AGP Executive Report

Education & Food Access: Miami-Dade is ending universal free school meals for most students, shifting to a school-by-school system; 121 Community Eligibility Provision schools keep free breakfast and lunch, while others will require free/reduced applications. Back-to-School Safety: Hillsborough’s Plant City High is rolling out a clear bag policy for the new year after last school year’s gun incidents. Public Health: Florida reported 352 Cyclospora cases statewide as the lettuce-linked outbreak expands, with Miami-Dade leading locally; meanwhile Vibrio vulnificus cases rose to 14 with a second death reported. Environment & Courts: Environmentalists and divers sued to stop a sand trap near Port Everglades, arguing it threatens coral and queen conchs. Local Crime & Courts: A PBSO deputy was reprimanded over a viral one-armed texting stop; a Miami-Dade woman was arrested for allegedly uploading a TikTok showing child molestation. Health Care Watch: Federal data shows Palm Beach County hospitals among the worst in the country for patient satisfaction. Transportation & Construction: Port Canaveral began a $95M Terminal 10 expansion, targeting completion in Nov. 2027. Community Spotlight: The Miami Heat hosted a back-to-school shopping spree for students in South Dade.

Mental Health & Public Safety: Perez Hilton’s family confirmed he’s receiving medical care after a TikTok self-harm livestream that triggered a Miami-Dade police response; TikTok later removed his account after a moderation delay. Local Crime: Tampa police and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office are investigating separate robbery cases tied to people leaving Seminole Hard Rock Casino. Brevard Growth & Housing Costs: Brevard County voted to more than quadruple water connection fees and double sewer hookup fees to fund growth and federal requirements. Amendment 3 Fallout: Brevard officials warned Amendment 3 could slash even “core” services like law enforcement and fire rescue, as a Leon County judge ordered ballot language changes. Courts & Development: Palm Beach County and Transit Village settled a long-running lawsuit, clearing the way for a downtown West Palm Beach project on county-owned land. Education & Community: Nova Middle School won its fourth straight national civics championship; The Education Fund received a $10,000 Suncoast Credit Union Foundation gift for scholarships. Public Health: A Florida report found thousands of condo inspections were never completed, raising concerns for safety and enforcement. School Safety: Brevard Sheriff Wayne Ivey reminded drivers about back-to-school rules, especially stopping for school buses.

Mental Health & Public Safety: Perez Hilton’s family says he’s receiving medical care after a TikTok livestream where he appeared to self-harm; newly reported 911 dispatch audio describes a multi-hour police response at his Miami-Dade home, with authorities later confirming he was safely recovered and taken to a local hospital. Local Crime & Courts: A pastor in Winter Haven was arrested after allegations he had sex with a 14-year-old and didn’t disclose an HIV diagnosis; investigators say they fear more victims. Child Safety Tragedy: Boynton Beach police released photos of a wooden kitchen play set tied to the suffocation death of 3-year-old Briella Holmes, warning similar items are still sold online. Education & School Operations: Broward County Public Schools leaders warn more closures are coming as enrollment drops, with tens of thousands of open seats; meanwhile, bus drivers are preparing for the new year with new cameras to catch drivers illegally passing stopped buses. Elections: Early voting details were published for Palm Beach, Okeechobee, and Treasure Coast counties. Health & Housing: Miami Gardens broke ground on Serenity Gardens, a 153-unit affordable senior housing project. Environment & Public Health: Cooling centers opened across Orange County as heat index risks rise, and dengue advisories continue after locally acquired cases.

Mental Health & Public Safety: Miami-Dade deputies responded to multiple calls about celebrity blogger Perez Hilton livestreaming apparent self-harm at his home, de-escalating while family was on scene and later confirming he was safely recovered and taken to a local hospital for medical attention. Local Government & Transit: Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s proposed budget would cut 12 bus routes and reduce early-morning/late-night service on dozens more, with transit advocates warning it could leave thousands with fewer options. Public Health: Palm Beach County confirmed a locally acquired dengue case and issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory as health officials urge prevention. Business & Jobs: loanDepot plans to open a new corporate center in Miami-Dade in September, starting with about 120 employees in the Miami Gardens area. Tech & Regulation: Miami-Dade commissioners gave preliminary approval to detailed rules for sidewalk delivery robots. Health Care Innovation: Tampa General announced drones to deliver whole blood to trauma scenes in Hillsborough County, aiming to speed care during the “golden hour.” Education: Miami-Dade schools will shift meal rules for non-CEP campuses, while Hillsborough reversed a controversial leggings/spandex dress code after backlash. Space Coast: SpaceX is set for a late-night/early-morning Falcon 9 launch from Florida, and another rocket stage is expected to crash into the moon.

