AGP Executive Report

Legal Fight: Two women sued former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, alleging he took part in a sex-trafficking scheme involving young women; Gaetz denies the claims and says he will fight them in court. Child Safety: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sued Discord over alleged failures to protect children, citing more than 2,100 predator arrests tied to the app. A federal appeals court also cleared Florida to enforce its law restricting minors’ social media use while the legal fight continues. Election 2026: Support for Amendment 3, which would expand homestead property-tax exemptions, has slipped in recent polls and appears short of the 60% needed to pass. Hurricane Recovery: Isaias has killed six people in Florida, and thousands of Panhandle customers were still without power as crews continued repairs; the state has also opened recovery aid for affected businesses. Cold Case: A Florida man was arrested in the 2011 disappearance of his former fiancée, hours after the pair appeared on “People’s Court.”

Property Tax Vote: Amendment 3 would sharply raise Florida’s homestead exemption, but a new poll found support at 53%—below the 60% needed to pass. Critics warn local services, including fire protection and flood control, could lose funding. Youth Social Media: A federal appeals court cleared Florida to enforce its restrictions on minors’ social media accounts; Attorney General James Uthmeier has also sued Discord over alleged failures to protect children. Deportation Depot: Two detainees were mistakenly released from the Baker County facility because of an administrative error, then found and returned to custody. The state says it is reviewing what happened. Cold Case: Orlando police arrested Dale Smith Jr. in the 2011 disappearance and presumed killing of his ex-fiancée Michelle Parker, whose body has never been found. Hurricane Recovery: Isaias has killed six people in Florida, while crews have restored power to most customers. The state announced $1 million in tourism marketing for the storm-hit Panhandle. Legal Fight: Former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz is among defendants named in a civil sex-trafficking lawsuit. The allegations have not been proven, and Gaetz denies wrongdoing.

Election Stakes: Florida’s Amendment 3 would sharply raise homestead exemptions on non-school property taxes, but local leaders and firefighters warn that lost revenue could squeeze public services. With the Nov. 3 vote approaching, debates are focusing on the trade-off between homeowner relief and funding for local government. Cold Case: An Orlando man has been charged with second-degree murder in the 2011 disappearance of his former fiancée, Michelle Parker, who has never been found. He is presumed innocent. Youth Online: A federal appeals court cleared Florida to enforce its law restricting social media accounts for children under 14 and requiring parental permission for those under 16. Storm Recovery: Hurricane Isaias has left six people dead in Florida; FPL says power is back for 95% of its customers as recovery continues. Florida Waters: Stone crab season opens Thursday in the Keys, bringing a new harvest—and uncertain prices for small-scale fishers. Tampa is also offering homeowners rebates of up to $3,000 to replace thirsty lawns with water-saving native landscaping.

Hurricane Recovery: Power has returned to 95% of customers hit by Hurricane Isaias, but six deaths have been confirmed. Florida has opened supply sites and announced nearly $27 million for rural recovery and infrastructure. Property Tax Fight: Voters face a November decision on Amendment 3, which would expand homestead exemptions. Supporters promise tax relief; sheriffs and local officials warn it could squeeze funding for police, fire and other services, while polls remain divided. Jacksonville Oversight: Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued another subpoena to the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, seeking records on contracts, executive travel, sponsorships and communications involving Mayor Donna Deegan and agency leaders as JTA grapples with a $39 million shortfall. South Florida Businesses: The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce says immigration raids and fear are contributing to sales drops of 40% to 45% in parts of Miami-Dade, affecting restaurants, hotels, agriculture and construction. Gators: Quarterback Aaron Philo could miss Saturday’s game at No. 7 Texas with a shoulder injury; sophomore Tramell Jones would make his first career start if Philo can’t play.

Hurricane Recovery: Florida’s Isaias death toll has risen to six, including deaths linked to a failed traffic signal and interruptions to medical care. Thousands were still without power in the Panhandle as recovery continued. Property Tax Vote: Amendment 3 would sharply increase Florida’s homestead exemption, but polls disagree on whether it can clear the 60% approval threshold. Critics warn the cuts could strain local services, including libraries and emergency response. Governor’s Race: Polls offer sharply different pictures of the contest between Byron Donalds and David Jolly, from a Donalds lead to a tie; Jolly says undecided Black voters could prove pivotal. Local Government: Broward commissioners voted to pursue legal action to access the sheriff’s headquarters amid a dispute over spending and records. Technology and Business: A state-backed report says Florida could become a hub for quantum technology, citing its space and military infrastructure. Death Penalty: Florida executed James Robertson, its 17th execution this year.

