AGP Executive Report

Vetoes and legal fights: Gov. Ron DeSantis followed through with vetoes on a “claims bill” that would have raised the state/local negligence damages cap, plus measures tied to lawyer trust accounts and new biosolids rules. Everglades and environment: An airboat ride in the Everglades is being used to teach visitors how freshwater marshes and mangroves store carbon—and what happens when they’re drained. Disaster aid dispute: In Naples, mobile home owners are battling FEMA and a collections contractor over denied Hurricane Milton/Ian funding, with Social Security garnishments now in play. Budget fallout: DeSantis signed the 2026-27 budget but vetoed more than $800M, including $3.5M for a College of the Florida Keys chiller plant project. Immigration uncertainty: A Supreme Court ruling leaves Southwest Florida’s Haitian community in limbo as TPS termination proceeds. Schools and safety: Lee County got $1M to modernize student transportation with GPS/GIS tracking, while Lee also expands weapons detection funding. Tech and space: Amazon says it will begin initial Leo satellite internet service later this year after launching more satellites from Florida. Local elections: Nassau County released its 2026 primary canvassing board schedule. Holiday logistics: With July 4 on a Saturday, coverage spells out what’s open and closed statewide.

Immigration & Higher Ed: Florida’s education boards are moving to bar undocumented students from the state’s 28 public colleges, with immigrant-rights groups calling it “cruel” and possibly illegal, while the Board of Governors is also advancing a university-side restriction. Counterterror Designations: Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new Florida law is now in effect, setting up the state to label major groups—including CAIR and Antifa—as terrorist organizations, drawing immediate lawsuits from civil liberties groups. Elections & Access: Ahead of the Aug. 18 primary, Florida election officials are reminding voters of key deadlines for registration and vote-by-mail requests/returns. Campaign Finance: U.S. Senate challenger Alex Vindman reports raising $8.5M over three months, while CD 11 Democrat James Pericola says he topped $100K in his first weeks. State Politics & Courts: Florida AG James Uthmeier seeks a judge’s impeachment after a COVID-linked insanity acquittal in a baby drowning case. Tech & Infrastructure: New Florida AI data center rules take effect, aiming to prevent utility costs from being shifted to homeowners. Local Politics: St. Petersburg mayoral race heats up as Brandi Gabbard urges slowing the Tropicana Field redevelopment process.

UF Leadership Shake-Up: The Florida Board of Governors voted to appoint Stuart Bell as the University of Florida’s 14th president, despite backlash over his past DEI work at Alabama and promises he won’t bring “DEI or woke” back to Gainesville. Higher Ed & Immigration: The Florida Board of Governors approved rules barring undocumented students from state colleges and restricting GED/adult programs to people who can prove citizenship or lawful presence. Public Safety & Courts: Florida AG James Uthmeier accused Orange/Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell of “extreme leniency” in plea deals tied to murder and child exploitation cases. Immigration Enforcement: Florida’s immigration council is pushing nonparticipating agencies to comply with state law and 287(g) efforts, with FDLE data showing many signed agencies haven’t made arrests yet. Terror Designations: Gov. DeSantis said Florida will use a new law to designate dozens of groups as terrorist organizations, including CAIR and Antifa, with Cabinet approval required. State Policy Watch: A new Florida law expands access to swim lessons via vouchers for kids ages 1–7, aiming to reduce drowning risk. Local Governance: Highlands County is drafting an ordinance to rein in the Sun ‘N Lake Sebring special district after complaints about spending and election oversight.

New Florida Laws Take Effect: More than 120 Florida laws kicked in July 1, reshaping schools and public safety—cursive instruction for young students, expanded PE credit options, new rules for epinephrine devices, and tougher penalties for repeat offenses like driving without a valid license. Counterterror Designations: Gov. Ron DeSantis moved forward with a new state authority to designate terrorist groups under HB 1471, including targeting organizations such as Antifa, CAIR, and drug cartels. Education & UF Leadership: The Florida Board of Governors confirmed Dr. Stuart Bell as UF’s 14th president, while districts and families brace for the new education requirements and staffing changes. Budget Politics: DeSantis signed the $117.6B budget but vetoed hundreds of millions in line items, including some local initiatives. Corrections Shake-Up: DeSantis appointed Richard Comerford as the new Florida Department of Corrections secretary. Immigration Enforcement & Homelessness: Florida continues pushing local law enforcement to help with immigration enforcement, while Miami considers loosening arrest steps for public camping. Court Fight: Former CIA Director John Brennan sued the Trump administration seeking preservation of records tied to investigations he says are targeting him.

