AGP Executive Report

Tallahassee Shooting: Twelve people were injured, including six children, in gunfire near Florida A&M’s stadium during homecoming. Police say a fight preceded the shooting; no arrests had been announced by Sunday, and one victim remained in critical condition. Road Safety: A 23-year-old Road Ranger was killed early Sunday when a car entered a closed section of I-95 near Lantana Road and struck him, then an FHP cruiser. King Tides: Flooding hit South Florida streets, and Hollywood waived parking fees at two beach garages through Wednesday morning so residents can protect their cars. Florida Politics: Early voting is underway as the state’s governor and Senate races tighten. Insurance: Security First Insurance is cutting condo policy rates by an average 7.3% statewide, with Tampa Bay reductions of about 5% to 7%. Detention Conditions: Civil rights advocates say detainees have reported abusive conditions at Florida’s state-run “Deportation Depot,” a former prison near Jacksonville. Gulf Coast: Okaloosa County expects to sink the historic SS United States off Destin in November to create a major artificial reef.

FAMU Shooting: Twelve people were injured, including six children, in gunfire near Florida A&M’s stadium during homecoming weekend. Five have been released from hospital, six remain hospitalized and one is critical. Police say a fight preceded the shooting; no arrests have been announced. Midterm Politics: President Donald Trump voted early in Florida as campaigns enter the final stretch before Nov. 3. Florida’s governor and Senate races are tightening, while voters weigh a property-tax amendment that has sparked debate over local services and growth. Hurricane Recovery: Insured claims from Hurricane Isaias in Florida have climbed to nearly $582 million, with most filed in the Panhandle. Weather: Strong onshore winds and scattered showers are affecting Central Florida, with rough coastal conditions expected to persist.

Tallahassee Shooting: Eleven people, including six juveniles and an 11-year-old, were shot near Florida A&M’s stadium after Saturday’s homecoming game. One victim is in critical condition; police say the investigation is ongoing. Road Safety: Six people died when an SUV struck a Road Ranger truck on Florida’s Turnpike, authorities said. Midterm Campaign: Early voting is underway, and President Donald Trump cast his ballot in Palm Beach County. A new poll puts the Florida governor’s race within two points, with Byron Donalds at 49% and David Jolly at 47%. Miami Enforcement: The city says more than 300 units in a Brickell condominium were advertised as vacation rentals, though its permit allows only 30. The building faces a compliance deadline and possible daily fines.

Public Safety: Six people died in a fiery crash on the Florida Turnpike in Orange County after an SUV struck a Road Ranger truck, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Troopers are investigating. Midterm Campaign: At a Fort Myers rally, President Donald Trump threatened possible further strikes on Iran and said Cuba could be next; Republicans say he’ll return to Florida for a Daytona Beach rally Oct. 30. Ballot Questions: Amendment 3’s proposed property-tax cuts are drawing debate over local services, housing and water resources. A new poll found Florida Hispanic voters broadly support the measure, while Democrats have committed $5 million to José Javier Rodríguez’s attorney general campaign against Republican James Uthmeier. Weather: A low-pressure system is bringing strong winds and rain chances to central Florida, with coastal gusts forecast to top 50 mph Sunday and Monday.

Cuba Tensions: At a Fort Myers rally, President Donald Trump suggested U.S. warships returning from Iran could stop near Cuba, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Cubans seeking change to contact the CIA discreetly. Midterm Campaign: Trump backed Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds and Senate hopeful Ashley Moody as Florida voting continues; Democrat David Jolly and Senate candidate Angie Nixon campaigned in Tallahassee. Property Taxes: Florida’s Senate president came out against Amendment 3, which would cut property taxes, adding to debate over the impact on local services and budgets. Tampa Bay Economy: The Rays’ World Series run has filled some St. Petersburg hotels and vacation rentals, bringing a welcome boost during the region’s offseason. Southwest Florida Seafood: Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promoted an American-made seafood label, which local shrimpers hope will help them compete with imports.

Campaign Trail: President Donald Trump landed in Fort Myers for a rally backing Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, while protesters at FGCU called for affordability and an end to wars. Election Watch: More than 1.68 million Floridians had voted by Thursday, and reports of federal agents near polling sites prompted election supervisors to contact the FBI. Tax Debate: Amendment 3’s proposed property-tax relief is drawing warnings about possible cuts to local services, as well as support from Gov. Ron DeSantis. Utilities: Florida PSC staff recommended rejecting Duke Energy’s data-center plan, saying it could shift costs to households and small businesses; a final decision is expected Nov. 3. Storm Recovery: Hurricane Isaias has generated nearly 55,000 Florida claims and about $582 million in insured losses, mostly in the Panhandle. Medicare Fraud: A Fort Lauderdale telemedicine company owner was sentenced to 20 years in prison for a $46.2 million Medicare fraud scheme.