Hurricane Recovery: Florida continues cleanup after Hurricane Isaias, with more than 100,000 customers still without power. Insured property losses could reach $1 billion to $2 billion, according to Verisk. Governor’s Race: David Jolly and Byron Donalds are competing for Black voters as they campaign across Florida. Jolly says he would protect some diversity programs through executive action, setting up a possible clash with state law. Census Stakes: A proposed federal rule excluding undocumented immigrants and most other noncitizens from the next census could cost Florida billions in aid or a House seat, advocates warn. Social Media Rules: Florida is asking a judge to bar children under 14 from Instagram and Facebook and impose an overnight lockout for teens. Death Penalty: The state scheduled its 17th execution of the year for Tuesday, for an inmate who killed his cellmate. Space Coast: SpaceX launched a cargo mission to the International Space Station from Cape Canaveral, lighting up Florida skies with a glowing “space jellyfish” plume.

Hurricane Recovery: Four people died in Hurricane Isaias, and about 122,000 Floridians were still without power as crews worked to restore service across the Panhandle. State officials are warning storm victims about insurance scams, while Florida has opened interest-free loans of up to $100,000 for affected businesses. School Contract Probe: Attorney General James Uthmeier plans to investigate Broward County Public Schools’ multimillion-dollar technology contracts after a watchdog alleged bidding failures and efforts to steer business to a vendor. Governor’s Race: Democrat David Jolly is pitching trust and bipartisan cooperation as he campaigns against Trump-backed Republican Byron Donalds, with both candidates seeking support from Black voters and disaffected Republicans. Death Penalty: Florida is set to execute James Robertson on Tuesday for killing his cellmate in 2008; Gov. Ron DeSantis recently withdrew the death warrant for another inmate, William Lee Thompson. Tourism Spending: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is proposing more than $800 million in tourist-tax funding for local projects, including $46 million for a UCF soccer stadium and track facility.

Hurricane Recovery: Hurricane Isaias killed four people in Florida and left about 670,000 customer accounts without power at its peak. More than 149,000 remained out Monday as crews worked to restore service. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced $10 million in interest-free loans for storm-hit small businesses. Health Care: Roughly 50,000 Southwest Florida patients could lose in-network access to Lee Health doctors and hospitals on Jan. 1 if the system and UnitedHealthcare fail to reach a deal. Patients face difficult choices as open enrollment begins. Florida Politics: Polls show Republicans Byron Donalds and Ashley Moody leading their Democratic challengers in the governor’s and Senate races, though some surveys show close contests. Federal Case: Colombian businessman Alvaro Pulido Vargas was arrested in Florida and is due in federal court over alleged money laundering tied to Venezuelan government bribery schemes.

Hurricane Recovery: Isaias left at least four people dead and widespread damage across the Florida Panhandle. Hundreds of thousands of customers remained without power as crews worked to restore service and clear roads. The state activated $10 million in zero-interest loans for affected small businesses, and county debris pickups are set to begin Oct. 14. Ports Reopen: The Coast Guard is assessing damage around Destin, Panama City and Pensacola as it works to restore maritime traffic after the storm. South Florida Arrest: U.S. authorities arrested Colombian businessman Álvaro Pulido Vargas in South Florida over alleged bribery and money laundering tied to Venezuelan government programs. He faces federal charges in two cases involving billions of dollars. Housing Market: Central Florida had 1,418 listings with reduced asking prices across four counties, up 42 from the previous week; more than half had been on the market for over 60 days.

Storm Recovery: Hurricane Isaias killed two people in Florida and knocked out power to hundreds of thousands. Duke Energy says it has restored most service, with about 2,200 North Florida customers still without power. Officials warn that recovery brings new hazards, including carbon monoxide from generators; an insurance assistance hub has opened in Destin. Public Safety: A Brevard County homicide agent and another person died in a head-on crash on I-95 as the agent responded to a fatal deputy-involved shooting. Election Rules: Pasco County voters were shut out of two November contests after write-in candidates dropped out days after the primary, renewing calls to close Florida’s “write-in loophole.” State Accountability: An appeals court ordered a grand jury report about $10 million from a Medicaid settlement and the Hope Florida Foundation expunged, ruling the panel exceeded its authority. Youth Safety: A Florida AAA survey found two-thirds of adults have seen children ride e-bikes or e-scooters without helmets; 83% support helmet requirements.