Veterans Housing: Tampa opened a revamped St. Vincent de Paul Cares shelter for homeless veterans, adding 60 beds across six buildings after foreclosure threats forced residents into hotels. Child Death Case: St. Lucie County arrested the biological father in the death of a nearly 3-month-old boy, alleging dehydration and malnutrition tied to an unsafe mobile home. School Safety Tech: Florida’s drone-based school safety pilot is rolling out at high schools in Leon, Volusia and Broward as thousands head back to campus. Back-to-School & Food: Broward and Miami-Dade released new school cafeteria menus, with free/reduced lunch requiring updated applications. Public Health Alert: Health officials issued dengue advisories after locally acquired cases were confirmed in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade, urging mosquito bite prevention and standing-water cleanup. Local Politics/Voting: Early voting is underway in Miami-Dade, with key primary deadlines coming fast. Arts Fundraiser: Delray Beach’s Arts Garage launched an online Celebrity Doodle Auction to raise money for local arts programs. Animal Policy Debate: Orange County commissioners discussed stronger rules after Sloth World deaths. Crime & Courts: DeMorris Hunter was sentenced to death for a 2002 Orlando-area murder.

Public Safety & Crime: Port St. Lucie police identified the victim in a weekend murder-suicide as Elizabeth Ortega, a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office communications officer; investigators say her longtime boyfriend, Ralph Varela Jr., shot her and then killed himself. Public Health: Palm Beach and Miami-Dade issued mosquito alerts after locally transmitted dengue fever cases were confirmed, urging residents to protect themselves during peak season. Health Watch: Florida reported nearly 100 more cyclosporiasis cases in the latest week, bringing the state total to 252 since June 1. Local Government & Growth: Palm Beach County rejected Project Tango’s AI data center over water-demand concerns, while Palm Beach Town Council urged residents to get involved in West Palm Beach’s development decisions amid traffic worries. Infrastructure: Indialantic says Brevard County will build a new wastewater lift station to replace an aging facility and improve reliability. Education & Policy: Florida Department of Education is considering AI classroom guideline changes that would let parents opt students in or out. Weather & Travel: South Florida cleanup continues after storms brought flooding and downed trees, and I-4 westbound lanes in Lakeland were closed after a crash with two critically injured people.

Keys & DUI Threats: A West Palm Beach man, Thomas Dominick Carlevale, was arrested in the Florida Keys after allegedly driving drunk, crashing into an off-duty deputy’s motorcycle, and threatening law enforcement. Polk County Shooting: An Uber driver, Larry Riles, was shot and killed by deputies after a tense standoff that included ramming patrol cars and a stolen gun being racked. Miami-Dade Crime Crackdown: Detectives arrested Sergio Leanesmartinez in West Miami-Dade tied to two storage unit burglaries worth more than $5,000. Plant City Case Still Unsolved: Three months after a Plant City family was killed, neighbors say they’re still waiting for answers as no arrest has been announced. Brightline Safety: A man was killed after walking into Brightline’s path near Lake Worth Beach. Public Health: Florida confirmed a locally transmitted dengue case in Palm Beach County, while health officials lifted a bacterial contamination advisory on Singer Island in Riviera Beach. Foodborne Outbreak Watch: Florida cyclosporiasis cases continue to climb, with Michigan reporting the first outbreak-related deaths. Trauma Care Innovation: Tampa General Hospital launched a drone delivery program for whole blood with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. Education & Back-to-School: Miami-Dade held its Children’s Trust Family Expo, and early voting opened in Orange County for the Aug. 18 primary. Politics: A lawsuit claims Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate James Fishback’s foundation owes a former student about $8,000 in promised debate scholarship winnings.

Politics & Elections: Early voting ramps up across Florida ahead of the Aug. 18 GOP primary, with Miami-Dade starting Monday and Duval voters able to vote in person starting Friday; Brevard voters also face an Aug. 6 5 p.m. deadline to request a mail ballot. Duval Schools: Duval County Public Schools plans new campus security upgrades for the 2026-27 year, including adding OPENGATE walk-through weapons detection at elementary schools and continuing armed safety officers, K-9 teams, and FortifyFL reporting. Brevard Public Safety/Crime: Two people were arrested after a West Melbourne toddler died following alleged kratom ingestion, and Brevard voters are also watching the Aug. 6 mail-ballot deadline. Health & Safety: A confirmed flesh-eating bacteria death in Florida is driving new warnings about Vibrio vulnificus risk in warm coastal waters. Space Coast: A discarded SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage is expected to impact the moon Aug. 5, and local officials say it could be visible to telescope users. South Florida Accidents: A crash in western Palm Beach County killed two and sent two others to the hospital, while Miami-Dade deputies arrested a driver accused of hitting a woman and fleeing, leaving her trapped under a pickup. Community: A Broward nonprofit held a back-to-school event in Hollywood for children in foster care, providing clothing and essentials.

