AGP Executive Report

Boating Safety Watch: Florida’s crowded waterways logged 694 “reportable” boating accidents in 2025, with 51 fatalities—drowning drove just over half the deaths, and alcohol/drugs were a factor in 14%. Wildlife & Public Health: Sanibel’s CROW rehab clinic reported 1,597 wildlife patients so far this year, including a critically injured coyote pup after a May 8 vehicle strike. Everglades-Adjacent Legal/Policy: Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” money and closure fight keeps moving, with new reporting on payments landing for survivors. Education Culture War: Florida is piloting a more conservative American history course as an alternative to AP U.S. History, drawing sharp criticism from historians over how slavery and the founders are framed. Energy & Environment: NextEra and Dominion announced a $67B all-stock merger aimed at creating the biggest regulated utility—raising fresh questions about affordability, oversight, and environmental impacts. Local Tech/Resilience: Lee County approved Sanibel Fire’s easement for Station 171 equipment and updated its Station 172 drone program.

DOJ Funding Fight: Trump’s DOJ announced a $1.7B “anti-weaponization” fund to pay allies for past investigations, escalating a new legal-and-political battle over who gets taxpayer money and why. Big Utility Deal: NextEra agreed to buy Dominion in a roughly $67B all-stock merger, setting up a Florida-to-Carolinas power giant tied to the AI data-center electricity boom. Boating Safety Push: Ahead of Memorial Day, Florida’s wildlife agency is reminding boaters to carry properly fitted life jackets and key emergency gear—because drowning remains a major risk. El Niño Watch: Forecasters say a rare “super El Niño” could develop, with Florida bracing for hotter, more humid conditions and shifting hurricane odds. Wildlife Under Pressure: A Florida panther habitat fight is intensifying as development expands in Southwest Florida, while a seahorse caught in a shrimp trap is being hailed as a hopeful sign for the Indian River Lagoon’s recovery. Local Community Shock: In Palmetto, 17 graves at a historic Black cemetery were vandalized with “Trump” and “DeSantis” spray-painted on headstones.

Mold & health risk: Fix Mold says it’s expanding certified mold abatement in Miami Beach and North Miami Beach, pitching same-day inspections and “source” cleanup as South Florida’s humidity keeps mold pressure high. Water safety watch: Wildwood officials are pushing back on a proposed deep injection well tied to landfill runoff at the Heart of Florida Landfill, warning it could threaten drinking water and calling for a rigorous technical review before anything moves forward. Invasive species pressure: A Marco Island iguana hunter reports removals nearly doubling year-over-year, underscoring how fast nonnative reptiles can spread—and how local control efforts are ramping up. Policy & campuses: Gov. DeSantis signed HB 757 expanding Florida’s Guardian Program to public colleges and universities, aiming to strengthen campus security after the 2025 Florida State University shooting. Space & environment tech: SpaceX is gearing up for Starship Flight 12 from Starbase, with a redesigned push toward rapid reuse.

Alligator Alcatraz Fallout: Florida is set to receive its first FEMA reimbursement payment for the Everglades detention site—$58.3 million approved and expected to land within days—while reports keep swirling about a June wind-down and what costs the federal money can (and can’t) cover. Sloth Import Pause: The FWC has also put sloth imports on hold after more than 50 sloth deaths tied to “Sloth World,” citing stress and husbandry concerns, with lawmakers pushing for tighter rules. Tech, Kids, and Risk: A new national study finds nearly half of U.S. teens using conversational AI have faced serious digital, emotional, or behavioral harm—especially younger teens. Housing vs. Big Tech: Florida gubernatorial candidate Evelyn Castillo-Bach calls for banning data-center NDAs and funding affordable housing via mandatory Big Tech fees. Cost of Living Pressure: Florida homeowners are paying far more for insurance than the national average, with climate risk and insurer pullbacks driving premiums up.