Hurricane Recovery: Isaias killed two people in Florida and two in Alabama, damaged homes and left hundreds of thousands without power. Florida has activated about 5,000 National Guard members, while roughly 16,000 utility workers are ready to restore service. Gov. Ron DeSantis warned that flooding remains a concern as cleanup continues. Dengue Cases: Florida reported 44 new locally acquired cases, bringing its 2026 total to 296. Broward is now the eighth county with local spread, and the state expanded mosquito-borne illness advisories. Water Safety: A wastewater release prompted a health advisory for Toms Bayou near Valparaiso; officials say drinking water is unaffected and advise residents to avoid contact with the waterway.

Hurricane Recovery: Isaias weakened to a post-tropical cyclone after making landfall near Destin as a Category 2 storm, but damage, outages and flood risks remain across the Panhandle. Officials report two deaths from falling trees, including one in Escambia County, and about 448,000 Florida utility accounts were without power Saturday morning. Crews are working to restore service; forecasters warn of more heavy rain and possible tornadoes. Water Quality: Florida added 41 waterways in Charlotte, Lee and Collier counties to its polluted-waters list. Bacteria linked to human and animal waste were the most common concern; the state will set pollution limits for the affected waters. Federal Case: A 26-year-old Jacksonville man pleaded guilty to kidnapping a Portland resident in a 2023 plot that left the victim beaten and robbed of about $128,000 in cryptocurrency. Sentencing is scheduled for January.

Hurricane Isaias: The Category 2 storm came ashore near Destin with 105 mph winds, flooding and widespread damage across the Panhandle. About 409,000 Florida customers were without power late Friday, and the National Guard has deployed roughly 5,000 members. Isaias is moving inland and weakening, but officials warn residents to stay off flooded roads; FEMA has approved emergency assistance for Florida. State Oversight: Florida’s attorney general will investigate Broward schools’ handling of student laptop contracts after a district watchdog found procurement problems. Separately, records show state agencies paid private lawyers as officials fought a grand jury inquiry into the Hope Florida program. Florida A&M: The Rattlers snapped a four-game skid with a 28-27 road win over Alabama State, blocking a field goal as time expired.

Hurricane Emergency: Category 3 Hurricane Isaias is bearing down on the Florida Panhandle, with 120-mph winds and landfall expected near Pensacola Friday evening. Evacuation orders are in effect in several counties, and officials warn of storm surge up to 9 feet, flooding and prolonged power outages. Death Penalty: Gov. Ron DeSantis withdrew the death warrant for 74-year-old William Lee Thompson, whose lawyers raised concerns about dementia and failing health. A separate execution scheduled for Tuesday remains in place. School Health: Florida health officials heard sharply divided testimony on a proposal to drop four vaccine requirements for students, including shots for chickenpox and hepatitis B. State Politics: An appeals court ordered the Hope Florida grand jury report expunged; DeSantis called the ruling a victory. Sports Betting: The Seminole Tribe sued DraftKings, alleging the prediction-market company is offering illegal sports betting in Florida.

Hurricane Isaias: The Category 2 storm is expected to reach the Florida Panhandle late Friday, bringing dangerous surge, heavy rain and strong winds. DeSantis declared emergencies in 25 counties as officials ordered evacuations, opened shelters and mobilized rescue teams. Hope Florida: A state appeals court ordered the expungement of a grand jury report alleging $10 million in misused taxpayer funds. DeSantis called the ruling a victory and criticized media coverage. School Vaccines: Florida is moving to end four school and child-care vaccine requirements, drawing objections from doctors and advocates at a state hearing. Sports Betting: The Seminole Tribe sued DraftKings, alleging the company violated Florida’s exclusive sports-betting rights.

Hurricane Isaias: Florida has declared emergencies in 25 counties as the Category 1 storm heads toward the northern Gulf Coast, with dangerous surge, flooding and strong winds possible. Evacuations are underway in some areas, and Miami-Dade’s search-and-rescue team is in Tallahassee. Hope Florida Fallout: After an appeals court ordered a critical grand jury report expunged, Gov. Ron DeSantis called for those behind its leak to be prosecuted; Attorney General James Uthmeier said the matter is under review. Social Media: Florida is asking a judge to restrict Meta’s Facebook and Instagram for young users, including barring children under 14 and limiting teens’ use. Meta disputes the state’s case. Sports Betting: The Seminole Tribe has sued DraftKings, alleging it offers illegal sports betting in Florida without a state license. Public Health: Dengue cases are surging across the state, with reports describing Florida’s outbreak as the largest in decades. November Ballot: Voters will also decide amendments addressing state reserves and tax breaks for agricultural property.