AGP Executive Report

Budget & Vetoes: Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a heavily lobbied claims bill that would have raised the cap on damages from state or local government negligence, plus two other measures, including one tied to lawyer client trust accounts and another affecting biosolids fertilizer and compost products. Local Government & Courts: The College of the Florida Keys’ Chiller Plant Infrastructure project was among items cut in the final 2026-27 budget, underscoring how state funding decisions can stall campus upgrades. Disaster Aid Fight: East Naples mobile home owners are battling FEMA after the agency says they were paid nearly $10,000 for Hurricane Milton repairs they say they never received, with Social Security garnished to repay the debt. Immigration & Community Impact: A Supreme Court ruling allowing the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for some Haitians is leaving Southwest Florida families in limbo and urging residents to contact senators. Public Safety & Policy: After DeSantis vetoed a statewide e-bike safety bill, Orange County leaders are weighing a local ordinance to create a consistent safety framework. Education & Schools: Lee County schools received $1 million to modernize student transportation with real-time GPS/GIS tracking, while charter school leader Jessica Martinez won a statewide “Charter School Champion of the Year” award. Nonprofits & Hunger: CROS Ministries launched a “Christmas in July” food drive in Palm Beach and Martin counties as SNAP losses are expected to worsen summer hunger. Environment & Accountability: An EPA audit of the Indian River Lagoon Council flagged oversight gaps and nearly $300,000 in questioned grant costs.

Sovereign Immunity: Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have raised Florida’s government-liability damage caps, warning it would encourage “meritless lawsuits” and add burdens on local budgets. Courts & Public Safety: The FY 2026-27 budget kept major court priorities, including funding for judicial security and a new Sixth District Court of Appeal facility in Lakeland. Higher Ed Access: Florida education boards advanced rules requiring students to prove legal immigration status to attend state colleges and universities, drawing backlash from immigrant-rights groups as a de facto ban on undocumented students. Civil Rights Lawsuit: Muslim civil rights groups sued to block Florida’s new “terrorist” designation framework, challenging the CAIR domestic terrorist label and seeking an injunction. Child Sex Abuse Litigation: Florida’s “revival window” opened July 1, triggering more than 30 new child sex abuse civil cases alleging abuse and cover-ups tied to religious institutions. Community Aid: Central Florida’s Venezuelan nonprofit is collecting food, medical supplies, and hygiene items for earthquake relief, with local drop-off sites and online fundraising. Local Government Ops: Maitland reopened Wymore Road after Orange County stabilized and repaved a 40-foot sinkhole ahead of schedule. Elections & Voting: Trump’s SAVE Act push faces resistance in the Senate, with GOP hardliners including Florida’s Rick Scott backing the effort.

Terror Designations: Gov. Ron DeSantis says Florida will use a new law to designate more than 90 groups as terrorist organizations, including CAIR and Antifa, with final approvals by the governor and Cabinet—prompting legal threats from at least one group. Higher Ed Access: Florida’s Board of Governors approved rules barring undocumented students from enrolling in state colleges and requiring proof of citizenship or lawful residence for admissions and state-funded GED/adult programs. Election Policy Debate: A new analysis ranks battleground states’ election laws on “integrity” standards, arguing for stricter citizenship proof, photo ID, and limits on early voting and ballot drop boxes. UF Leadership: The Florida Board of Trustees voted to appoint Stuart Bell as UF’s 14th president, despite criticism over his past DEI efforts and promises he won’t bring DEI back. Data Center Law: Florida’s first statewide large data center rules took effect, aiming to protect electric customers and water supply while raising questions about what comes next. Immigration Enforcement: Florida’s push to expand 287(g) agreements continues, with FDLE data showing many agencies signed but not yet making arrests under the program. Nonprofit Spotlight: Jacksonville’s Be The Change Northeast Florida keeps clothing and hygiene aid free, no questions asked, with monthly outreach to people experiencing homelessness.