Immigration & Public Safety: An AP report says more than 100 Venezuelans deported from the U.S. were held in a hotel when earthquakes hit Venezuela, raising urgent questions about how deportation timing intersects with disaster response. Higher Ed Access: Florida’s Board of Governors approved rules barring undocumented students from state colleges and adult education/GED programs, a move critics say goes beyond what the Legislature passed. Local Government & Housing: Sarasota County is facing a lawsuit over its efforts to block Live Local Act projects in rural areas, setting up a court fight over whether localities can slow the state’s affordable-housing push. State Budget & Corrections: DeSantis signed Florida’s $117.6B budget while vetoing many local projects, and prison funding debates continue as lawmakers weigh repairs and pay to address staffing and conditions. Elections & Courts: The Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship and left Trump turning to Congress, while Florida lawmakers split over the ruling. Florida Policy Watch: DeSantis vetoed an e-bike safety bill, pushing enforcement and rules back to local governments.

Judicial Appointments: Gov. DeSantis named five new judges, filling vacancies across the Fifth Judicial Circuit and county courts. Immigration & Citizenship: Florida lawmakers reacted sharply after SCOTUS struck down Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order, with DeSantis calling it “devastating” while local leaders weigh the fallout. LGBTQ+ Rights: Florida AG James Uthmeier targeted an Orlando-area Irish dance competition over transgender athletes, warning of “appropriate action” if biological men compete in women’s categories. Local Government Funding: DeSantis approved Key West’s city appropriation requests after vetoes, keeping multiple stormwater and infrastructure projects alive. Education Leadership: The State Board of Education named Paul Burns interim education commissioner as DeSantis’ education chief heads to Polk State College. Policy on the Books: About 140 Florida laws take effect July 1, including major changes on data centers, restaurant fee transparency, and school/transportation rules. House GOP Chaos: Speaker Mike Johnson faced another floor fight as hardline holdouts froze action tied to Trump’s SAVE America Act. Sports & Politics Crossover: The Panthers traded for goalie Jacob Markstrom in another roster shakeup ahead of NHL free agency.

State Budget Showdown: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s nearly $117.6B budget after vetoing about $800M in line items, cutting hundreds of local projects while touting teacher pay, transportation funding, and Everglades restoration; Democrats say vetoes disproportionately hit Democratic districts. Local Impacts: South Florida counties took major hits in the veto list—Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach lost tens of millions—though Fort Myers Beach still landed $1M for the Woman’s Club clubhouse. Water & Fire Restrictions: Drought conditions triggered extended “extreme” water limits through Oct. 1 in Southwest Florida and a countywide burn ban in Manatee. Housing Policy: House Speaker Mike Johnson says a bipartisan housing bill will become law with or without Trump’s signature, even as Trump downplays it and ties it to SAVE Act politics. Courts & Civil Rights: DeSantis approved $4M in restitution for the Groveland Four families, closing a decades-long fight after pardons and exonerations. Education & Culture Wars: A new report alleges coordinated, institutionalized book bans across U.S. schools and libraries, with Florida-linked groups cited among national drivers. Judicial Appointments: DeSantis announced five court appointments, including judgeships in the Fifth Judicial Circuit and county courts. Tech & Safety: Florida sued OpenAI over claims ChatGPT helped enable violence, citing the FSU shooting.

Budget & Vetoes: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a $117.6B budget and released a veto list that cuts about $1.6B, including line-item hits tied to education, corrections pay, and other priorities. Courts & Elections: The U.S. Supreme Court upheld rules letting states count mail ballots received after Election Day if they’re postmarked by then—setting up fresh fights over election deadlines and “SAVE America Act” momentum. Gubernatorial Race: Lt. Gov. Jay Collins sued to knock James Fishback off the ballot over a claimed 7-year Florida residency problem. Education: Florida’s new education budget is already triggering a teacher lawsuit over classroom funding and control. Criminal Justice: DeSantis set an execution window for a Pasco County double-murder case from four decades ago. Public Safety: FWC warned after another deadly alligator attack in Central Florida, urging reporting of “nuisance” gators that associate people with food. Federal Immigration: Haitian TPS supporters and New York/Massachusetts leaders vowed to keep pushing Congress after the Supreme Court move ending TPS protections.

