AGP Executive Report

Orthodontics & Local Recognition: Palm Beach Orthodontics in Palm Beach Gardens was named “Orthodontist of the Year,” highlighting doctor-led care across Palm Beach County. Weather & Risk: A potentially record-breaking El Niño winter has Florida bracing for more extreme storms and flooding concerns. Public Health: Florida confirmed a dengue death in an older Tampa woman, as Hillsborough local cases topped 130 and statewide numbers climb. Politics & Elections: David Jolly says he won’t debate Byron Donalds, and a new analysis says Black voters could play a major role in Donalds’ path to governor. Stormy Weekend Flooding: Flood Advisories were issued across Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast as heavy rain triggered dangerous standing water. Crime & Courts: A Bahamian man facing deportation after illegal re-entry was convicted again, while a wrong-way DUI crash in West Palm Beach led to vehicular homicide charges. Community & Safety: Palm Beach County asked for help identifying two people after an altercation at a Luke Bryan concert. Sports Venue Traffic: Tampa’s Rays ballpark plan could eliminate thousands of parking spots at Raymond James Stadium, raising gridlock fears.

Public Safety: PBSO is asking for help identifying two people tied to an altercation at the Luke Bryan concert at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre in West Palm Beach (Sept. 12). Animal Welfare: Palm Beach County deputies say an Atlantis woman faces animal cruelty charges after 11 dogs were found in filthy wire cages during a warrant stop tied to a minor’s case. DUI/Crash: A West Palm Beach woman was arrested on wrong-way DUI and vehicular homicide charges after an Aug. 23 crash killed a Lantana man. Crime: Hillsborough deputies say they broke up a retail theft operation that recovered $300,000 in stolen goods and arrested four people. Health: Florida dengue cases keep climbing, with locally acquired infections reported across multiple counties and another death confirmed. Weather: Storms and heavy downpours continue across the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast, with flood advisories in effect. Environment/Community: Coconut Creek launched Florida’s first fully electric residential recycling and waste collection fleet. Research: FIU received $15M to expand hurricane wind testing at the Wall of Wind.

AI & Data Centers: A new poll finds 91% of Florida readers worry AI data centers will strain resources and the environment, as critics point to huge electricity and water demands. Groceries & Consumer Frustration: Publix shoppers are pushing back on BOGO rules that require buying two of the same item in Florida, with the chain saying it’s been its approach since the promotions began. Immigration Detention Scrutiny: A DHS inspector general report says “Alligator Alcatraz” fell short of federal standards on health, safety, medical care, food, hygiene, and recreation. Public Safety: Hillsborough deputies arrested a man tied to a fentanyl-linked death in a Tampa thrift store parking lot. Local Tech Debate: Belle Isle police are weighing alternatives after ending license plate reader use, citing data security, access, and cost concerns. Health Watch: Florida confirmed a dengue death tied to Hillsborough’s outbreak, as mosquito-borne cases continue to rise. Community & Environment: Volunteers rallied for the Indian River Lagoon referendum in Brevard, backing continued restoration work. Crime: Two dogs were taken into custody after a Dania Beach attack injured a baby and her mother. Economy: Florida added 21,800 jobs in August and unemployment dipped to 4.5%.

Public Safety: Hillsborough deputies arrested 28-year-old Eberneson Edmond after a traffic stop with an obscured plate led to a handgun, cash, and packaged marijuana. Drugs & Warrants: HCSO also nabbed three people after a Seffner home-and-hotel search uncovered narcotics and paraphernalia. Violence: A 16-year-old was shot in Miami-Dade during an argument inside a truck; the suspect, 18-year-old Misael Aguilar Santurio, fled but was arrested. Courts: A West Palm Beach nursing school operator was sentenced to 87 months for selling fake nursing diplomas and transcripts. Health: Florida confirmed a Tampa woman’s death from locally acquired dengue, highlighting Hillsborough’s ongoing mosquito-borne outbreak. Local Life: A free three-day “Rock the Dock” overwater music festival is underway in Merritt Island. Economy: Florida added 21,800 jobs in August as unemployment dipped to 4.5%.