Wildlife & Public Safety: A 38-year-old died after a suspected great white shark attack near Rottnest Island, while Florida’s own water-safety push continues with National Safe Boating Week reminders—wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and use required kill-switch lanyards. Everglades & Enforcement: Florida is set to receive its first $58.3 million FEMA reimbursement tied to “Alligator Alcatraz,” as the state awaits the rest of a larger federal payout. Animal Crime Crackdown: Federal and state investigators say nearly 2,000 protected turtles were poached in Florida and shipped overseas, with suspects facing Lacey Act charges. Local Wildlife Encounters: Osceola deputies released bodycam from an alligator capture, and an influencer tied to an Everglades alligator shooting avoided jail via a plea deal. Community Environment: Miami-Dade kicked off its Adopt-a-Tree giveaway with more than 2,000 free trees available for eligible homeowners. Outdoor Life: Florida also temporarily banned sloth imports after 55 deaths at an Orlando facility, while FWC continues to tighten exotic-animal rules.

Hurricane Season Prep: FPL is running a major statewide hurricane drill this week, testing restoration plans and new AI tools meant to spot grid problems before outages hit. Water & Ecosystems: The U.S. Army Corps reopened spillways along the Caloosahatchee to push saltwater back during drought, a move that also raises navigation and ecosystem stakes for boaters. Red Tide/Beaches: A Red Tide status update and fresh beach bacteria advisories in the region keep the focus on water quality after heavy rain. Wildlife Hot Button: Florida tightened rules on capturing threatened giant manta rays after a viral video showed a ray in distress, but the practice isn’t banned. Manatees: Winter cold snaps are driving a spike in Southwest Florida manatee deaths, with early-2026 numbers up sharply. Local Land-Use Fight: Lake County residents are pushing back on an Embry-Riddle airstrip permit in Ocala National Forest, arguing the public comment process wasn’t fair. Animal Welfare Fallout: The Central Florida Zoo says “Mr. Ginger,” one of the surviving Sloth World sloths, has died.

Youth Challenge Academy Fight: Alumni and parents in Starke say the Florida Youth Challenge Academy at Camp Blanding has “saved my life,” as a petition tops 1,000 signatures and a Sunday rally gears up—while the Florida National Guard moves toward shutting the program after 25+ years. Public Health—Beaches: The Florida Department of Health issued a no-swim advisory at Fort Pierce Inlet State Park after Enterococcus bacteria levels failed state criteria, warning of increased illness risk until readings drop. Aviation Naming: Palm Beach International Airport will switch its FAA identifier from PBIA to DJT on July 9, making it the first airport to carry a sitting president’s name. Everglades & Water Quality: Lake Okeechobee pollution deadlines are being missed, with Everglades restoration still at risk as nutrient-laden water continues to move through the system. Wildlife—Sloth World: Central Florida Zoo reports “Mr. Ginger,” the youngest rescued sloth, has died after arriving in extremely fragile condition.

Everglades Invasive Species: Florida wildlife officials set the 2026 Florida Python Challenge announcement for May 19 in Homestead, with the 10-day hunt aimed at cutting Burmese python pressure on native wildlife. Water Policy Fight: North Florida’s $1.1 billion Water First North Florida plan is being pushed back after State Sen. Corey Simon said it’s being canceled “in its current form,” sending the project back to the drawing board amid ongoing drought and aquifer concerns. Local Government Watch: Riviera Beach’s utility leadership is in flux after the city’s executive utility director left his post, with an interim director listed as the water system rebuild faces continued scrutiny. Wildlife Crime: A Volusia man received 36 months probation for illegally hunting and killing 13 alligators in Mims, with hunting and fishing privileges suspended for three years. Community & Culture: Wilton Manors kicks off Pride with a focus on Black queerness through FL BlaQ Out Pride Weekend.

