AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Education: Florida’s Department of Education is proposing a rule that would require proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful status for admission to public colleges, a move immigrant advocates say would effectively block undocumented students from higher education and state benefits. Federal Power & Civil Liberties: The U.S. Senate failed to extend a key warrantless FISA surveillance program, with seven Republicans joining Democrats as the June 12 deadline nears—an issue Florida’s GOP leaders have been watching closely. Florida Politics & Elections: With qualifying days away, 25 Florida House races are still uncontested by one of the two major parties, raising questions about competitiveness in several tight districts. Gun Violence & World Cup Security: A shooting near England’s FIFA World Cup base camp in Kansas City left nine injured, underscoring ongoing concerns about public safety as the tournament approaches. Space & Jobs: NASA has appointed Brian Hughes as senior director of launch operations, placing him in a de facto leadership role at Kennedy Space Center amid surging launch demand. Local Governance: St. Pete is set to explore dumping Duke Energy for a city-run electric utility, a major shift in how power could be managed locally. Cuba Policy: Reports say two Cubans in Cape Coral were deported to Cuba despite active legal challenges, fueling fresh scrutiny of U.S. immigration enforcement. Property Taxes Backdrop: The week’s coverage also kept circling Florida’s looming property tax amendment fight, with officials warning about service impacts if relief passes.

Florida Obamacare Shake-Up: Cigna is pulling out of Florida’s ACA marketplace for 2027, joining Aetna’s earlier exit and raising fears of a “death spiral” as options shrink and premiums climb. Livestock Biosecurity: Florida enacted emergency rules to keep the New World screwworm out after Texas detection, restricting warm-blooded animal imports and tightening inspections/quarantines. South Florida Power Struggle: Miami-Dade abandoned a $400M plan to buy a Fisher Island fuel depot and is moving toward eminent domain after a failed high-price negotiation. Homestead Tax Fight: Florida lawmakers advanced a ballot measure to raise the homestead exemption to $250,000 by 2028, with school funding carved out and voters facing a tough 60% threshold. Florida Politics Watch: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings suspended his governor bid after a prostate cancer diagnosis, while Rep. Byron Donalds pressed for GOP unity and a debate. Miami-Dade Summer Meals: The district will offer free breakfast and lunch to kids up to 18 at 170 sites all summer, with on-site eating required.

Florida Property Tax Fight: Florida lawmakers advanced a major property tax overhaul to the November ballot, with cities warning it could gut local services and school funding as the homestead exemption grows if voters approve. Local Governance: Tampa City Council Chair Alan Clendenin is pushing to delay a Tampa Bay Rays CRA vote as stadium talks and Tallahassee property-tax uncertainty keep negotiations fluid. Election & Voting Rights: The U.S. Senate blocked a FISA surveillance extension, while voting-rights groups urge Florida’s Supreme Court to pause new congressional lines tied to GOP gerrymandering. Public Safety: A Flagler County teen was struck by a deputy’s patrol car after running a stop sign on an electric scooter; officials released the video to stress scooter safety. Federal Courts & Rights: A judge blocked Trump administration SNAP conditions tied to “gender ideology” and other policy demands, arguing they’re unconstitutional. National Politics: FBI analysts tied to a disputed 2023 “Catholic ideology” memo were fired, adding to the broader fight over federal investigations and political targeting.

Florida Politics: Gov. Ron DeSantis’ homestead property tax cut is headed to voters after lawmakers wrapped a fast, third special session in three months, setting up a major November fight over who pays and what services could be squeezed. Elections & Courts: The Florida Supreme Court is fast-tracking a request tied to blocking a gerrymander, as voting-rights groups push to keep new congressional lines on hold. Immigration & Education: Proposed Florida rules would restrict immigrant students’ access to adult education and state colleges, drawing sharp backlash over vague standards and potential harm to students who’ve been working toward higher education. Public Safety & Planning: Flagler County is moving toward “tsunami ready” certification, using hurricane-style preparedness steps to warn beachgoers and residents about rare but real Atlantic tsunami risk. Health Care: OMNI Healthcare added trauma surgeon Dr. Edgar Figueroa in Brevard, alongside his pending Florida Senate confirmation for a college board role. Local Economy: Fort Myers Beach’s post-Ian redevelopment process is facing political and regulatory friction that could deter major investment.