Dengue Outbreak: Florida health officials confirmed the state’s first dengue death of 2026—an 80-year-old Hillsborough County woman who died Sept. 4 at Tampa General, as local cases surge and mosquito control ramps up. Public Safety & Crime: A UCF blue-collar union member was arrested in an undercover operation targeting people trying to solicit minors. In Central Florida, a woman was arrested after a three-year-old died from injuries while in her care. Animal Attacks: A Dania Beach woman and child were hospitalized after a dog attack at an apartment complex; deputies located the dogs and called animal care. Local Courts & Health: A Florida couple sued a Jacksonville fertility clinic, alleging it used a stranger’s sperm in an IVF mix-up that changed their daughter’s paternity. Weather: A soggy weekend is underway with heavy rain focused on South Florida, with flash-flood risk in some areas. Politics & Community: Key West’s art board approved funding that could support an LGBTQ+ mural on Duval Street. Sports: High school football Week 5 wrapped with big Duval matchups, including Raines’ 31-13 win over Mandarin.

Public Health: Orange County issued a dengue fever alert after two new locally acquired cases were confirmed in Apopka/Pine Hills, prompting targeted mosquito control and enhanced surveillance. Water Safety: Boca Raton issued health and no-swim/no-irrigation advisories for waterways near the Boca Raton Resort after a wastewater spill tied to the Intracoastal Waterway; officials say drinking water isn’t affected but residents should avoid exposure. Flooding Worries: Residents in The Acreage fear more flooding after about 9 inches of rain overwhelmed drainage and pushed water toward homes. Local Government: Palm Bay voted 3-2 to draft a contract for the Brevard County sheriff’s office to take over 911 dispatch, despite concerns about response times and staffing. Courts & Rights: A federal lawsuit says Florida is keeping mentally ill defendants in county jails for months past legal limits after judges order transfers to psychiatric hospitals. Crime & Courts: Ex-NFL receiver Stedman Bailey was officially charged in Broward with exposure of sexual organs after an alleged incident at a Pembroke Pines mall arcade. Housing & Economy: Zillow data shows Orange County’s typical home value dipped to about $400,602 (-1.9%) and Broward’s to about $423,492 (-2.7%) in August. Politics: Governor’s race polling shows Byron Donalds at 44% and David Jolly at 43% in a tight contest.

Public Health: Florida reports a fourth death this year tied to Vibrio vulnificus, with the latest victim in Broward County; the bacteria is often linked to raw or undercooked shellfish like oysters, but can also infect people through open wounds in warm coastal waters. Crime & Courts: A Port St. Lucie MRI technician, Gabriel Cruz, was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a sedated 64-year-old patient during a scan. Immigration & Community: A family’s dog, Simba, was found in a Florida shelter after the owners were detained by ICE; a rescue group is working to reunite the dog with the family. Local Government & Budgets: Palm Beach County commissioners approved a FY 2027 budget while keeping the millage rate at 4.5; Miami-Dade commissioners continue budget talks, including how much to fund the sheriff’s office and transit. Weather & Safety: Flooding hit parts of western Palm Beach County, damaging a wildlife sanctuary and raising questions about drainage response; meanwhile, a “no-swim” advisory at Phil Foster Park in Riviera Beach was lifted after bacteria levels dropped. Health Policy: Florida is proposing to let pharmacists administer a chikungunya vaccine, with public comments open through Oct. 8. Civic Life: Wellington held 25th anniversary 9/11 remembrance events, including ceremonies with local fire-rescue and sheriff’s office partners. Sports (Duval Focus): A roundup highlights former Duval County high school stars set to play Saturday, Sept. 19.

Public Health: Florida reported 22 Vibrio vulnificus cases and four deaths in 2026, with new counts tied to brackish-water exposure and raw seafood; Water & Weather: A Palm Beach North End water main break near Tangier Ave and North Lake Way may mean North Lake Way closures, and Riviera Beach lifted a Phil Foster Park “no-swim” advisory after bacteria levels improved; Health Alerts: Dengue is surging again—152 statewide cases, including 134 in Hillsborough—plus a new West Nile case in Duval; Local Safety: A loaded handgun was found in a West Riviera Elementary student’s backpack, and a no-swim advisory was briefly issued then lifted at Phil Foster Park; Crime & Courts: Hillsborough’s “Operation No Place To Hide” ended with 120 arrests on active warrants, while a Palm Beach County budget hearing protest over Israel Bonds led to the arrest of a Palestinian-American human rights attorney; Community & Culture: A Cuban-American mural project is planned for Miami’s Silver Bluff, and Walton County Tourism won top Flagler Awards for digital advertising and travel trade marketing.