Public Health: Florida reported about 2,000 fentanyl-caused deaths in 2025, down from 4,962 in 2023. Gov. Ron DeSantis credited the state’s S.A.F.E. program, but the data show the decline—not what caused it. Election Watch: Early voting is underway as the governor’s race tightens. Election supervisors have reported federal agents near voting sites and contacted the FBI, while DeSantis campaigns for Amendment 3, a proposed homestead property-tax cut opposed by the Florida Senate president. Threats Against Lawmakers: A Boca Raton resident was arrested after allegedly threatening U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, who said he and his family are safe. Local Government: Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested on theft and fraud charges tied to alleged misuse of COVID relief funds. Wildlife: Bipartisan lawmakers are pushing to ban commercial sloth imports after at least 58 sloths died in connection with the failed Sloth World Orlando venture.

Election Watch: Florida’s governor’s race is tightening, with a new UNF poll showing Republicans Byron Donalds and Ashley Moody holding slim leads. Donalds campaigned in Sarasota as early voting got underway. Election officials also reported federal immigration agents near voting sites in Leon and Monroe counties and contacted the FBI. Transit: The state restored $200 million for the long-planned Miami-to-Aventura commuter train, fully funding its construction. Kissimmee: Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested on charges she misused COVID relief funds, including $50,000 for businesses tied to her family, authorities allege. Her lawyer says she is innocent. Weather: Heavy rain, strong winds and king tides could bring flooding to parts of Florida this weekend. Cape Coral: A state efficiency review identified a potential $3.8 million to $6.5 million in savings; the city manager said the review found no misuse of funds.

Kissimmee Scandal: Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested on grand theft and fraud charges. Prosecutors allege she and relatives received $50,000 through a COVID-relief program created under her administration. Election Watch: Early voting is underway as a UNF poll shows tight races: Byron Donalds leads David Jolly 49% to 47%, while Ashley Moody leads Angie Nixon 49% to 45%. Some county voter lookup tools were temporarily taken offline over security concerns. Insurance Oversight: Florida’s insurance commissioner ordered two companies to stop operating, alleging they sold insurance-related products without required state licenses. Property Tax Debate: Gov. Ron DeSantis campaigned in Miami for Amendment 3, which would expand homestead exemptions and set a path toward eliminating some property taxes; opponents warn cuts could strain local services. UCF Expansion: Orange County commissioners approved $46 million in tourist-tax funding for separate soccer and track venues at UCF. South Florida Safety: A Lauderhill police officer was arrested, accused of taking the identity and home of a man whose body he discovered during a welfare check.

Local Government: Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested on grand theft and organized fraud charges, Florida’s attorney general announced. The case adds scrutiny of COVID grant spending. Election 2026: Early voting is underway across South Florida and the Treasure Coast as gubernatorial candidates Byron Donalds and David Jolly make final campaign stops. Former President Bill Clinton joined Jolly, while President Donald Trump plans a Fort Myers rally with Donalds. Hope Florida Dispute: A judge declined to immediately block Democratic ads about the state charity, despite a Republican lawsuit and warnings from state attorneys about possible criminal charges against broadcasters. Public Safety: Florida executed William Reaves, 77, for the 1986 killing of an Indian River County deputy—its 18th execution this year. Seminole County also confirmed a locally acquired dengue case and urged residents to take precautions. Health: Gov. Ron DeSantis says fentanyl deaths have fallen nearly 60% in Florida since 2023.

Election 2026: More than 1 million votes have been cast in Florida’s midterms, as early voting continues and Republican Byron Donalds leads Democrat David Jolly in a tightening governor’s race. Hope Florida Dispute: A judge declined to immediately block Democratic ads about the charity’s grand jury investigation, while prosecutors warned some TV stations they could face criminal charges for airing them. Property Taxes: Amendment 3 would sharply expand homestead exemptions if approved, but local officials warn the lost revenue could strain funding for roads, fire protection and other services. Public Safety: A gunman shot at a family’s car on Interstate 10, injuring two children; investigators are seeking the shooter. Florida also confirmed a driver-license data breach tied to improperly stored police credentials. Fentanyl: Gov. Ron DeSantis says fentanyl deaths fell nearly 60% from 2023 to 2025, crediting the state’s SAFE grant program.

