AGP Executive Report

Everglades Safety: A man died after two airboats collided in a remote Broward County area of the Everglades; the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the crash. Water Quality & Local Action: Sewall’s Point voted to start quarterly water quality testing of the Indian River Lagoon after complaints about untreated discharges, with sediment and water analyses planned. Marine Habitat Innovation: Santa Rosa and Escambia counties are turning damaged metal road signs into underwater habitat by attaching reef structures to artificial reef modules off Escambia County. Climate & Policy Culture: A new film, “A Statement,” dramatizes a 1980 St. Petersburg climate conference—an on-the-ground reminder of how hard it is to translate climate science into action. Climate Messaging in Consumer Goods: Oatly’s “89 Percent Project” campaign pushes the idea that most people want governments to act on climate change, showing how climate advocacy is moving into mainstream branding.

Public Health: Florida’s dengue outbreak is now the largest in the continental U.S. in decades, with 252 locally acquired cases reported as officials ramp up mosquito control; Mosquito Watch: Miami-Dade remains on mosquito-borne illness alert after eight locally transmitted dengue cases, urging year-round protection like draining standing water and using EPA-registered repellent; Marine Life & Water Quality: Santa Rosa and Escambia counties are turning damaged metal road signs into underwater habitat, deploying 124 artificial reef modules to give fish and invertebrates shelter; Local Water Testing: Sewall’s Point is starting quarterly water quality testing in the Indian River Lagoon after resident complaints about untreated discharges; Coral Protection: Researchers used “underwater umbrellas” over Florida corals during extreme heat, cutting sunlight by 60% and helping corals regain color; Wildlife Research: A 35-year study of the endangered Schaus’ swallowtail butterfly found hurricane-linked high winds can depress populations the following year; Community & Education: Florida Poly’s student-led Security Operations Center launched a year ago to train cybersecurity students while defending the campus from real threats.

Climate & Heat: NOAA reports the U.S. hit record-breaking summer heat in 2026, with the southern Florida peninsula among the areas seeing extreme warmth. Public Health & Mosquitoes: A new push aims to cut D.C. mosquitoes 90% by 2028, and scientists say results may vary by species; meanwhile, mosquito-control programs across the U.S. are under pressure over pesticide exposure and resistance. Wildlife & Invasives: Florida’s python fight continues with reports of thousands of pounds of Burmese pythons removed from the Everglades and ongoing efforts to improve detection. Coral Protection: Underwater “umbrellas” and reef training updates highlight new ways to reduce heat stress and expand coral restoration capacity in the Caribbean. Water & Storm Impacts: King tides and flooding concerns keep resurfacing across South Florida as El Niño conditions develop. Local Environment Actions: Sarasota County’s River Road widening is framed as improving hurricane evacuation capacity, while Miami’s tree give-away campaign distributes hundreds of fruit trees to residents. Animal Welfare: A USDA complaint alleges repeated animal-welfare violations at a Gainesville primate sanctuary, spotlighting enforcement of federal standards.

Public Health: Martin County issued a 60-day rabies alert after a raccoon tested positive near South Kanner Highway, urging residents to avoid wild animals and keep pets vaccinated. Public Health: Indian River County followed with its own 60-day rabies alert after a rabid bat was found near the Sonrise Apartment complex in Fellsmere. Coastal Resilience: Venice Beach’s long-delayed renourishment is now complete, with about 620,000 cubic yards of sand added along 3.2 miles and stormwater outfalls extended to boost storm resilience. Water & Waste: Sumter County is set to launch an odor control project at the Heart of Florida landfill after residents complained about smells and regulators required groundwater monitoring updates. Public Health (Mosquito-borne): Florida’s dengue outbreak is now the largest in the continental U.S. in decades, with Hillsborough-area emergency spraying underway. Marine Life: State officials found only very low levels of red tide in pockets along Florida’s coast, with no fish kills reported so far. Recognition: WUFT’s Rose Schnabel won the 2026 Waldo Proffitt Award for outstanding environmental journalism.