Gun Rights Clash: Florida AG James Uthmeier asked a federal judge to strike down the state’s three-day “cooling off” waiting period for most gun purchases as unconstitutional, while background checks would still apply. Governor Race Shakeup: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings suspended his Florida governor campaign after a prostate cancer diagnosis, prompting quick reactions from GOP and Democratic figures. Courts & Voting: The Florida Supreme Court fast-tracked a voting coalition’s request to block the state’s new congressional map, ordering GOP lawmakers to respond by Monday as qualifying begins. Property Tax Politics: Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava warned the county faces pressure from Republican lawmakers at the same time DeSantis’ property tax overhaul threatens local revenue. Immigration Funding: Congress is poised to approve a nearly $70B Homeland Security package aimed at fueling Trump’s deportation push. International Ties: Florida House Speaker Danny Perez said he’s “humbled” by his Brazil ambassador nomination and denied it’s payback for the redistricting fight. Cuba Pressure: New U.S. secondary sanctions are pressuring foreign businesses tied to Cuba’s government, with financial-system access at stake.

Florida Governor Race: Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings suspended his Florida governor campaign after a prostate cancer diagnosis, saying he must step off the trail to focus on treatment while finishing his mayoral term. State Politics: Florida’s property tax overhaul heads toward a November vote, with Democrats warning it could “defund essential public services” and force higher fees or cuts. Federal Surveillance: The U.S. Senate let Section 702 expire after blocking a key surveillance program extension, with Sen. Rick Scott among Republicans voting to stop it. Small Business Deregulation: Scott also backed a Senate push to “dump” small-business red tape through a new regulatory complaint channel to Washington. Tampa Stadium Controversy: Scott urged the Tampa Sports Authority to cancel Kanye West’s upcoming Raymond James Stadium shows over antisemitic remarks, arguing taxpayer-backed venues shouldn’t subsidize the events. Consumer Safety: Texas AG Ken Paxton opened an investigation into Boca Raton-based Celsius over claims it marketed Alani Nu energy drinks to teens. Local Utilities: St. Petersburg City Council approved funding a municipal electric utility feasibility study as Duke Energy’s franchise nears expiration.

Property Taxes & Local Budgets: Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan is blasting the Legislature’s November homestead exemption expansion, warning it could drain roughly $300 million and force cuts to libraries, parks, public health, and other services. Municipal Power Decisions: St. Petersburg City Council voted 4-3 to spend up to $590,000 to study whether to leave Duke Energy and run its own electric utility after the franchise expires Aug. 1, 2026. Space Coast Water Stress: Even with recent rain, Central Florida’s worst drought in 25 years is tightening fresh-water supplies and raising the odds of higher costs and delays for major growth, including Space Coast development. Elections & Courts: Pro-voting groups asked the Florida Supreme Court to block the GOP congressional map for 2026, arguing officials are trying to run out the clock before meaningful relief. Public Safety & Crime: South Florida law enforcement is ramping up human-trafficking efforts ahead of the World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium. Justice System: DeSantis’ death-penalty push continued with the execution of Andrew Lukehart, the state’s eighth in 2026. Federal Politics: The House passed a Ukraine aid package with Florida Rep. Carlos Gimenez among the GOP crossovers, setting up a Senate fight.

Property Rights & Squatters: Hulu’s new docuseries “Squatters: Get The F* Out of My House” spotlights Florida homeowner Patti Peeples and how squatters exploit legal loopholes, tying the story to state property-rights reform. **Congressional Shuffle: St. Petersburg Rep. Lindsay Cross says she won’t seek re-election, opening HD 60; attorney Lindsay Polega-Quigley filed to run and touts Cross’s endorsement. CD 24 Race: Florida Sen. Shevrin Jones has filed for U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson’s seat and will launch his campaign Tuesday in Pembroke Pines. Judicial Appointments: Gov. DeSantis announced two judicial vacancies in the 20th Judicial Circuit and opened applications through the judicial nominating commission. Election & Messaging: DeSantis renewed attacks on California’s vote-counting delays while Florida’s property-tax fight heads toward November. Property Taxes: North Port fire leadership warns a proposed amendment could gut public safety funding by cutting reliance on local property tax revenue. Public Safety & Crime: Law enforcement is urging safer e-bike use after a teen crash into a deputy patrol car in Flagler County. Legal/Justice: Trump says he’ll nominate acting DOJ chief Todd Blanche permanently, keeping Florida’s senators likely in his corner. Public Health/Drugs: DEA will host a Fentanyl Free America Summit in Orlando in July with CADCA. Insurance Politics: Gubernatorial candidate Paul Renner pushes eliminating a premium tax to lower homeowners’ insurance costs, setting up a fight with Florida Cat Fund supporters.