Castro Case: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier secured a no-bond arrest warrant charging former Cuban leader Raúl Castro with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder over the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes that killed four people. Mexico’s president called the move politically motivated; the charge remains an allegation. Election Watch: Early voting is underway in 34 Florida counties ahead of the Nov. 3 election. South Florida voters have until Thursday to request mail ballots, while Republican Byron Donalds leads Democrat David Jolly statewide but trails among Latino voters in a recent poll. Ad Fight: Republicans are suing to block Democratic ads about the Hope Florida controversy, raising a fight over whether TV stations can air them. Data Breach: Florida officials say a breach exposed driver’s license information after records were improperly stored by a local police department. Public Safety: A 71-year-old fisherman was killed in an alligator attack near Lake Apopka, the second fatal alligator attack in Florida this year.

Public Safety: Suspicious letters sent to Florida congressional offices—including Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s office—tested negative for hazardous materials as a nationwide investigation expands. Cuba Case: Florida has issued an arrest warrant for former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, accusing him of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder in the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes that killed four men. Election Fight: Early voting is underway, and the Republican Party of Florida is suing to block a Democratic ad about the Hope Florida controversy, seeking penalties for stations that air it. Governor’s Race: Democrat David Jolly attacked Republican Byron Donalds over data-center growth, calling for a one-year pause on hyperscale projects; Donalds says restrictions could deter investment. Coastal Conditions: Flooding, high winds and waves have closed parts of Playalinda Beach, including road access and trails. Hurricane Recovery: The state is arranging temporary shelter and first-responder help for Hurricane Isaias survivors while seeking federal disaster aid.

Raúl Castro Warrant: Florida has issued a state arrest warrant for the former Cuban leader over the 1996 shootdown of two civilian planes that killed four people. Midterm Voting: Early voting is underway in parts of Florida; voters who want mail ballots must request them by 5 p.m. Oct. 22. Hope Florida Fallout: The state GOP is seeking to block a campaign ad about the alleged diversion of $10 million in Medicaid settlement funds, threatening TV stations with criminal prosecution if they air or report on it. Data Breach: Florida’s motor vehicles agency says more people may have been affected by its September cyberattack, which may have exposed driver’s license and vehicle records. Campus Safety: No public college or university has adopted Florida’s new program allowing trained employees to carry guns on campus, despite the law taking effect nearly five months ago. Alligator Attack: A 71-year-old fisherman was killed at a Winter Garden park; officials captured and killed an 11-foot, 8-inch alligator believed responsible.

Midterm Watch: Early voting opened Monday in Tampa Bay and Palm Beach County, with dates and locations varying by county. Floridians will choose a governor, U.S. senator and other officials on Nov. 3. Castro Warrant: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier says the state has secured a no-bond arrest warrant for former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, accusing him of conspiring in the 1996 shootdown that killed four men. Hope Florida Inquiry: An appeals court ordered Leon County State Attorney Jack Campbell to explain under oath how a grand jury report on the controversy was leaked. Fatal Attacks: A nearly 12-foot alligator killed Winter Garden fisherman Steven Hamilton, 71, at a park near Lake Apopka. Separately, a Central Florida store owner was charged with murder after police say he deliberately struck a 14-year-old bicyclist, who later died.

Election Watch: Early voting begins Monday in many Florida counties, with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ successor and the Senate seat once held by Marco Rubio among the top races. Voters will also weigh Amendment 3, a property-tax proposal that critics warn could squeeze local services. Wildlife: A 71-year-old fisherman was killed by a nearly 12-foot alligator at Lake Apopka, the state’s second fatal alligator attack this year. Researchers also found seeds—including invasive plant species—in Burmese pythons removed from the Everglades, raising concerns the snakes may help spread plants. Gators: Florida rallied from 14 points down to upset No. 7 Texas 27-24, earning its first road win over a top-10 team since 2012. Storm Recovery: Florida is seeking federal disaster aid after Hurricane Isaias, while the IRS extended affected residents’ tax deadlines to Feb. 8, 2027. Technology and Children: A federal appeals court cleared Florida to enforce its law restricting minors’ social media use; the state attorney general has also sued Discord over alleged failures to protect children.