Alligator Alcatraz: Florida’s controversial Everglades detention site is still in limbo, with DHS pushing back on reports of a shutdown while DeSantis says it’s made a “huge difference” and federal reimbursement questions hang over any timeline. Drought & wildfire risk: Southwest Florida remains in extreme drought, and officials warn it may not ease until late summer—keeping fire danger high. PFAS water worries: Temple Terrace faces an estimated $72 million overhaul to modernize aging water systems and tackle “forever chemicals.” Wildlife conflict: Babcock Ranch homeowners report wild hogs tearing up brand-new yards, reigniting debate over growth and wildlife management. Public health alerts: Marion County issued a rabies alert after a raccoon tested positive. Coastal protection: Volusia County is marking shorebird nesting areas and urging beachgoers (and dogs) to stay back. Community & environment: A Florida manatee-area stormwater pond survey flags invasive plants like water hyacinth and hydrilla spreading through waterways. Local politics: A Coral Springs vice mayor’s mother filed to run for the vacant commission seat, including on environmental protection priorities.

Wildlife & Public Safety: Florida wildlife officials temporarily halted sloth imports after dozens of deaths tied to Orlando’s “Sloth World,” with FWC ordering a 60-day suspension and saying surviving sloths are being cared for locally. Everglades Detention Fallout: Reports continue to swirl about “Alligator Alcatraz” winding down or closing, as DHS and Florida officials trade explanations while the state awaits federal reimbursement. Coastal & Marine Health: Sargassum is again washing onto South Florida beaches, raising concerns about odor, irritation, and possible sea-lice exposure—plus officials warn to limit contact. Weather Watch: Tropical development can start before June 1, and forecasters say El Niño conditions are strengthening—potentially easing some hurricane risk, though “super” strength remains uncertain. Local Environment Stories: A viral Gatorland video shows a larger alligator eating a smaller one, while FWC also continues monitoring other wildlife incidents. Policy & Research: FAU won a $2.25M Air Force grant to improve networks of collaborating autonomous systems, aiming for better sensing and decision-making in complex environments.

Fish Kill in Lakeland: FWC is investigating after hundreds of dead fish turned up in Lake Hollingsworth, with officials pointing to hot, dry conditions that can crash dissolved oxygen. Seagrass Comeback: On Florida’s Space Coast, researchers report seagrass is rebounding in the Indian River Lagoon, with a big jump in coverage and density since 2023 as water quality improves. Alligator Alcatraz Closure Fight: DHS chief Markwayne Mullin says there’s no near-term shutdown plan, even as reports and lawsuits swirl over costs, federal reimbursement, and a possible June wind-down. Wildlife Rule Change: FWC voted to sharply restrict giant manta ray captures and stop exports, citing a “broken” permitting process and new international obligations. Manatee Rescue: An injured manatee was pulled from Estero Bay and rushed to Zoo Tampa in critical condition. Clean-Tech Pressure: Bloomberg reports Jinko Solar is selling control of its Florida facility as China’s clean-tech firms retreat from the U.S. amid tougher policy and incentive uncertainty.

Data Center Pressure: A new wave of national reporting argues hyperscale data centers are “stealing” farmland, stressing water supplies, and driving power demand—raising the stakes for Florida’s own fast-growing AI and data-center push. Local Flood Mitigation: Charlotte County posted a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant notice for HMGP 4828-(256) tied to generator protection at the West Port Water Reclamation Facility, with NEPA/floodplain and wetlands review required. County Governance: Charlotte County’s calendar and committee openings highlight upcoming Environmentally Sensitive Lands oversight work plus drainage-related public meetings. Wildlife & Public Safety: FWC is moving to temporarily ban sloth imports after 50+ sloth deaths tied to Sloth World, and volunteers in Bradenton Beach are cordoning a black skimmer gathering to protect a potential nesting colony. Coastal Resilience: A Fort Lauderdale church is promoting “living seawalls” to boost marine life and water quality, while CKR Solar won a FlaSEIA award for Tampa Bay solar-plus-storage resilience.