Dengue Response: Hillsborough and Pinellas counties extended state of emergency as locally acquired dengue cases rise, with Hillsborough reporting 170 cases and mosquito-control teams coordinating spraying efforts. Coral Heat Protection: A Florida Keys experiment found temporary “underwater umbrellas” can reduce—and sometimes reverse—coral bleaching during marine heatwaves, offering a practical reef-protection tool. Everglades Invasives: Conservation teams removed 8,080 pounds of Burmese pythons from the Everglades, using a strategy aimed at targeting breeding females. Local Air & Pollution: The FAA rejected South Florida officials’ request to extend public comments on making Mar-a-Lago flight restrictions permanent, leaving an Oct. 2 deadline and raising noise and pollution concerns. Climate Outlook: NOAA forecasts October may bring more frequent rain and thunderstorms than usual, with drought relief possible but lightning risk also climbing. Sargassum to Cleanup: UF researchers are testing whether collected sargassum can be turned into biochar to trap pollutants, including in oyster-bed areas. Florida Native Wildlife: Scientists documented wild Florida Burmese python brooding behavior showing females can generate heat to warm eggs. Property Tax Politics: Florida Rep. Danny Nix urged voters to watch for “guard rails” gaps in Amendment 3 property-tax changes.

Dengue Response in Florida: Lee County and other agencies are ramping up mosquito control as Florida faces its largest modern dengue outbreak, including aerial larvicide spraying over thousands of acres near the Tampa area. Invasive Species Watch: Florida researchers are using new DNA tools to detect Burmese pythons in southern waters, while other reporting highlights how invasive mealybugs are damaging crops in Glades County. Wildlife Protection & Public Rules: A Florida-linked turtle conservation story echoes global pressure on nesting rules after an influencer incident in Oman’s turtle reserve, underscoring how human presence can disrupt sea turtles. Climate & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a case that could limit states’ ability to sue oil and gas firms over climate change impacts. Everglades/Water Heritage: A Florida springs road trip story spotlights the state’s freshwater tourism roots and the need to protect these “blue jewels.” Space & Florida: NASA cleared Crew-13 for a six-month ISS mission launching from Cape Canaveral. Food Safety: A study finds cleaning before sanitizing can nearly eliminate pathogens on produce-contact surfaces, including porous materials common in packing facilities.

Invasive Species Research: A South Florida study tracking more than 350 Burmese pythons found adults often resting in trees, with juveniles also repeatedly using cypress trees and cabbage palms—new details that could sharpen control efforts. Wildlife & Public Health: Clay County issued a 60-day rabies alert after a raccoon tested positive; officials urge residents to avoid wild animals and keep pets vaccinated. Storm Watch: Forecasters warn October is arriving with rain, heat, and storm threats across Southwest Florida, with tropical moisture driving fast-moving showers and storms. Climate Resilience & Energy: Miami International Airport hit a carbon reduction milestone, adding to the push for cleaner operations. Coastal Life: Record sea-turtle nesting counts were reported across Florida, Texas, and Georgia this summer, highlighting ongoing conservation wins. Water & Ecosystems: Harmful blue-green algae toxins were detected in Lake Howell, raising concerns for local water safety. Mosquito Control: Pinellas County waived tire disposal fees to help control mosquitoes amid dengue worries, while Clearwater released mosquitofish to curb larvae. Everglades Attention: A Delray Beach art installation spotlighted the fragile Everglades, using public art to draw attention to environmental stress.

Invasive species & wildfire risk: A new UF/IFAS study warns cogongrass can boost wildfire spread by increasing fuel loads and helping fires move into tree canopies, with the biggest fire-behavior differences in late winter and early spring. Public health & mosquito control: Pinellas County is waiving tire disposal fees during a dengue emergency to remove standing-water breeding sites; officials say the move should cut mosquito exposure risk. Coastal flooding watch: Miami Beach residents continue to deal with king-tide flooding tied to high tide and rain, underscoring how quickly conditions can worsen along South Florida’s shorelines. Wildlife research in the wild: FAU researchers report blacktip sharks can detect distant sounds and turn away from sources even when they’re nearly 250 feet away, offering rare field data on shark hearing. Policy & environment governance: States including Florida are suing the FAA over its environmental review for expanded drone package delivery rules, arguing the analysis falls short. Local waterways & nuisance plants: Placid Lakes residents say pondweed and other rooted water plants are blocking canals and trapping boats, pushing some to hire private weed-clearing. Climate context: Scientists are flagging a potentially record-setting “super” El Niño and what it could mean for weather patterns across the U.S. and beyond.

