AGP Executive Report

Election Fallout: Byron Donalds narrowly defeated David Jolly to become Florida’s first Black governor, keeping the governor’s office Republican as Democrats swept control of Congress and won a majority of governorships nationwide. Republicans retained Florida’s other major statewide offices and the Legislature, but lost their House supermajority. Gov. Ron DeSantis called the national losses a “deep hole” for Republicans and credited Amendment 3 with helping turn out Florida voters. Property Taxes: Voters approved Amendment 3 with 62% support, expanding homestead exemptions to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. Homeowners could see large savings, but local governments may lose billions in revenue, raising concerns about public services; renters receive no direct tax benefit. Learjet Crash: Investigators found pieces of the jet’s left tail elevator as far as 3.8 miles from the Palm Beach County crash site that killed nine people. The NTSB is examining whether it broke away before impact or was torn off by crash forces.

Election Results: Byron Donalds defeated David Jolly to become Florida’s first Black governor, while Republican Ashley Moody retained her U.S. Senate seat. Democrat Pia Dandiya flipped the newly drawn 22nd Congressional District, and Republicans fell short of expected gains in several Florida House races. Property Taxes: Voters passed Amendment 3, expanding homestead exemptions for non-school taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028; critics warn the cuts could squeeze local budgets. Amendments 1 and 2 failed. Flooding: Historic rain prompted a state of emergency in seven counties, disrupted schools and polling sites, and left two people dead as hundreds were rescued. Plane Crash: Investigators say the Learjet that crashed in South Florida, killing all nine aboard, may have broken apart midair; the NTSB investigation continues.

Election Day: Floridians are voting in the governor’s race, a U.S. Senate contest and local races, with results still pending. Flooding forced polling-place changes in several counties, so voters were urged to check their locations. Flood Emergency: DeSantis declared an emergency in seven counties after torrential rain flooded communities, prompted rescues and closed schools. Learjet Crash: Investigators say the jet that killed nine in Palm Beach County may have broken apart in midair. The NTSB is examining severe weather and icing as possible factors. Key West Governance: City commissioners will consider spending $75,000 on an independent investigation into allegations about City Manager Brian Barroso’s conduct. Death Penalty: DeSantis set Dec. 1 as the execution date for Ricardo Gonzalez, convicted of killing a North Miami Beach police officer during a 1992 bank robbery.

Deadly Crash: Investigators say the Learjet that crashed in Palm Beach County, killing all nine aboard, may have begun breaking apart midair. The crew reported ice and turbulence before a rapid descent; the NTSB is examining weather and possible mechanical issues. Governor’s Race: Florida voters choose between Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly in a contest testing the state’s conservative shift. High prices and homeowners insurance costs have been key issues. Election Day Disruptions: DeSantis declared a state of emergency in seven counties after heavy rain and flooding. Local election supervisors can move polling places, so voters in affected areas should check for changes. Property Tax Vote: Amendment 3 would expand the homestead exemption, offering homeowners relief but potentially reducing local government revenue and affecting public services.

Fatal Palm Beach Crash: A Learjet plunged into a South Florida neighborhood Sunday, killing all nine aboard and damaging nearby infrastructure; about 600 residents were evacuated. Investigators are probing the cause after the crew reported icing and turbulence. The co-pilot was identified as 20-year-old Nathalia Filgueiras, who earned her pilot’s license at 17. Election Day: Florida voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose a governor, U.S. senator and local officials, and decide ballot amendments. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; voters must go to their assigned precinct and bring valid photo ID. Heavy Rain: Flooding remains a concern across Central Florida after downpours topped 18 inches in some areas. A flood watch was issued, and Brevard County schools canceled classes. Kissimmee Government: Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Mayor Jackie Espinosa after her arrest on charges tied to alleged misuse of federal COVID relief funds for businesses connected to her and her family.