Fatal Crash: Two people died and two more were seriously hurt in a three-vehicle semi-truck crash in South Bay along U.S. 27; a fuel leak was contained and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. Public Safety: In Islamorada, a West Palm Beach man was arrested after deputies say he hit an off-duty deputy’s motorcycle, fled, and threatened to kill officers; charges include DUI and assault. Violence Probe: Pinellas Park police are investigating a shooting aboard a PSTA bus; the victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and officials say there’s no ongoing threat. Health Watch: Florida reported record leprosy numbers, with 17 cases so far in 2026, mostly in central counties; health officials also confirmed a locally acquired dengue case in Miami-Dade and urged mosquito precautions. Weather: Rain and storms are forecast for the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast, with a flood advisory in effect until 2 p.m. Elections: Early voting starts Monday in Miami-Dade, with voting on paper and no internet connection. Space & Local Economy: Byron Donalds unveiled “Florida’s Space Race” to bring NASA headquarters to Brevard County. Housing & Community: Central Florida has 1,306 active price reductions, with 53.37% past 60 days; Palm Beach County’s “Stuff the Bus” drive aims to stock 36,000 backpacks for Title I students. Sports/Local Life: ICON Park in Orlando is tightening rules for unaccompanied minors amid “teen takeover” concerns.

Local Elections & Voting: Miami-Dade voters get a two-week early voting window ahead of the Aug. 18 primary, with 23 sites and changing daily hours, plus ballot drop-off options. Public Safety: A stray bullet sent a person to the hospital after it entered a Hillsborough County home; in West Palm Beach, a woman was arrested six months after a pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run. Road Rage/Speeding: A “super speeder” stop in Port St. Lucie led to an arrest tied to a deadly 2023 I-95 crash near Lantana. Crime & Courts: Orange County prosecutors secured a life sentence for a man convicted of brutal crimes against a 93-year-old; in Miami, influencer Courtney Clenney reached a plea deal to avoid a second-degree murder trial. Environment & Health: Hammerhead shark sightings along Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast sparked concerns, while Florida reported its first 2026 death from flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus. Housing & Buildings: Florida’s condo crisis deepened as thousands of buildings showed structural deterioration, with only a handful evacuated. Space Coast & Community: A Residence Inn is rising in Viera, and Brevard’s archery season prep and animal-care volunteer calls are underway.

Court Case: OnlyFans model Courtney Clenney reached a plea deal in the 2022 stabbing death of her boyfriend Christian Obumseli, with details set to be revealed at a sentencing hearing Aug. 10 in Miami-Dade. Public Safety: A Hillsborough County crash on SR-574 killed a 42-year-old man and seriously injured a 54-year-old pedestrian. Crime & Courts: In Brevard, deputies say Jadarius West crashed into a Port St. John home, forced entry, and stabbed two residents; he’s held without bond. Health Watch: Miami-Dade confirmed a locally acquired dengue case, and officials urged mosquito bite precautions. Weather: Heat advisories hit Miami-Dade and Broward with heat indexes above 105, plus afternoon storms. Local Life: United Way Miami volunteers packed nearly 1,000 backpacks for students ahead of the new school year. Transportation: Alligator Alley tolls go cashless Monday, with SunPass and Toll-By-Plate accepted. Animal News: Humane Society of Broward is seeking a home for Stewie, an active 1-year-old dog.

Tourism & Local Economy: Pinellas County logged a record $36 million in spring tourist development tax collections, driven by more event-focused travel and group trips that are helping fund beach recovery. Weather & Drought: Even with weekend showers and storms, Florida’s drought remains widespread, with most of the state still in drought and many stations running rainfall deficits. Keys Events: Key West Lobsterfest returns Aug. 5–9, expected to draw thousands and kick off the commercial spiny lobster season. Public Safety (Crash): A Tampa woman was arrested after allegedly fleeing a fatal crash that killed an 82-year-old pedestrian in Hillsborough. Public Safety (Crime): A funeral transportation worker in Palm Beach County is accused of stealing and pawning a deceased woman’s wedding rings. Courts & Accountability: A judge rejected a plea deal in an Orange County first-degree murder case, reigniting a fight between state prosecutors. Schools & Families: Florida’s kindergarten readiness report says only 44% of kids enter kindergarten ready to learn, while Hillsborough parents report back-to-school costs are rising. Housing/Community: MIAMI REALTORS + RWorld merged with the Treasure Coast group, expanding MLS coverage across five counties. Health & Immigration Impact: TPS changes for Haitian immigrants are already triggering layoffs that could disrupt summer travel and staffing at Florida workplaces.