AI & Kids: Florida AG James Uthmeier urged a court to halt ChatGPT development, arguing AI isn’t “safe” for children and shouldn’t be marketed as humanlike. Conservation Funding: DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved protection of 10,800+ acres, including 2,700+ acres in the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor, backed by $72.6M. Dengue Emergency Response: Three Tampa Bay-area counties declared states of emergency as locally acquired dengue cases climb; Clearwater released 10,000 mosquitofish to cut mosquito larvae. Water Safety: Seminole County issued an alert after harmful blue-green algae toxins were found in Lake Howell, warning residents not to swim or wade. Coastal Flooding: The Miami National Weather Service expects king-tide flooding to ease after Tuesday night, though minor flooding may linger. Land Use & Taxes: A new online tool lets Floridians model how Amendment 3 could reduce funding for public services. Wildlife Discovery: Scientists identified a new Amazonian orange killifish species, highlighting the need to protect threatened forest pools.

Coastal Flooding: A new Climate Central analysis finds human-caused sea level rise drove about 8 in 10 coastal flood days from 2016-2025, with flooding increasingly hitting inland areas as high tides start from a higher baseline. Toxic Cleanup: Piney Point’s phosphate-plant cleanup in Manatee County is nearing the end of a state-supervised remediation effort after a 2021 liner breach triggered a massive contaminated discharge and a major red tide. Marine Wildlife: Biscayne Bay was added to a global IUCN map of critical shark and ray habitat, highlighting seagrass and reef remnants as nursery grounds for threatened species. Public Health: Florida confirmed a fifth 2026 death from Vibrio vulnificus, underscoring ongoing risk for beachgoers and anglers during warm-water season. Energy & Climate Tech: Duke Energy Florida’s DeBary project is recognized as the first U.S. end-to-end system producing, storing, and burning 100% green hydrogen for peaking power. Land Conservation: Polk County and the state permanently preserved nearly 1,000 acres of working farmland via rural land protection easements. Invasive Species Research: A Florida study tested Burmese python pheromone lures and found captive females didn’t improve wild python detection. Water Quality Debate: A new analysis flags atrazine at harmful levels across hundreds of thousands of river miles, renewing pressure on regulators.

Insurance Crackdown: Florida’s Office of Insurance Regulation ordered an immediate cease-and-desist against Hydrogen Deep, LLC (d/b/a the Wave Insurance) for operating without a required license, urging consumers to verify licensing before buying coverage. Property Insurance Reality Check: A University of North Florida poll found most Florida homeowners don’t believe the state’s property insurance crisis is improving, with many saying reforms mainly benefited the insurance industry. Dengue Emergency Watch: Florida counties declared emergencies as “wildly unusual” dengue spread continues, keeping mosquito-borne disease prevention in focus. Wildlife & Habitat: Alachua County held a Turkey Creek Preserve observation platform and Blue Trail dedication, highlighting protected wetlands and threatened/endangered species. Sea Turtle Milestone: Florida reported a record number of loggerhead sea turtle nests and expects leatherback nesting may also be near record levels. AI Data Centers Debate: Florida’s election is increasingly tied to AI data center growth, with local opposition and energy concerns driving the conversation.

Energy Costs & Grid Pressure: Floridians say electricity bills are still climbing, hitting renters and retirees hardest, as investor-owned utilities face scrutiny over rate hikes. Local Safety Planning: FDOT is studying a dangerous 0.7-mile stretch of Lakeland’s Memorial Boulevard after 470 crashes in five years, with sidewalk and turn-lane changes aimed at cutting severe injuries. Wildlife & Invasives: UF/IFAS research suggests some invasive plants may “train” in cities to better handle hotter, drier conditions—raising stakes for Florida’s invasive management. Everglades Python Control: A new python season in southwest Florida removed 177 Burmese pythons and 4,100 eggs, with hunters and biologists targeting breeding hotspots. Coastal Flooding: King tides plus heavy rain flooded South Florida streets and triggered a coastal flood advisory, with more flooding expected. Public Health & Water: Cuba’s health ministry links rising infections to failing sanitation, water treatment, and waste collection. Property Taxes: Florida cities and counties warn Amendment 3 could force cuts to police, fire, libraries, and parks if it passes.