Local Crime: A burglary suspect was arrested after deputies found him asleep inside a Wimauma home, charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling with a weapon and other offenses. Public Safety & Courts: A Miami ER nurse says she was repeatedly punched during a May attack at Jackson Memorial Hospital, captured on surveillance video, as a $5m lawsuit moves forward. Animal Cruelty: A Boynton Beach man faces felony charges after videos show a service dog being slammed to the pavement twice. Health: Dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses are surging, with Hillsborough reporting most locally acquired cases as officials ramp up spraying. Economy: The Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time since 2023, a move expected to push up credit card costs for South Florida households. Local Politics: Palestinian-American rights lawyer Noura Erakat was arrested and charged with trespassing after speaking at a Palm Beach County budget hearing over Israel bonds. Space Coast: Florida’s rocket launches slowed in 2026 after a record 2025 pace, with upcoming missions including Crew-13. Community & Events: The Brevard Sheriff’s Office announced the return of its Haunted Jail Trail, and Feeding South Florida’s Outrun Hunger 5K is set for Sept. 19 in West Palm Beach.

Local Politics & Elections: South Florida voters will decide in November whether teacher salary supplements stay in place, with Miami-Dade and Broward referendums renewing existing mill taxes without new increases. Public Safety: Palm Beach County commissioners voted to pause the county’s FAA lawsuit over Mar-a-Lago flight restrictions while federal comments are gathered, and a Riviera Beach security guard pleaded guilty to a bomb threat at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office training facility. Crime & Courts: A West Palm Beach woman was arrested more than a year after a 7-vehicle crash killed a 71-year-old man; she faces manslaughter by culpable negligence tied to alleged seizure history. Community & Culture: Miami-Dade Public Library launched a Teen Poetry Contest for ages 13–18, with workshops from local poet laureates and a documentary screening tied to the contest. Health & Jobs: Health First announced layoffs of 214 workers across management, clerical and administrative roles. Environment & Weather: Dengue-carrying mosquitoes continue expanding, and Brevard County is ramping up pedestrian and bicycle enforcement efforts. Business & Travel: Orange County moved closer to a temporary ban on new data centers, and Breeze Airways announced seasonal nonstop flights from West Palm Beach to Greenville, S.C.

Education & AI: Big School Districts are pausing AI access at school, while Orange County is also moving toward a temporary moratorium on AI data centers—showing how quickly AI policy is turning into local fights. Public Safety: A Tampa mother was sentenced to 40 years for killing her 4-year-old son, and Hillsborough deputies arrested a convicted felon after an armed standoff tied to an online child sexual abuse material case in Plant City. Health: Florida reported another death from the flesh-eating bacteria Vibrio vulnificus, with health officials again warning beachgoers about raw or undercooked oysters. Local Government & Housing: Miami-Dade is weighing bus cuts that could hit workers hard, while Miami Gardens voters head to a Nov. 3 runoff for City Council Seat 4. Environment & Infrastructure: Cape Canaveral leaders debated a property tax increase to close a budget gap, and Brevard delayed a gas tax proposal amid a $2.2B infrastructure backlog. Business & Finance: South Florida banks are taking different paths on stablecoins, and Miami-Dade’s finance job market is cooling even as pay rises.

Aviation Safety & Lawsuit: Palm Beach County commissioners voted to pause their FAA lawsuit over Mar-a-Lago flight restrictions while keeping the option to challenge future changes, and they’re sending comments before an Oct. 2 deadline. Construction & Public Safety: An 85-foot drilling rig collapse in Miami’s Brickell injured four people and crushed vehicles; officials say a female driver escaped with minor injuries after reversing her car as the rig fell. Court & Accountability: A severely injured worker from the Sept. 6 Miami runway cargo crash is suing Amazon and 21 Air, alleging preventable failures led to the deadly overrun. Local Crime: A Broward man was arrested after allegedly threatening to kill a couple at a McDonald’s in Oakland Park; in Pembroke Pines, a woman faces DUI and child neglect charges after police said her 5-year-old was hanging out a car window. Health Watch: Florida health officials confirmed a second locally acquired West Nile Virus case in Duval County. Community & Culture: Palm Beach County is keeping free parking at most county beaches, and Key West’s Art in Public Places board will vote on up to $25,000 for a possible LGBTQ+ mural. Food & Events: Two Palm Beach wine dinners—Spain on Sept. 17 and France on Sept. 24—are taking reservations.