Border Policy Fallout: AP reports the Trump administration has re-separated dozens of children from parents for a second time, even after a landmark settlement meant to keep families together—another blow to Florida’s immigration debate. War Powers Clash: The House voted 215-208 to halt further Iran war powers, with several Republicans joining Democrats, as Rubio tells lawmakers the strikes are “defensive.” Justice Department Shakeup: Trump says he’ll nominate Todd Blanche as attorney general, cementing a DOJ leadership style critics call personal and retaliatory. Florida Property Taxes: Florida lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment to raise the homestead exemption (from $50,000 to $150,000 in 2027, then $250,000), sending it to voters with local officials warning of major service cuts. UF Presidential Search: Former Alabama president Stuart Bell met with UF students and staff as he nears a June 10 trustee interview, facing scrutiny over DEI. Cuba Policy: Marco Rubio says Cuba has “technocrats” who could negotiate governance changes, but won’t name a transition leader. College Sports NIL: Nick Saban urged Congress to regulate NIL and transfers, arguing the current system is drifting toward pay-for-play.

Property Taxes Ballot Fight: Florida lawmakers approved a DeSantis-backed constitutional amendment to sharply cut property taxes, but they removed school funding from the plan—setting up a Nov. 3 vote and a major fight over who pays when cities and counties lose revenue. Local Governance: Baker County officials warn the amendment could cost the county millions and force cuts to services like parks, roads, and veterans programs. AI & Consumer Protection: Florida AG James Uthmeier’s lawsuit against OpenAI is backed by a new poll showing 65% of voters support the case, with strong support for restrictions and financial penalties. Public Safety Tech: Coral Gables moved to rein in food-delivery robots, targeting sidewalk speed, pedestrian right-of-way, and loitering rules. Courts & Elections: A federal judge ruled Lake County Commissioner Anthony Sabatini must resign his seat to run for Congress under Florida’s resign-to-run law. Sports NIL Policy: Nick Saban testified in support of a bill aimed at limiting NIL/agent fees, warning the current arms race could shrink Olympic and non-revenue sports. Culture Clash: The Black Crowes faced backlash after shutting down a “USA” chant at a Tampa show, sparking boos and walkouts. Immigration Enforcement: A case in the Panhandle highlights ICE detention’s fallout after a toddler died following alleged abuse by a caretaker while the mother was detained.

Florida Property Tax Overhaul: Florida lawmakers approved a constitutional amendment to expand the homestead exemption—potentially raising it to $250,000 by 2028—sending the measure to voters in November, with local leaders warning it could slash city and special-district revenue and force layoffs or service cuts. Local Governance: Southwest Florida officials and residents are already debating who pays the bill, including fire districts and cities that rely heavily on property taxes. State Politics: The Legislature also rewrote parts of DeSantis’ plan to protect school funding and certain education-related levies, while Key Biscayne officials estimate a possible $1.6 million revenue hit. Public Safety Funding: Florida approved $15 million for security upgrades at Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Miami. Elections & Accountability: A Fort Lauderdale man says he received wrong voter ID cards after moving, raising concerns about voter information handling. National Security Personnel: Trump tapped Bill Pulte to serve as acting director of national intelligence, a major shake-up as Iran tensions continue. Court Watch: The U.S. Supreme Court let Alabama use a GOP-favorable congressional map for 2026, despite a dissent warning of “chaos.” International Diplomacy: Trump nominated Trinidad-born former Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Johnson-Carroll as U.S. ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago.

Property Tax Fight: Florida lawmakers approved Gov. Ron DeSantis’ homestead exemption expansion, sending a constitutional amendment to the November ballot that would lift the $50,000 exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, while carving out school district levies and requiring 60% voter approval—though local governments and public-safety advocates warn it could trigger major service cuts or fee hikes. Local Impact: Lakeland residents are pushing back on a proposed hyperscale data center, arguing the state’s property tax push could leave families subsidizing big corporate projects. Federal Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court denied Florida’s bid to sue California and Washington over alleged CDL rules for undocumented immigrants. National Security/Politics: President Trump tapped Florida housing regulator Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, a move that’s already drawing scrutiny over his background and the timing amid Iran-related tensions. AI Oversight: Florida AG James Uthmeier filed suit against OpenAI and Sam Altman, alleging the company misled users and failed to adequately disclose risks to consumers, including children. Foreign Policy: Marco Rubio told senators Iran’s supreme leader is increasingly engaged and that Tehran still has drones, while insisting any sanctions relief must be tied to nuclear concessions.

