AGP Executive Report

Space & Defense: SpaceX is set to launch its Starfall orbital cargo capsule from Cape Canaveral, a test that could eventually support automated cargo and even military supply concepts. Real Estate & Risk: A federal probe into Surfside’s Champlain Towers South collapse says the failure began weeks before the 2021 collapse, with design-code gaps and later pool-deck alterations blamed for a slow-motion disaster. Higher Education Governance: UF’s Board of Trustees named Dr. Stuart Bell interim president, while trustees criticized State University System leadership for delaying the confirmation process. Tech & Infrastructure: American Tower is exploring a small-scale Edge data center near Tampa in Pinellas Park, aiming to meet demand for faster digital services. Local Business & Growth: Clay County Utility Authority rolled out a redesigned website and customer portal to speed service requests and improve access to utility information. Economy Watch: Florida’s unemployment rate held at 4.8% in May, with small-business hiring described as essentially flat. Construction & Courts: The 11th Circuit upheld contractor accountability in an I-4 Ultimate highway joint venture dispute tied to risk allocation and refusal to terminate a contract. Immigration Detention: Reports say operators at “Alligator Alcatraz” were told to begin full demobilization, raising questions about what comes next.

Retail Rollout: Winn-Dixie has finished converting eight Harveys Supermarkets to the Winn-Dixie banner—seven in Florida and one in Georgia—adding refreshed stores, expanded Hispanic offerings, and keeping the Winn-Dixie Rewards program. Immigration/State Ops: Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” migrant detention center is moving into full demobilization, with vendors told to begin winding down and the site set to reopen as a small pilot-training airport. Tech & Real Estate: St. Petersburg’s Carillon Park is being positioned as a “neutral zone” for tech-driven corporate travel and dealmaking, while Premier Sotheby’s named Janelle Duncan managing broker for its Lakewood Ranch office. Business Expansion: Lendmark Financial Services opened new branches in Casselberry and Winter Garden, plus a location in Gardendale, Ala., expanding its lending footprint. Local Governance/Development: Singer Island residents packed a meeting to challenge the Singer Island Gateway high-rise plan, citing traffic, water, stormwater, and environmental impacts. Workforce & Policy: A federal judge is expected to act after gubernatorial candidate James Fishback ignored court demands to disclose details tied to luxury spending.

Cuba-U.S. Tensions: Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez escalated attacks on Marco Rubio, accusing him of “chronic lying” and contradicting President Trump as Havana continues its sanctions-focused propaganda push. Miami Health & Safety: Fashion journalist Annie Estrin launched a public campaign honoring healthcare workers and first responders after a Paraiso Miami Swim Week injury led to emergency treatment and surgery. Florida Aging-Heat Relief: In Pensacola, AHEPA Senior Living received an anonymous $40,000 gift to replace aging cooling units for very low-income seniors ahead of peak summer temperatures. Florida Tech/Health Watch: A University of Florida-led study suggests a common joint supplement, glucosamine, may be linked to changes in aging brains, raising new questions for older adults. Local Business & Growth: Pinellas Park’s data center proposal remains in early stages, with officials and ratepayer advocates pushing for clarity on costs and process. Sports Business Angle: The Seattle Kraken acquired Mackie Samoskevich from the Florida Panthers, a reminder of how Florida’s pro sports talent pipelines keep reshaping regional business ecosystems.

Census Watch: Florida TaxWatch is forming a panel of business and community leaders to help ensure the 2030 U.S. Census count is accurate, citing past undercounts that cost the state federal dollars and political power. AI & Scams: A new report says TikTok’s default feed for brand-new users is heavily filled with AI-generated “slop,” with kids’ content hit hardest—raising fresh concerns for consumer protection. AI Regulation Clash: Anthropic is disputing a Trump administration move that yanked an advanced model and imposed an export ban after a jailbreak claim, highlighting how inconsistent AI rules could affect U.S. tech growth. Local Business Growth: A Fort Myers Beach food truck park and beer garden, Access 26, broke ground after rezoning approval, though it’s still tied to a neighbor lawsuit. Public Safety: A pedestrian was hospitalized after being struck by a Sunstar Paramedics ambulance in Palm Harbor; Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. Corporate Spotlight: Jabil, based in St. Petersburg, is outperforming the Nasdaq amid strong recent results and investor optimism. Sports Business: The Seattle Kraken acquired Florida Panthers forward Mackie Samoskevich in a trade that cost draft capital. Higher Ed Politics: New College of Florida is set to expand by taking over the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus, a move critics call an “anti-woke” grift.