New Florida Laws Take Effect: More than 120 new state laws kicked in July 1, including tougher penalties for child abuse and domestic violence, expanded rules for animal abusers, and “Isaiah’s Law” making repeat driving-without-a-valid-license cases a third-degree felony. Counterterrorism Designations: Gov. Ron DeSantis moved forward with a new state authority to designate terrorist organizations, marking the first use of powers created under a 2026 counter-terrorism framework. Education Leadership: The Florida Board of Governors approved Dr. Stuart R. Bell as the University of Florida’s 14th president, ending two years of interim leadership and setting up a new era for UF athletics and campus policy. Higher Ed Access Rules: Florida’s Board of Governors approved rules barring undocumented students from admission and enrollment at state colleges, a major shift with immediate fallout. Data Center Regulation: DeSantis signed SB 484 to limit how hyperscale data centers affect local zoning and to prevent utilities from passing data-center costs onto residents and small businesses. State Budget Politics: DeSantis signed the $117.6B budget but vetoed hundreds of local projects and line items, including funding tied to seniors and food insecurity.

Higher Ed Access Fight: Florida’s State Board of Education voted to bar undocumented students from enrolling in the state’s 28-college system and also blocked them from adult education and GED programs, with critics warning of major revenue losses and legal challenges. Immigration Policy Push: After the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order, Republicans are still moving forward with federal legislation that would tighten who qualifies for citizenship at birth. Voting Rights Showdown: A House procedural vote to pair Trump’s voter ID push with the defense bill collapsed after 13 Republicans joined Democrats, leaving the SAVE America Act stalled. Humanitarian Fallout: An AP report says more than 100 Venezuelans deported from the U.S. were in a hotel when earthquakes hit, raising urgent questions about rescue access and coordination. Local Government & Housing: Sarasota County is facing a lawsuit after blocking Live Local Act projects in rural areas, setting up a court fight over whether localities can limit the state’s affordable-housing law. Public Safety Ballot: DeSantis signed a measure sending a Fort Myers Beach and Iona McGregor fire department merger to voters in November. Port & Jobs: Port Everglades announced Ellen Kennedy will retire in August, with Joy Oglesby set to take over external affairs and marketing. Consumer Protection: The DOJ and multiple states reached settlements with major egg producers over alleged price-fixing, including $3.3M in penalties and 53 million eggs donated.

State Budget & Local Funding: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s $117.6B budget but vetoed hundreds of projects and line items, including $15M for Miami-Dade Catholic school security grants, while Key West’s submitted projects largely survived. Property Tax Politics: DeSantis says he won’t lead the campaign for a November property tax-cut amendment, arguing the ballot language isn’t his proposal, as opponents warn of major revenue losses for cities and counties. Courts & Immigration: The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order; Florida lawmakers and local leaders reacted sharply, with Alachua County weighing the impact. Judicial Appointments: DeSantis announced five judicial appointments across multiple circuits and county courts. Education & AI: Schools are scrambling to keep up with AI use as lawmakers push for clearer K-12 guidance, including AI coordinators and teacher training. Public Safety & Detention: New details emerged after an Alligator Alcatraz employee was arrested and charged with battery; the facility has since closed and detainees were relocated. New Laws Starting July 1: Roughly 140 measures take effect, including rules affecting data centers, restaurant fee transparency, and school/coach-related changes. Consumer Protection: Florida’s Ashley Moody joined a Senate anti-fraud effort to claw back taxpayer money, while a multistate egg price-fixing settlement secured 53M eggs and $3.3M from major producers. Sports (Florida): The Florida Panthers acquired goalie Jacob Markstrom in a trade with New Jersey.