Deadly Palm Beach County Crash: A Learjet 60 plunged into a Greenacres neighborhood Sunday, killing all nine aboard and leaving a crater beside Military Trail. About 600 residents were displaced as roads and nearby infrastructure were damaged. The FAA and NTSB are investigating; the pilot reported icing and turbulence before the plane’s rapid descent. Florida State: FSU fired football coach Mike Norvell after a loss to Clemson, ending his seven-season tenure. Rick Stockstill will serve as interim coach; the school faces a buyout of nearly $50 million. Election Watch: Florida’s early-voting sites recorded nearly 3.3 million ballots ahead of Tuesday’s midterms. Flood Threat: A flood watch remains in effect for parts of Central and South Florida, with heavy rain raising concerns through Monday.

Florida Election: With Election Day approaching, Gov. hopeful Byron Donalds leads Democrat David Jolly by a narrow margin, while Republicans are uneasy: their early-vote advantage is just 3 points, despite an 11-point registration edge. Affordability, insurance and schools are key campaign issues. Ballot Measures: Voters will decide three constitutional amendments, including a sweeping property-tax proposal and changes to the state’s budget reserve; local officials warn the tax measure could squeeze city and county services. Weather: Heavy rain could bring 3 to 4 inches to parts of Central Florida through Monday, raising localized flooding concerns as king tides also affect coastal areas. Public Health: DeSantis’ administration is moving to drop four childhood vaccine requirements for school and daycare, with a hearing set for December that could allow changes before he leaves office.

Election 2026: Florida voters decide three constitutional amendments Tuesday, including a higher homestead exemption, farm-property tax relief and a larger state stabilization fund. Each needs 60% approval. The governor’s candidates and campaigns across the state are making their final appeals as Election Day nears. Health Coverage: Obamacare enrollment for 2027 opens Sunday. Average monthly premiums are set to rise 10.4%, before subsidies; Floridians can enroll through Dec. 15 for coverage starting Jan. 1. Coastal Flooding: King tides continue to flood low-lying streets in the Keys and along the Atlantic coast. Forecasters warn Sunday’s rain could worsen flooding before waters recede. Public Safety: A 12-year-old boy died and four other children and an adult were seriously hurt in a head-on crash near Pierson. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. College Football: Georgia beat Florida 27-8 in Atlanta, forcing four turnovers and extending its winning streak in the rivalry to six games.

Election Watch: More than 4.2 million Floridians have voted early, with turnout rising as voting sites close this weekend. The governor’s race between Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly is drawing fresh attention, while voters also weigh a property-tax amendment that could ease homeowners’ bills but squeeze local budgets. Kissimmee Government: Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Mayor Jackie Espinosa after her arrest on charges tied to $50,000 in COVID-era grants; Vice Mayor Angela Eady is serving as mayor. Transportation: Florida completed its first electric air-taxi demonstrations, including a test flight from St. Petersburg to Tampa International Airport, as the state promotes advanced air mobility. Environment: A new proposal has raised concerns about threats to Florida’s wetlands, while king tides continue to flood parts of South Florida. College Football: The Florida-Georgia rivalry moved from Jacksonville to Atlanta this year because of stadium renovations, leaving Jacksonville businesses to feel the loss of a major game-day crowd.

Election Watch: More than 4.2 million Floridians have voted early, with turnout surging in Southwest Florida and the Republican lead far narrower than at this point in 2022. Campaign Trail: President Donald Trump rallied in Daytona Beach for gubernatorial nominee Byron Donalds and Senate candidate Ashley Moody, urging Republicans not to get complacent. Voters are also weighing Amendment 3, a property-tax proposal that supporters say could ease homeowners’ costs while critics warn it may squeeze local budgets. Rural Health: Florida’s 45 rural-health groups will receive $193.7 million in federal funding for services including telemedicine, remote monitoring and community paramedics. Coastal Flooding: King tides have inundated streets and homes in parts of South Florida and the Keys.

Midterm Watch: Nearly 4 million Floridians have voted early or by mail, with Republicans narrowly ahead in ballots cast. A new poll puts governor candidates Byron Donalds at 48% and David Jolly at 44%, as both parties make a final push before Tuesday. Ballot Stakes: Amendment 3 promises property-tax relief for homeowners, but critics warn it could squeeze local budgets and school funding, and raise costs for renters. Data Breach: Florida’s Department of Education says a breach may have exposed personal information belonging to 4.9 million people, including Social Security numbers. Coastal Conditions: King tides are flooding streets in the Keys and along the east coast, while Halloween weekend brings rain and coastal-flood concerns. State health officials also advised against water activities at Sebastian Inlet North State Park after tests found elevated bacteria.