Restaurant Expansion: Jack in the Box is returning to Brevard County with three planned openings in Cocoa, Melbourne and Palm Bay, signaling continued national fast-food growth in Central Florida. EV Dealmaking: Kintyre Holdings says it’s entering the EV market via a majority stake in an EV dealership, funded through new share issuance that dilutes existing shareholders. Banking Disruption: Bank of America customers reported a major digital outage, with mobile and online banking failing and users scrambling for access. Healthcare & IVF Oversight: A Florida IVF mix-up case is moving toward resolution as genetic parents and the intended parents reach an agreement over custody and contact. Public Finance/Infrastructure: Florida-based developer Rapta opened a regional headquarters in Orlando to support manufacturing, while other business moves highlight ongoing investment in the state’s construction and industrial base. Local Business & Equipment: Dynapac North America named Dynamic Equipment Group as its authorized compaction dealer across a large Florida territory, expanding sales, rentals, service and parts support. Energy/Climate Risk: Markets are watching a potential “Super El Nino,” with implications for power demand, crops and inflation—factors that can hit Florida’s insurance and energy planning.

Cuba’s Economic Overhaul: Cuban lawmakers adopted nearly 200 free-market reforms, including letting foreign investors buy stakes in state firms and easing joint-venture rules—an effort to pull the island back from crisis amid U.S. pressure. Florida Development Watch: Collier County is weighing a new proposal to rezone the South Naples Citrus Grove for a private golf course and up to 10 cabins, after earlier housing plans were rejected and residents raised concerns about urban creep. Retail Expansion: Dollar General plans to open about 450 new stores in 2026, leaning into small towns and rural areas as budget pressure keeps demand high. Healthcare Costs & Medicaid Billing: New data show Medicaid spending in Florida communities rising sharply in the “Temporary National Codes (Non-Medicare)” category, including big year-over-year increases in Miami Beach, North Miami, Boca Raton, and Spring Hill. Utility Bills Change: DeSantis signed a law ending a 25% out-of-boundary surcharge for many municipal utility customers, with the change set to take effect in 2027. Premium Travel Upgrade: PS opened PS MIA, a private luxury terminal at Miami International Airport inside the historic Pan Am headquarters.

Cuba’s Free-Market Push: Cuba approved sweeping reforms that would open more sectors to private and foreign investment, including for overseas Cubans—yet Miami-area lawmakers and exiles are skeptical the changes will last. MLB Religious Rights Clash: Florida’s AG is tied to a federal probe after MLB disciplined Giants pitchers over Bible references on Pride Night, raising fresh questions about religious expression and league rules. Florida Law Enforcement Fraud: Two former Florida Highway Patrol troopers face fraud charges after allegedly billing a ChampionsGate district for off-duty patrol shifts they never worked. Aviation Premium Moves: JetBlue is weighing a dedicated lounge at Fort Lauderdale airport as it leans harder into premium cabins and loyalty revenue. Real Estate & Growth in Central Florida: Clermont’s Downtown expansion is adding a new mixed-use district with hundreds of apartments aimed at boosting walkability and local business foot traffic. Hospitality Shakeout: On The Border’s operator filed for Chapter 7 liquidation, while franchise locations in Florida continue operating. Tech & Deals: Kintyre Holdings is entering the EV market via a partnership with Florida-based Rush Hour Engineering.

AI Power Crunch: FERC issued show-cause orders to six regional grid operators, pressing them to justify or revise rules for connecting huge new electricity users like AI data centers—an effort to speed access as demand surges. South Florida Housing: Miami-Dade home sales rose 7.9% year over year in May for a ninth straight month, with luxury segments and cash buyers driving the rebound. Local Government & Housing Finance: A new RFA seeks local government contributions for Nine Percent Housing Credits, signaling continued push to fund affordable housing projects. Energy & Grid Reliability: Florida Power & Light rolled out 2026 infrastructure upgrades across Broward and other areas, aiming to strengthen service ahead of storm season. Healthcare Costs Policy: A White House Council of Economic Advisers report argues that banning “anti-competitive” hospital contracting could cut hospital prices and lower insurance premiums. Immigration & Community Services: A Mam dialect translator in Florida was released from detention to spend two weeks with family before self-deporting to Guatemala. Public Safety & Local Business: Islamorada will keep a rideshare service but add a $2 fare, with village officials citing grant funding and resident concerns. Legal & Professional Accountability: A disbarred attorney pleaded guilty to stealing $30,000 from a client escrow account tied to a real estate deal. World Cup Watch: Authorities warned businesses and fans about World Cup-related scams, including fake ticket and travel sites.