Public Health: Florida confirmed its first 2026 death from Vibrio vulnificus (“flesh-eating” bacteria) in Palm Beach County, with 12 infections statewide so far this year; officials warn risk rises in warm coastal waters and through open wounds or raw/undercooked shellfish. Health Alerts: Hillsborough County reported a second locally acquired dengue case, with mosquito surveillance and response underway. Weather: Severe thunderstorms are moving through Central Florida, with heavy rain and localized flooding possible, plus heat advisories continuing for parts of Palm Beach County. Crime & Courts: A Canadian woman was arrested in Hillsborough after a traffic stop turned up a dozen fake driver’s licenses; in Lutz, a man was charged after a scuffle with deputies in a Publix parking lot. Public Safety: Two motorcyclists were arrested after fleeing a traffic stop in Brandon, tracked with aviation support. Consumer Watch: Publix expanded its frozen berry recall tied to a possible E. coli outbreak, widening beyond the initial lot. Local Life: Boynton Beach’s Soup Kitchen marked 10 years of Meals on Wheels, delivering hundreds of meals weekly to homebound seniors. Politics: Palm Beach Post editorial board endorsed candidates for Aug. 18 county commission races, urging voters to use early voting, vote-by-mail, or Election Day.

Education & Testing: A USA Today report says struggling Florida high schoolers are using the Classic Learning Test (CLT) to graduate, with critics arguing the math content can be “too easy” for students who still struggle with state algebra and English exams. Back-to-School Help: Hillsborough County’s Back 2 School Bash is set to hand out thousands of free backpacks and supplies at the fairgrounds. Public Safety—Crashes: Five people were critically hurt in a fiery Orange County multi-vehicle crash, and a Hillsborough hit-and-run that killed an 82-year-old has led to an arrest after the driver turned herself in. Health—Food & Disease: Publix expanded a recall of GreenWise frozen fruit tied to an E. coli outbreak, while Florida reported its first 2026 death from flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus in Palm Beach County. Health—Kratom Tragedy: In Brevard, a judge kept a father and his partner held without bond after a toddler’s death tied to alleged kratom ingestion. Transit & Budgets: Miami-Dade Mayor Daniela Levine Cava’s proposed budget would cut bus routes and reduce service times, raising concerns for thousands of riders. Immigration Enforcement: ICE is seeking to denaturalize and deport a Cuban-American convicted in a nearly $900,000 Medicare fraud case. Community & Culture: Naples continues adding glass art installations, including a new sculpture planned for Park Shore.

Miami-Dade Schools: The district and partner agencies staged an annual mass-casualty drill at John A. Ferguson Senior High, simulating a school shooting and testing the full alert-to-response system. Public Safety Tech: Police and prosecutors are still wrestling with automated license plate readers after new reports of alleged misuse in multiple states, including Florida. Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis keeps climbing in Florida, with 264 confirmed or suspected cases statewide and a county-by-county breakdown showing Miami-Dade, Orange, Broward, and Palm Beach among the highest. Weather: A heat advisory hit Palm Beach County (feels-like temps in the 100s) while separate flood advisories warned of heavy rain impacts in Brevard and Indian River areas. Local Crime: A Boynton Beach man faces hate-crime-enhanced charges after investigators say he pointed a gun at Burger King employees in Wellington and used a racial slur. Education Leadership: Miami-Dade School Board unanimously selected Rafael Villalobos as the next superintendent. Community & Events: West Palm Beach’s inaugural Banyan Dance Festival runs Aug. 3-8, and Key West’s Fantasy Fest 2026 kicks off Oct. 16.

Public Health: Florida health officials say cyclosporiasis cases may be undercounted, with 50 reported since May 1 and experts warning symptoms can be missed or not reported. Public Health: A leprosy surge in Florida—17 cases so far in 2026—is being linked by scientists to nine-banded armadillos, with officials urging people not to handle them. Brevard County Courts & Safety: Two adults face aggravated manslaughter charges after a 2-year-old died from kratom intoxication; investigators say they didn’t call 911 despite seizure-like symptoms. Brevard County Traffic: A Titusville man was arrested for DUI after allegedly striking a child on a bicycle, sending the child to the hospital with serious injuries. Space Coast: The FAA is proposing faster commercial space launch licensing by allowing some federal requirements to be waived, while experts debate keeping environmental protections. South Florida Weather Tech: A new radar installation is set to help close South Florida’s low-level storm detection gap. Real Estate: Broward home sales rose 21% in June as inventory fell, with high-end demand pushing prices up. Education: Miami-Dade school board unanimously selected Rafael Villalobos as the next superintendent. Local Mobility: Miami-Dade moved the Ludlam Trail into final design, even as full funding is still being assembled.