Property Tax Showdown: Florida lawmakers are moving fast on Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax overhaul, with late-night amendments aimed at protecting school funding and key local offices as committees debate how much revenue local governments could lose. AI Lawsuit: Florida AG James Uthmeier says the state is suing OpenAI and Sam Altman over ChatGPT safety, alleging the company knew about risks—especially for children—and put profits ahead of public safety. OpenAI Fallout: The lawsuit follows a broader wave of state-level pushback on AI safety claims, with Florida positioning itself as first-in-the-nation. Local Elections: Maitland Mayor John Lowndes filed to challenge GOP Sen. Jason Brodeur in Florida Senate District 10, setting up a competitive race. Budget Pressure in Higher Ed: Florida’s “preeminent” university funding is set to miss out on millions after lawmakers skipped money for the Preeminent State Research University Program. Public Safety & Services: Lawmakers also face mounting questions about how any property tax cuts could affect parks, public safety, and local services. Threats Case: A Florida man was arrested for allegedly threatening to kill Rep. Byron Donalds.

AI Lawsuit: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued OpenAI and Sam Altman, arguing ChatGPT was built and marketed with profit ahead of safety, and citing alleged links to deadly incidents including the FSU mass shooting. Property Tax Fight: DeSantis’ property tax overhaul is moving fast, with lawmakers weighing special-session action and a new state calculator aimed at showing homeowners potential savings—while local leaders and groups warn about revenue gaps for public services. Local Governance & Courts: DeSantis convened a Hillsborough judicial nominating commission to fill a circuit vacancy, and Lee County’s rainy-season fertilizer ban is now in effect, tightening rules on nitrogen and phosphorus to protect waterways. Elections & Campaigns: Maitland Mayor John Lowndes filed for Florida Senate District 10, and DeSantis endorsed Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco for Senate District 21. Culture & Rights: A federal judge heard final testimony in UF’s free-speech case tied to antisemitic posts, and a new LGBTQ+ business climate index ranks Florida among the states facing worsening conditions. National Security: SOUTHCOM’s rare meeting with senior Cuban military officials at Guantanamo Bay underscores ongoing U.S.-Cuba security engagement.

Property Tax Fight: Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing a special session and a plan that would eliminate property taxes for most Florida homeowners, but local officials and mosquito-control leaders warn the cuts could drain funding for essential services. Courts & Trump IRS: A Florida federal judge reopened Trump’s $10 billion IRS settlement case, while another judge paused use of the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund—raising fresh questions about how the deal was handled. Immigration Detention Fallout: A Florida-linked “Alligator Alcatraz” lawsuit alleges diesel equipment at the detention center is polluting wetlands without required permits, as questions swirl over whether the site will close soon. Public Safety & Environment: Florida mosquito-control officials flagged concerns tied to property tax reforms, and a Cedar Key oyster restoration project secured nearly $2 million to rebuild reef habitat after storm damage. Local Politics: Orange County’s supervisor of elections clarified resign-to-run timelines, and Florida lawmakers advanced tax-related measures affecting homeowners and public budgets.

Property Tax Fight: Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push to cut property taxes is heading into a special session, but local officials warn it could slash essential services—Lee County’s mosquito control district says the plan could cost about $6.2 million (roughly 21% of its budget). Election Integrity & Voting Access: A Democracy Docket update says Trump’s mail-voting crackdown is moving forward even as courts and election officials raise concerns about delays and gerrymandering hurdles. Congressional Politics: Rep. Jared Moskowitz says antisemitic attacks are part of why he’s running again, while Florida’s political map keeps shifting after Frederica Wilson’s retirement signals a crowded CD 24 succession fight. Tech & Public Policy: Google is seeking federal approval to release up to 32 million AI-bred mosquitoes in parts of California and Florida, aiming to curb disease transmission. Military AI Debate: Top Pentagon leaders urge “guardrails” as the military expands AI use for battlefield decision-making. Local Economic Incentives: Jacksonville’s Downtown Investment Authority is backing restaurant projects like a new listening-den concept with sizable FAB-REP incentives. Environment & Public Health: A “Frankenfish” invasive snakehead hunt in Maryland shows states escalating tactics to protect waterways—an echo of Florida’s own conservation and public health pressures.