national model, with four schools hitting a 90% third-grade reading goal. Elections Watch: Florida’s Aug. 18 primary is driving a surge in early voting, with more than 900,000 ballots cast statewide so far. Public Safety Funding: Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia announced $1 million in grants for firefighter cancer decontamination and assistance, pairing the funding with mental health support for first responders. Local Government: Escambia County commissioners signaled they want to move from years of study toward a phased redevelopment plan for the Pensacola Bay Center, starting with renovations and seeking a private partner. Congressional Politics: House Speaker Daniel Perez announced his formal resignation effective Aug. 21 as he prepares to become U.S. ambassador to Brazil.