Alligator Alcatraz Closure: Florida’s controversial Everglades migrant detention center is expected to shut down in June, with detainees slated to be removed by early June and dismantling to follow, after months of legal fights and mounting costs. Everglades Fallout: Environmental groups say closure must come with real cleanup—fencing, lighting, and other infrastructure removal—while the state faces renewed scrutiny over impacts on protected habitat. Budget Pressure in Tallahassee: Lawmakers are back in overtime to finish Florida’s budget, with competing House/Senate/Governor numbers and big stakes for health, education, transportation, and environment funding. Water Quality Watch: A new FAMU-FSU AI tool aims to predict E. coli contamination in waterways up to 24 hours ahead, shifting beach safety from reactive sampling to earlier warnings. Local Infrastructure Win: Citrus County approved a $16.4M grant for sanitary sewer rehabilitation to protect waterways and public health.

Everglades Fire Response: Crews are battling the massive Max Road Fire in the Florida Everglades as drought conditions leave the region primed for fast spread, with residents near the blaze staying on alert while firefighters work from ground and air. State Budget Crunch: Florida lawmakers have returned to Tallahassee for an overtime special session to finalize a near-$116B budget by May 29, with talks including a possible cut to the gas tax. Fishing Policy: Gov. Ron DeSantis moved to expand recreational red snapper seasons—39 days in the Atlantic and a record 140 days in the Gulf—after Florida takes over management in state and federal waters, drawing criticism from conservation groups. Public Safety & Courts: A Florida judge reportedly ruled prosecutors can access Tiger Woods’ prescription drug history in his DUI case, while prosecutors in a separate Tampa case seek the death penalty for two USF doctoral students’ deaths. Community Grants: The Florida State Parks Foundation awarded a record $150,000 in Park Impact Grants to support citizen groups and park projects statewide.

Coastal Contamination Warning: A new UCLA/UC Berkeley study flags 47 hazardous facilities in Central Florida that could flood by century’s end, raising fears that storm surge could spread toxic pollution—echoing residents’ past experiences with sewage backups in Volusia County. Beach Health Watch: Boca Raton is seeing sargassum pileups ahead of summer; crews remove it daily with turtle-nest protections, while residents report odor and “sea-lice” concerns. Water Safety Alerts: Marion County issued a blue-green algae health alert for Orange Lake’s Eagles Nest Dock area after toxin detection—no swimming, wading, or pet exposure. Local Land-Use Fight: Neighbors in Charlotte County say a Manasota Key resort plan could threaten protected species and worsen flooding, pushing back on rezoning and new resort units. Policy & Compliance: Trulieve told Florida DEP it’s exempt from wastewater discharge permit rules, arguing its operation is agricultural—after “possible violations” notices. Heat & Rain Setup: Fort Myers and Naples are getting a summer-rain “preview” this week as sea-breeze storms ramp up.

Boat blast in Miami: A charter boat explosion near Haulover Sandbar sent 11 people to hospitals with burns and other injuries; Miami-Dade Fire Rescue declared a mass-casualty response and the Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife are investigating the cause. Public health watch: The same weekend’s bigger cruise-health story is norovirus—over 100 people reported sick aboard the Caribbean Princess, and Bahamas officials reportedly restricted disembarkation in Nassau to protect port workers and locals. State politics, cost pressure: Florida House Democrats renewed calls to suspend the state gas tax during a special session as lawmakers scramble to finish the 2026-27 budget. Air quality win: Florida DEP highlighted a new American Lung Association “State of the Air” report saying Florida counties rank among the cleanest for ozone and none made the “most polluted” list. Space Coast momentum: Florida logged a record 109 orbital launches in 2025 and is already at 32 launches in 2026 so far. Environment on the ground: A Lake Jackson Aquatic Preserve annexation petition in Tallahassee is raising environmental-impact concerns.