Budget & Vetoes: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s nearly $117.6B budget after vetoing about $800M in line items, drawing criticism from Democrats who say vetoes disproportionately hit Democratic districts; the package also includes teacher pay raises, Everglades restoration funding, and a plan to transfer USF Sarasota-Manatee to New College of Florida. Judicial Appointments: DeSantis announced five new judicial picks across the state, filling vacancies in multiple circuits and county courts. Water & Fire Restrictions: Southwest Florida Water Management District extended “extreme” outdoor watering limits through Oct. 1, while Manatee County issued a burn ban amid drought conditions. Housing Policy: House Speaker Mike Johnson says a major bipartisan housing bill will become law with or without President Trump’s signature. Public Safety & Health: DeSantis vetoed Florida’s e-bike safety bill, citing enforcement and local surveillance concerns. Civil Rights: Florida approved $4M in restitution for the Groveland Four families, closing a decades-long justice fight. Courts & Accountability: A Palm Beach lakefront home tied to philanthropist Jane W. Smith sold for $35M; separately, a report alleges coordinated book-banning campaigns nationwide. Nonprofits & Community: A North Port drowning death prompted renewed calls for stronger pool safety, while local groups continue organizing aid efforts after Venezuela’s earthquakes.

State Budget Showdown: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s $117.6B budget but vetoed about $810M, including cuts tied to corrections pay and other line items, while touting a shrinking government footprint. Education & Courts: The new education budget is already triggering a teacher lawsuit, as the Florida Education Association argues the plan falls short of required standards. Local Government Liability: DeSantis says he’ll veto a bill that would raise the cap on compensation for local government negligence, warning it would fuel “unmeritorious” lawsuits. Election Rules Fight: Florida Republicans reacted sharply to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing some late-arriving mail ballots, pressing for the SAVE America Act. Civil Rights Payment: Florida approved $4M in restitution for the Groveland Four families, closing a decades-long fight after pardons and exonerations. Public Safety & Justice: An execution window was set for a Pasco County double-murder case, and a judge set NFL cornerback Terrion Arnold’s bond at $1M in a kidnapping-related case. Community & Nonprofits: Florida volunteers and nonprofits are sending earthquake relief to Venezuela as the death toll climbs. Banking: Winter Park’s Portrait Bank won its state charter after raising about $43M from local backers.

Immigration Enforcement & Public Records: Florida-linked reporting highlights how states are tightening immigration enforcement tools, including Mississippi’s new law to compile a list of illegal immigrants—sparking alarms from advocates about targeting and information-sharing. Public Safety & Law Enforcement: In Manatee County, a 79-year-old woman lost more than $200,000 to scammers—then helped trigger an undercover sting that investigators say netted over $3.5 million from a ring hitting elderly victims across Florida. Local Governance & Community Outcomes: Islamorada’s charter review panel voted to extend and stagger council terms to reduce churn and improve continuity for policy and budgeting. Education & Workforce Pathways: A Monroe County School Board update points to rising graduation rates and expanded Career and Technical Education options. Nonprofits & Civic Life: Riviera Beach earned a 2026 All-America City Award, while Brevard’s “Mia’s Helping Hands” spotlights local nonprofit support for families in crisis. Higher Ed Costs: New federal student loan caps are raising concerns that graduate school may become less attainable for students in Florida and beyond.

Immigration Detention: Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the permanent closure of “Alligator Alcatraz,” saying the facility has “zero detainees” and fulfilled its mission—while critics continue to question costs and the program’s record. Local Nonprofits: First 1,000 Days Suncoast expanded family navigation services in DeSoto County by hiring Jailene Soto, adding to existing navigators and partner support for families and babies. Health & Aging: Masada Home Care, working with Jewish Community Services of South Florida, highlighted in-home support for older adults to help seniors stay safe and independent at home. Public Health Awareness: A column marked Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, focusing on what families can do as the disease risk grows with age. Food Assistance Access: A report on Wisconsin’s FoodShare replacement program shows how power outages can spoil food—and how filing for replacement can be hard for recipients. Consumer Protection: Florida’s new “hidden restaurant fees” law requires restaurants to disclose mandatory charges upfront before customers order, with the measure set to take effect July 1. Community Events: Miami-Dade is planning America 250 Fourth of July celebrations with free events and fireworks, including Tropical Park’s America 250 edition. Disaster Response: Coverage continued on Venezuela’s twin earthquakes, with rescue teams racing as the death toll topped 1,400.