Florida Courts & Crypto: The Florida Supreme Court barred a death-row inmate from filing a second state postconviction bid after a new-evidence deadline passed, while a Florida bitcoin fraudster’s team argued a resentencing violated constitutional due process in the 2nd Circuit. Aviation & Travel: Delta asked a Florida federal court to toss a Cuba airport trafficking suit, saying the claim was filed too late. Hospitality & Tourism: Pyramid Global Hospitality will take over management of South Seas on Captiva, overseeing food, golf, marinas and events at the 330-acre resort. Retail & Consumer Trends: City Furniture rebranded to City Home, signaling a shift toward end-to-end home categories beyond furniture. Real Estate: Tampa Fast Home Buyer says cash-and-as-is buyers are taking a bigger share of Florida closings as inventory and pricing dynamics cool. Labor & Business: A Florida-based caddie operator’s shift to employee status set up unionization momentum at Pebble Beach. Tech & Policy: Florida’s TikTok fight over minors’ access and child-safety rules continues to shape the state’s AI and platform accountability push. Health & Community: A grassroots Florida gubernatorial candidate called for banning medical debt and creating a direct-pay healthcare plan.

Silicon Valley Expansion: Suffolk hired Armond Balaian to lead and expand its Silicon Valley operations, betting on AI-driven demand for retrofits and new technical spaces. FAMU Leadership: Simone Marstiller was appointed dean of Florida A&M’s College of Law, aiming to strengthen the school with high-level state government experience. Florida Bar Power Shift: Jacksonville’s Michael Fox Orr will become the Florida Bar’s 78th president, with Paige Greenlee as president-elect. Property Tax Fight: A Leon County lawsuit challenges a Florida ballot measure aimed at boosting homestead exemptions, arguing the ballot language is misleading. Immigration Contract Costs: Florida still owes at least $603M tied to migrant detention and enforcement contracts, according to contract reviews. Housing Pressure: Harvard’s housing report flags slower household growth and affordability strain as high costs keep buyers and renters sidelined. Data Center Backlash: Escambia County considers a data center ban after residents protested and commissioners signaled openness to restrictions. Travel & Business: JetBlue expands Mint service from Fort Lauderdale, adding new daily flights to San Diego plus more to Los Angeles and San Francisco. Local Business Launch: The Dog Patch rolled out mobile dog grooming in Brandon. Tech for HOAs: Kaloop launched an AI community hub to help Florida condo and HOA residents search governing documents and get answers.

Amazon Expansion: Amazon opened a Deltona distribution center and immediately announced a second “Project Trinity” site next door, targeting 1,500+ jobs in a tight logistics cluster. Public Safety Tech: Motorola Solutions expanded its Assist AI for emergency response, aiming to speed call handling and improve clarity for dispatchers and responders. Rail Safety: Brightline says its $45M corridor upgrades cut incidents by 30% this year, including anti-trespass fencing and crossing redesigns. Local Government & Property: Everglades City Council pushed back on Collier County’s plan to buy waterfront land, arguing about taxes and blocking a proposed boat ramp; Collier’s preliminary property values fell nearly 6% year over year. AI & Privacy Debate: A Kansas City bus facial-recognition pilot is reigniting the fight over safety versus privacy. Immigration Detention: DHS says all detainees at “Alligator Alcatraz” were transferred as hurricane season approaches, while lawsuits continue. Retail Shakeout: Papa John’s plans to close hundreds of underperforming stores, including locations in Florida. Healthcare Costs: A new poll finds fewer Americans can afford quality healthcare, with affordability anxiety at record levels. Agriculture Biosecurity: USDA funding supports screwworm research and more inspectors as the threat spreads.

Insurance & Housing Costs: Insurify says Washington homeowners could see property insurance costs rise about 4% on average by end of 2026, underscoring how wildfire risk is pushing premiums higher. Florida PFAS Crackdown: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed HB 1019 to phase out AFFF firefighting foam statewide, with PFAS-linked water testing requirements. Tourism & Consumer Demand: Florida Dairy Farmers highlights how Disney World and SeaWorld partnerships are helping keep locally grown dairy front-and-center for visitors. Real Estate & Commercial Expansion: Illustrated Properties is launching a commercial real estate division led by Shane McCain, targeting investors and developers across Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast. Hospitality Sales Push: BWH Hotels created a global upscale/luxury sales team to expand WorldHotels demand, including in Orlando and Miami Beach. Local Business Moves: Calling All Dogs & Cats expands into North Orlando via a new franchise territory. Tech & AI Accountability: Florida’s OpenAI lawsuit continues to fuel debate over AI safety and transparency. Sports & Schools: Florida’s new law requires EKG heart screening for high school athletes starting the 2026-27 school year.