Election 2026: Florida’s early-voting period ends this weekend in most counties, with Election Day set for Nov. 3. Gov. candidates Byron Donalds and David Jolly are campaigning across the state as the race tightens. Amendment 3: The proposed property-tax break could squeeze local budgets, with nonprofits warning of effects on family services and a study projecting renters may face higher costs if tax rates rise to offset lost revenue. Education Data Breach: The Florida Department of Education says a breach may have exposed personal information belonging to 4.9 million people. Coastal Flooding: King tides have brought unusually high water and road flooding to the Keys and other coastal communities; warnings remained in effect through Friday. Disaster Aid: Federal individual assistance was approved for residents in eight Florida counties affected by Hurricane Isaias.

Governor’s Race: A New York Times–Siena poll gives Republican Byron Donalds a 48%-44% lead over Democrat David Jolly, with Election Day less than a week away. Republican Sen. Ashley Moody leads Democrat Angie Nixon by six points. Coastal Flooding: King tides are flooding streets, homes and businesses along Florida’s east coast, with warnings lasting through Friday. Water Projects: Gov. Ron DeSantis awarded $100 million for water-quality and supply projects, including springs restoration. Public Safety: A Lee County gambling investigation led to 10 arrests and the seizure of 239 illegal slot machines, cash, vehicles and other assets. College Sports: The Big 12 fined UCF $100,000 after discriminatory chants aimed at BYU fans, directing the money to student education initiatives.

Election 2026: Florida’s governor’s race remains tight as Byron Donalds and David Jolly make final appeals, with affordability and insurance among voters’ top concerns. More than 3.5 million ballots have been cast early. Coastal Flooding: Record king tides are swamping South Florida streets and homes, renewing concerns about erosion and flood defenses. Water and Health: Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $100 million for water-quality and supply projects, while Florida was awarded $193.7 million in federal rural health funding. Business Costs: Florida’s small-group health insurance rates are set to rise an average 12.9% in 2027, adding pressure on employers. Miami Politics: Brazil’s defeated presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro landed in Florida and said he would lead the opposition from the U.S., drawing attention to Miami’s role in the unfolding political dispute.

Election Countdown: More than 3.5 million Floridians have voted early, with Republicans holding a narrow lead. With Election Day a week away, gubernatorial candidates held separate rallies in Tallahassee as polls show a close race. Coastal Flooding: King tides are swamping parts of South Florida, while rough surf and dangerous rip currents persist along the Central Florida coast. Transit: Miami-Dade’s commuter rail plan regained $200 million in proposed state funding, but formal approval and agreements on rail access and operating costs remain outstanding. Public Safety: A 15-year-old is expected to be charged as an adult after a shooting near Florida A&M’s stadium wounded 12 people, including six children. Child Welfare: An Osceola County mother faces four child-endangerment counts after deputies say she left her children home while traveling to Las Vegas; one child was hospitalized after an injury. State Government: Florida is suing climate-risk firm First Street over its home-risk scores, alleging the company markets fear.

Election Countdown: More than 2.8 million Floridians had voted early or by mail by Monday, with Democrats narrowly ahead in turnout. Candidates for governor and U.S. Senate are making their final pitches before Nov. 3; early voting runs through Sunday. Coastal Flooding: King tides, strong winds and rough seas have flooded low-lying areas of South Florida, while Southwest Florida’s drought has prompted one-day-a-week watering restrictions through March 31. Climate Risks: Florida is suing home-risk modeler First Street, alleging its property scores rely on flawed science and unfairly harm homeowners. Public Safety: A 15-year-old was arrested after a shooting near Florida A&M’s stadium injured 12 people. In Osceola County, a mother faces child-neglect charges after deputies found her four children, ages 9 to 14, home alone while she was away in Las Vegas. Health: Seminole County is stepping up mosquito treatments after another locally acquired dengue case.