Water Policy: Southwest Florida Water Management District extended Modified Phase III water shortage rules through Oct. 1, keeping Punta Gorda on once-a-week lawn irrigation by street number and limiting outdoor watering hours. Environment & Climate: A new push warns that rescinding the EPA’s 2009 endangerment finding would raise greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and other sources, with local health impacts. AI & Water Use: A Florida op-ed argues AI-driven data centers could strain the Floridan Aquifer, which supplies most drinking water and helps support land. Public Safety & Immigration: Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center is set to close, while other coverage highlights the legal and political fight over how local law enforcement handles immigration. Health & Human Services: Florida’s SNAP error rate and penalties are flagged as lawmakers weigh how to fund ballooning health care versus reforms. Community & Nonprofits: St. Pete Pride drew hundreds of thousands, and Reef Relief is set to host the inaugural Conch Classic beach volleyball fundraiser for coral conservation. State Government: Gov. DeSantis reappointed Rep. Danny Nix to the Florida Southwestern State College District Board of Trustees, with other board appointments pending Senate confirmation.

Corrections & Death Penalty: A former Florida prison warden who supervised executions is urging today’s corrections workers to refuse participation, arguing the process causes lifelong trauma and noting Dusty Spencer’s execution under current law. Public Safety: A missing diver near Fort Pierce Inlet was found dead after a Coast Guard, FWC, and local search. Education: Gov. Ron DeSantis highlighted new FAST testing results showing more than 60% of Florida students met or exceeded grade-level benchmarks, with gains in English and math. Local Government & Business: Fort Myers approved a downtown parking pilot expanding free time from one hour to two, aiming to boost short visits that turn into longer shopping and dining trips. Nonprofits & Community Giving: Sarasota’s Community Foundation awarded more than $500,000 in grants for household support, grief services, rural education, senior care, and capacity building. Disaster Response & Aid: Miami-Dade’s Urban Search and Rescue team is deploying to help Venezuela after two earthquakes killed at least 920 people; meanwhile, South Florida restaurants are collecting donations for survivors. Immigration: Florida leaders and advocates warned that the Supreme Court’s TPS decision for Haitians could trigger widespread deportation risk for about 160,000 in South Florida. Environment & Planning: Islamorada’s comprehensive land use plan update remains in draft as state law limits how local governments can tighten rules through 2027.

State Law Changes (July 1): About 140 Florida laws from the regular and special sessions are set to take effect July 1, including major updates tied to data center rules and renaming parts of airports and roads, while Gov. Ron DeSantis also signed 15 bills and vetoed three—most notably an e-bike safety measure that critics say would have created statewide standards but DeSantis rejected over enforcement and surveillance concerns. Immigration Detention Accountability: Environmental and immigration advocates are pushing for an independent review after DeSantis moved to permanently close “Alligator Alcatraz,” arguing the site caused harm to the Everglades and demanding accountability as deconstruction begins. Haitian TPS Fallout: Florida officials and lawmakers are reacting to the Supreme Court ending TPS for Haitians in South Florida, warning families face deportation and major disruption amid uncertainty over implementation. Federal Enforcement on Tax Prep: The Justice Department sued to stop Florida-based tax return preparers accused of fraudulent deductions and credits, alleging more than $7 million in tax losses. Local Guidance for Sargassum: Monroe County is coordinating with Florida DEP to guide residents on widespread sargassum impacts in the Keys, stressing removal rules and warning blooms will likely return. Education Metrics: DeSantis highlighted progress monitoring results showing more than 60% of students on/above grade level in both ELA and math, while FSU’s funding metrics slipped and FAMU landed on a “watch list.” Public Safety & Community: DOJ action targets alleged scammy tax prep; Monroe County issues sargassum guidance; and Florida’s July 4 fireworks legality depends on county burn bans, with Lee County’s lifted.