Sea Turtle Season Update: Florida wildlife officials say loggerhead turtles are at a preliminary 136,972 nests statewide as of Aug. 31, putting 2026 on track to beat the 2023 record; leatherbacks are also poised for a new statewide nesting record if final verification holds. Invasive Species Control: Florida biologists removed 177 Burmese pythons from Collier County during the 2025-26 breeding season and also pulled about 4,100 eggs, aiming to curb the next generation in the Everglades ecosystem. Wildlife Research (Behavior): A multi-year study tracked hundreds of Burmese pythons and found they use trees for basking, resting, aggregation, feeding, and egg incubation—details that could sharpen future control efforts. Coastal & Beach Management: Playalinda Beach on the Space Coast is shifting to winter hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) starting Oct. 4, while Coquina Beach’s renourishment project is nearing completion after Hurricane Idalia damage. Water & Climate Watch: A new report on Everglades restoration argues the “crown jewel” reservoir is a start, but calls for about 1 million more acre-feet of storage in the Everglades Agricultural Area to better protect the river of grass. Public Safety (Local): A boater missing on Lake Tarpon was found dead after a two-day search, with investigators calling it an apparent accident.

Wildlife Health: Scientists say osprey breeding failure is spreading beyond the Chesapeake, with Florida-linked concern for the East Coast’s disappearing, starving chicks. Public Health: Three Florida counties declared states of emergency over a “wildly unusual” dengue surge, with Hillsborough reporting hundreds of cases and a first local death. Invasive Species & Fire Risk: A UF study links cogongrass to hotter, faster wildfires by boosting fuel loads and raising the odds of flames reaching tree canopies. Water & Health Advisories: Marco Island lifted a fecal-bacteria swimming advisory at Residents Beach after tests fell below state thresholds. Drought & Water Use: Southwest Florida water restrictions were extended through March as rivers and lakes lag behind and supplies remain stressed. Conservation & Land Protection: Manatee County permanently protected nearly 1,500 acres via rural land easements, preserving working farms alongside wetlands and wildlife habitat. Storm Watch: Tropical Depression Fay stays out at sea while another Atlantic system is possible later next week; Gonzalo has become post-tropical. Climate Science in Action: UF/IFAS research finds pollinators shift to later activity in human-modified landscapes, changing the timing of blooms and insect life. Local Weather Readiness: State College of Florida Venice installed a new real-time weather monitoring station to improve forecasting and emergency prep. Data Centers Debate: Palm Beach County approved a one-year moratorium on large-scale AI data centers, citing environmental and water concerns.

Weather & Preparedness: State College of Florida installed a new “Dorothy” weather monitoring station at its Venice campus, feeding real-time wind, moisture, temperature, and pressure data to the National Weather Service and NOAA to sharpen local storm forecasting. Water Conservation: Southwest Florida Water Management District extended “Modified Phase III ‘Extreme’ Water Shortage” one-day-per-week watering through March 31 for Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, Hernando, Polk, Manatee and more, citing drought recovery gaps. Wildlife After Storms: Cape Coral residents say Hurricane Ian reshaped waterways and narrowed a manatee channel, with reports of manatees dying and boaters speeding through a no-wake area. Coastal Health: Marco Island beach swimming was discouraged after tests found feces in the water. Everglades & Habitat: A report says the “crown jewel” of Everglades restoration is too small. Invasive Species: Python DNA was detected in Florida water shortly after exposure, and a “satellite population” of pythons was confirmed in Charlotte County. Dengue Response: Florida saw rising dengue cases, with local efforts including releasing mosquitofish to curb mosquito larvae. Energy & Climate Policy: DOE renewed orders keeping two coal plants open after a court fight over emergency authority. Local Land Use: Polk County’s Environmental Lands Program recommended saving a 1,366-acre Lake Wales development site for conservation.

Invasive Wildlife Watch: Florida’s Burmese pythons are spreading beyond the Everglades, with FWC confirming a new “satellite population” in Charlotte County and noting thousands removed statewide; researchers also unveiled a DNA test that can detect Burmese pythons plus three other invasive constrictors from a single sample. Climate & Weather: Forecasters say a strengthening El Niño could mean a cooler, wetter Florida winter—drought relief for some areas, but also new risks like stronger storms and tornado concerns. Coastal Life: Volusia’s sea turtle nesting season hit record levels, and a panel discussion will recap 2026 nesting activity across local monitoring districts. Public Health & Mosquitoes: Clearwater released thousands of mosquitofish to help curb dengue, as Florida’s outbreak continues to climb and local health alerts expand. Energy & Costs: Jacksonville residents are pushing back against JEA’s upcoming Oct. 1 electric, water, and sewer rate changes after complaints about unexpectedly high bills. Policy & Power: A Florida lawmaker-backed push calls for tougher scrutiny—or a pause—on new AI data centers over impacts to electricity, water, and the environment. Wildlife & Community: A new state record jaguar guapote was certified after a 16-year-old angler caught the nonnative fish in southeast Florida’s urban canal systems.