Immigration Enforcement: Florida and other agencies joined a highway operation targeting undocumented residents, while Mississippi’s new law would let state officials build a statewide registry of illegal immigrants—raising alarms about targeting and data sharing. Public Safety & Crime: A Manatee County 79-year-old lost $200K to crypto scammers, then helped trigger an undercover sting when the fraud ring called back to demand more money. Local Governance: Islamorada’s charter review panel voted to extend and stagger council terms to reduce election churn and improve continuity for budgeting and policy. Elections & Voting Access: A WINK investigation highlights disputed votes in a Bonita Springs water district election, with delayed records and conflicting tallies fueling claims of an incorrect outcome. Higher Ed & Academic Freedom: A new argument says the AAU should sanction member universities that violate academic freedom and institutional autonomy. State Politics & Courts: A DOJ probe into alleged conspiracy against Trump is drawing new constitutional firepower, with John Yoo set to advise prosecutors in the Southern District of Florida. Community Spotlight: St. Petersburg’s Pride drew massive crowds, with organizers calling it a major show of resistance and visibility in Florida.

Immigration Detention: Gov. Ron DeSantis says Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center is officially closed, arguing it “fulfilled the role” it was built for—while critics question the cost and purpose of the short-lived facility. Elections & Voting Rules: Trump is pressing Senate Republicans to pass the SAVE America Act voter ID push before signing other bills, keeping housing and other legislation in limbo. State Politics & Courts: Florida Supreme Court action keeps new congressional districts in place for the midterms after rejecting a bid to block the map. Local Campaigns: Candidates are lining up for Florida House and congressional races across the state, including new qualifiers in St. Lucie and Indian River districts. Consumer Protection: DeSantis signed a law requiring restaurants to clearly disclose mandatory “operations” fees upfront, effective July 1. Property Taxes: Republicans are rallying around property tax relief and affordability at party events, even as critics warn local services could take a hit.

E-bike Crackdown: Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bipartisan e-bike safety bill, saying enforcement would be hard and warning about surveillance concerns. Immigration & Local Control: A Maryland sheriff is fighting a state law that blocks local jails from handing detainees to ICE, a move that’s reshaping how immigration enforcement works on the ground. Death Penalty: Florida scheduled another execution Tuesday for Andrew Richard Lukehart, the state’s eighth this year, as critics renew calls to end capital punishment. Education & Testing: DeSantis highlighted improved Florida student results on FAST exams, with more than 60% meeting or exceeding grade-level benchmarks. Local Governance: Punta Gorda residents must keep conserving water as SWFWMD extended Modified Phase III restrictions through Oct. 1, 2026. Politics Watch: Florida Republicans held a “Sunshine State Showdown” event featuring Byron Donalds, while the party’s SAVE Act and voter ID push continues to collide with housing talks. Community Spotlight: St. Pete Pride drew massive crowds, underscoring how Florida’s politics and culture are colliding in public life.

Education & Accountability: Gov. Ron DeSantis touted new Florida Statewide Assessment (FAST) results, saying more than 60% of students statewide met or exceeded grade-level benchmarks, with gains in English language arts and math. Public Safety: A multi-agency search near Fort Pierce Inlet ended with the missing diver found dead in about 55 feet of water; the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office is investigating. Immigration Enforcement: DeSantis says the Everglades “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center is permanently shutting down after completing its mission, as critics demand cleanup. Elections & Civic Life: Charlotte County’s “I VOTED” sticker contest winners were announced, with designs by Savannah Massolio and Jade Cortes headed for voter distribution. Policy & Politics: DeSantis vetoed an electric bicycle safety bill, arguing enforcement would require surveillance; the fight over local control and preemption keeps heating up. World & Florida Response: Miami-Dade’s Urban Search and Rescue team is deploying to help with Venezuela earthquake relief. Environment & Fire Risk: With drought and wildfire pressure rising, Florida leaders are weighing fireworks restrictions for the Fourth of July.