E-bikes and surveillance concerns: Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed three bills, including an e-bike measure that would have capped speeds at 10 mph within 50 feet of pedestrians, saying enforcement could rely on speed detection and “enhanced surveillance.” Immigration detention and Everglades fallout: DeSantis confirmed Florida is permanently closing “Alligator Alcatraz” after about a year, but environmental advocates and the Miccosukee Tribe say the damage to sensitive habitat isn’t undone and litigation is still pending. TPS shock for Florida’s Haitian and Syrian communities: The Supreme Court let the Trump administration end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, and Florida groups warn the ruling could hit jobs and local economies hard, with Rep. Frederica Wilson pushing new legislation to restore protections. Food assistance oversight: USDA reported Florida’s SNAP payment error rate at 12.97% in 2025—above federal thresholds—triggering a potential nearly $1 billion penalty and requiring a corrective action plan. Education results: DeSantis touted that more than 60% of Florida students met or exceeded grade-level standards on state progressive testing, citing gains in English and math. Healthcare fraud crackdown: A Sarasota-area nurse practitioner and others were charged in a Medicare wound-care fraud scheme tied to a nationwide DOJ takedown involving $6.5 billion in alleged false claims. Property tax fight brewing: Coverage continues on a statewide property tax revolt and local officials warning that proposed homestead cuts could force public safety and other budget reductions. Hate crime case in Gainesville: A federal grand jury indicted a Gainesville man accused of attempting a mass shooting targeting a Jewish nonprofit, with charges including attempted hate crime and firearm offenses.

Immigration Enforcement: Gov. Ron DeSantis says Florida’s controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” detention site has permanently closed after nearly a year, with detainees transferred and demobilization underway, while he credits the facility with supporting thousands of deportations. Courts & Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, triggering alarm in South Florida as families and faith leaders warn of looming deportations. Higher Education Access: Florida’s Board of Governors advanced a proposal that could bar undocumented students from enrolling at certain public universities starting 2027-28, with a public comment period before a final vote. State Oversight: Florida’s Department of Government Efficiency gained direct access to Cape Coral’s financial systems to pull local records as part of a statewide review. Public Safety & Health: UF and partners are developing an AI-driven warning system for Vibrio “flesh-eating” bacteria using a $3.6 million NIH grant. Local Relief: Lee County extended heat-relief efforts with cooling stations and buses for vulnerable residents. Community & Nonprofits: Rotary Club of Palm Beach launched a monthly rooftop jazz series to fund scholarships and charitable programs. Sports & Courts: Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold appeared in Tampa and was ordered held without bail pending a pretrial detention hearing.

Immigration Enforcement: Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed “Alligator Alcatraz,” Florida’s Everglades detention site, is shutting down permanently with “zero detainees,” saying the temporary mission is complete and detainees were transferred elsewhere as federal capacity expanded. Local Governance: As proposed AI data centers move forward, more than a dozen Florida counties and cities are pausing or considering moratoriums, citing heavy water and power demands and the need for local guardrails. Public Safety & Courts: Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold turned himself in and faces multiple felony charges tied to an alleged Tampa kidnapping and armed robbery, with prosecutors seeking to keep him jailed pending trial. Nonprofits & Community Services: United Way Space Coast named Kathryn Staczek Rudloff as its new president, while The Salvation Army expanded mobile outreach in the Glades with hot meals, groceries, utility aid referrals, and spiritual support. Cybersecurity & Health Data: MCNA Dental reached a proposed multimillion-dollar settlement over a 2023 LockBit ransomware attack that affected nearly 9 million people, including children. State Politics: James Fishback announced Sean Lozano as his 2026 running mate for Florida governor.