Insurance Relief: More than 40 insurers have filed rate decreases in Florida, with auto and homeowners seeing meaningful relief after 2023 reforms aimed at cutting claim costs and lawsuit abuse. Local Governance: Pasco County is moving toward a 12-month data center construction moratorium after residents raised concerns about noise, water use, flooding risk, and strain on power and wildlife. Retail Restructuring: West Marine is closing eight Florida stores as it restructures under Chapter 11, following earlier shutdowns including its Tallahassee location. Energy & Utilities: A new look at Florida’s utility rate history highlights how state AGs have largely stayed out of rate fights even as bills climbed sharply for major providers. Tech & Consumer Protection: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sued TikTok over alleged violations of the state’s child safety law, seeking platform changes and penalties. Business Expansion: Coke Florida opened an $84 million Orlando distribution center to boost capacity across Central Florida. Real Estate & Growth: Bainbridge Companies promoted Brian Doppelt to president as the multifamily firm pushes into its next development and acquisition phase. Sports Business: Pensacola welcomed its first Raising Cane’s location, signaling continued Panhandle expansion.

TikTok Legal Push: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed suit against TikTok over alleged violations of the state’s child-safety law, seeking an injunction and major penalties as the company says it’s suspending under-14 accounts and updating features. Casual Dining Shakeout: On The Border will close all company-owned U.S. locations after Chapter 11 and acquisition by Pappas Restaurants, while franchises—including in Florida—stay open. Local Utilities & Industry: Baker County is set to consider new utility rates for a private “Woodstock Utilities” system that could charge about three times the City of Macclenny’s rates, tied to a planned large industrial produce project. Public Health & Safety: Miami-Dade commissioners unanimously backed a new mental health center aimed at reducing jail cycles for people with severe untreated conditions. South Florida Business: West Marine filed for Chapter 11 and plans to close 59 stores, including eight in Florida. Energy & Infrastructure: J&J is committing more than $1B to expand vision manufacturing in Jacksonville, adding capacity and jobs. Food & Consumer Safety: Azuma Foods recalled Tako Wasabi-seasoned octopus in multiple states, including Florida, due to undeclared fish allergen. Sports & Community: Tampa leaders and Holocaust survivors renewed calls to cancel Ye concerts at Raymond James Stadium, citing antisemitism while the venue cites free-speech limits.

Space & Tech: SpaceX kept momentum on Florida’s Space Coast with another Starlink launch, while major Starship buildout continues—watching the 380-foot “Gigabay” assembly facility at Kennedy and LC-39A/LC-37 as a potential path to earlier Florida Starship flights. Energy & Utilities: FPL outlined 2026 upgrades in Sanford aimed at fewer outages and faster restoration, including main line strengthening, 189 miles of vegetation trimming, and thousands of pole inspections. Consumer & Health: Florida AG James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit against TikTok over minors’ access under HB3, alleging addictive design and misleading safety claims. Real Estate Finance: Lakewood Ranch Lending and a Central Florida brokerage team announced a combined referral/co-servicing push to speed investor and buyer financing through closing. Local Government & Housing: Jackson County commissioners added four members to the 2026 Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, shaping local affordable housing input. Business Restructuring: West Marine filed Chapter 11 and plans to close 59 stores, including Florida locations, as it restructures. Public Safety & Environment: Scientists are using sterile insect techniques to slow diseases like screwworm and mosquito-borne threats, raising questions about ecological safety and effectiveness.

TikTok in the crosshairs: Florida AG James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit accusing TikTok of violating the state’s online child protections law and misleading parents about harmful content, seeking damages and a finding the platform is a public nuisance. Tech & youth policy: The case leans on House Bill 3 requirements around under-14 accounts and parental consent for teens, while also alleging deceptive marketing about mature material. Space Coast momentum: Florida’s Space Coast logged a record 109 orbital launches in 2025; for the week of June 15, only one SpaceX Falcon 9 launch is listed, with Starlink liftoffs expected to drive much of the activity. Local governance & public dollars: Florida U.S. senators and Jewish leaders rallied against “Ye” at Raymond James Stadium, pressing Tampa Sports Authority to avoid public support for antisemitic rhetoric. Hospitality investment: JLL says luxury hotels are entering a “compelling” investment cycle as RevPAR outpaces pre-pandemic levels and capital markets align, with private equity driving a bigger share of deals. Retail shakeup: West Marine, headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, filed for Chapter 11 and plans to close 59 stores nationwide, including eight in Florida. Florida economy stress signal: A study using Google search behavior ranks Florida third for financially stressed residents, with searches concentrated around insurance and rent help. Animal health rules: Florida expanded restrictions on shelter pets from Texas and New Mexico to curb screwworm spread, tightening import rules for dogs and cats. Miami development buzz: Tech investor Bob Zangrillo is reviving a $3 billion Little Haiti mixed-use plan aimed at AI and finance companies, with offices, apartments, a hotel and retail. Space & defense industry: A report highlights the Constellation-class frigate program’s troubled procurement history, with Fincantieri leadership weighing in on the “Constellation class frigate debacle.”