Immigration Enforcement: DeSantis says Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” immigration detention center is permanently closing after about a year, while environmental and immigrant advocates warn the state still owes answers on alleged harm and demand accountability as deconstruction begins. Judicial & Accountability Fight: Florida AG James Uthmeier is drafting impeachment articles against a Miami-Dade judge after an acquittal in a toddler death case, escalating the GOP push to challenge courts. Elections & Representation: A new national fight over electoral maps puts Black voters’ representation at risk, with the Voting Rights Act now at the center of the dispute. Public Safety & Regulation: DeSantis vetoed a bipartisan e-bike safety bill, arguing it could drive unnecessary surveillance and confuse enforcement; meanwhile, DOJ is seeking to shut down Florida tax preparers accused of fraudulent deductions and credits. Education: DeSantis touts progress-monitoring gains, claiming more than 60% of students are on/above grade level in ELA and math, while FSU slips in funding metrics and FAMU lands on a “watch list.” Local Life: Monroe County issues guidance on sargassum impacts in the Keys, and Lee County confirms July 4 fireworks are back after a burn-ban shift.

Immigration & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court’s TPS ruling puts Florida’s large Haitian and Syrian communities in the crosshairs, with Rep. Frederica Wilson pushing new protections as deportation fears spike. Detention & Environment: Gov. DeSantis says “Alligator Alcatraz” is permanently closed after about a year, but environmental advocates and the Miccosukee Tribe argue the harm to Everglades habitat isn’t undone and litigation is still pending. Public Safety & Crime: A federal grand jury indicted a Gainesville man for an alleged attempted mass shooting targeting Jewish people, while separate ICE detainer claims spotlight violent-crime cases involving people accused of raping and murdering in South Florida. State Budget Pressure: Florida’s SNAP payment error rate remains high (12.97% in 2025), triggering nearly $1B in penalties and corrective action requirements. Education: DeSantis touts that 60%+ of Florida students hit grade-level benchmarks on state tests. E-Bikes: DeSantis vetoed an e-bike speed-limit bill, warning it would require surveillance to enforce. Elections & Politics: Qualifying ends with a crowded field, and a major property-tax amendment faces backlash from local officials warning of public safety and school funding cuts. Property Taxes: A “property tax revolt” is spreading nationally, echoing earlier fights over homeowner relief versus local government funding. Justice System: Florida executed 74-year-old Dusty Ray Spencer for a 1992 murder, the oldest execution in modern Florida history.

Immigration & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, triggering fresh alarm in South Florida as families brace for deportation. State Immigration Operations: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says the controversial “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center has permanently closed after nearly a year, with detainees transferred and demobilization underway. Housing & Congress: Trump canceled a housing bill signing and is tying it to passage of the SAVE America Act, keeping pressure on GOP senators over election-security demands. Local Government Watch: Florida’s “DOGE” unit has been granted direct access to Cape Coral’s city systems to pull financial and personnel records, raising questions about oversight and transparency. Criminal Justice: Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold appeared in Tampa and was ordered held without bail pending a pretrial detention hearing. Elections Admin: Lee County began mailing updated voter ID cards for congressional redistricting and polling-place changes ahead of 2026. Public Safety: Collier County kept its July 4 fireworks ban in place due to drought conditions. Higher Ed Policy: Florida’s Board of Governors advanced a plan that could bar undocumented students from enrolling at some public universities starting in 2027-28. Death Penalty: Florida executed 74-year-old Dusty Ray Spencer, the oldest inmate put to death in modern Florida history.

Everglades Immigration: Gov. Ron DeSantis confirmed “Alligator Alcatraz” is shutting down permanently, saying the remote Everglades detention site now has “zero detainees” after all people were transferred and the mission was completed. The governor touted about 21,000 deportations tied to the facility, while critics have long attacked conditions and costs. U.S. Immigration Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the Trump administration to end Temporary Protected Status for Haitians and Syrians, a move that could hit Florida hard given the state’s large Haitian community. Congress & Elections: In Washington, Trump and House conservatives are pressuring Senate Republicans over the SAVE America Act, with the president canceling a housing bill signing to push voting changes. Florida Politics & Campaigns: James Fishback named Sean Lozano as his running mate for the 2026 Florida governor race. Public Safety: Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold appeared in Tampa court after surrendering on kidnapping and armed robbery charges, with a judge ordering him held without bond. Cyber/Health Fraud: MCNA Dental reached a multimillion-dollar settlement tied to a 2023 LockBit ransomware attack affecting nearly 9 million people. Agriculture: Trump requested $11.1B in farm aid, including $1.1B for Florida storm losses. Water: Pasco County extended “Extreme” water restrictions through Oct. 1.