Teacher Abuse Allegations: A former Miami-Dade elementary teacher, Cesar Cardoso, was arrested and charged after authorities say he showed porn to third graders—including a naked photo of himself—and inappropriately touched students. Immigration Detention Scrutiny: A DHS watchdog report says detainees at Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” were held in tiny metal cages for “calming,” raising serious health and safety concerns. Public Safety & Crime: In Hillsborough, a rabies alert was issued after a confirmed case in a cat; in Lutz, a man was arrested after investigators found 1,000+ child sexual abuse material files. Local Government & Utilities: Fort Meade Commissioner Matthew Taylor sued to halt a recall effort, while Florida PSC finalists for two openings include Gary Clark and Gabriella Passidomo-Smith. AI Data Center Pushback: Edgewater approved a permanent ban on AI data centers, and an Orange County state senator urged a temporary halt. Community & Culture: Palm Beach’s Hispanic Bar Association kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with “Taste the Culture,” featuring local restaurants and Latin/Caribbean traditions. Transportation Costs: Gas prices stayed volatile, with Florida averaging about $4.14 and Brevard again above $4. Major Incident: An 85-foot crane toppled in Miami’s Brickell area, injuring a driver and three workers.

Local Governance: CareerSource Polk leader Stacy Campbell-Domineck faces a Sept. 15 decision after commissioners move toward a permanent removal process tied to state accusations of mismanagement. Aviation & Safety: A passenger allegedly undressed mid-flight and carried out “indecent acts” on an American Airlines flight to Miami; deputies took her into custody on arrival. Public Health: Hillsborough officials issued a 60-day rabies alert after an unvaccinated cat tested positive in the Gibsonton area. Courts & Accountability: Florida’s appeals court reversed a $5.3M verdict for a Busch Gardens trampoline injury, saying the boy’s status changed to trespasser after entering an empty theater. Crime: A homeless man faces charges after allegedly threatening knife-wielding customers and a manager at a Denny’s in Margate. Politics & Justice: Gov. DeSantis signed a new death warrant for William Lee Thompson, the 17th of 2026. Tech & Education: Brown University research flags that schools near data centers see worse third-grade math outcomes, raising new concerns about siting. Business & Community: McClatchy cut more than 90 jobs, including major layoffs at the Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald.

Amazon & Aviation Safety: Amazon is pausing its use of cargo carrier 21 Air after last week’s Miami International Airport crash that killed five, saying it’s reviewing “surrounding circumstances” while investigators continue looking into what happened. Public Health: Florida health officials are investigating a possible dengue death in Hillsborough County, where locally acquired cases have surged to 111 statewide (95 in Hillsborough). Elections & Voting: Florida voters are being urged to lock in midterm plans, including requesting vote-by-mail ballots by Oct. 22 and returning them by Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. Local Government & Libraries: A property tax ballot measure could cut library funding and services, with Miami-Dade projecting major first-year losses and possible branch closures. Cost of Living: Gas prices are topping $4 in Palm Beach County and staying above $4 across Central Florida, adding pressure for drivers and businesses. Crime & Courts: A Boca Raton man is accused of running a $3M illegal sports betting and money laundering operation. Community & Human Interest: A Tampa firefighter is recovering after a serious medical emergency while on vacation, and the community is rallying with a fundraiser.

Threats & Hate Crime Case: A Kansas man, Korby A. Strube, was arrested in Palm Beach County after alleged online threats targeting Jewish resident Ben Shapiro, with charges tied to prejudice and written/electronic threats. Violence Update: A man was critically injured in a Miami-Dade shooting near SW 173rd St and 100th Ct; deputies say the suspect fled. Death Investigation: In Palm Springs, police are investigating the death of an unidentified 60-year-old found unresponsive near an e-scooter; officials say there’s no evidence of foul play. Public Safety: Fort Pierce police and the FBI are probing an emailed bomb threat at HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital; the threat was deemed not credible. Local Crime: Hillsborough deputies arrested a man after dismantling a credit card fraud operation involving skimming devices and counterfeit cards. Health Access: UF Health Jacksonville launched a mobile medical unit to expand primary and preventive care across Duval, Clay, Nassau and Baker counties. Education & Community: Sarasota County named nearly 50 students as National Merit semifinalists, and Miami-Dade kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month events running Sept. 15–Oct. 15. Mental Health Prevention: A nonprofit launched a parent-focused program aimed at spotting early warning signs for children’s mental health crises.