AGP Executive Report

Pollinator Push in Volusia: Residents are invited to join the Great Pollinator Census (Aug. 21-22), doing 15-minute counts of bees, butterflies, moths, flies and hummingbirds on a nearby flowering plant, with results sent to the University of Florida. Seaweed Snafu on South Florida Beaches: A University of South Florida study links May sargassum surges to beach closures and the rotten-egg smell as seaweed decomposes, with hydrogen sulfide driving the foul conditions. Wildlife Rescue Effort: Volunteers are working to save Florida sea turtles, as reports highlight ongoing rescue and rehabilitation needs. Water Safety Tragedy (Brevard): One person died after a water rescue call at Loughman Lake; Florida Fish and Wildlife is investigating, with an airboat involved. Tropical Watch for Florida: A low-pressure area near the Bay of Campeche could develop early next week, but forecasters say it should stay well west of Florida. Invasive Species Update: Florida biologists report major progress against invasive Burmese pythons, including another large removal haul. Coastal Heat and Climate Stress: Coverage flags extreme heat impacts across the Southeast, including Florida, stressing how hotter conditions can disrupt health care and daily life.

Coastal Wildlife Rescue: Volunteers at Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center kept loggerhead sea turtles safe from fishing-pier entanglements, including a 172-pound rescue that took under 25 minutes and added to a busy season of pier rescues. Beach Health & Water Safety: South Florida beaches are seeing heavy sargassum seaweed buildup that’s keeping people out of the water and creating strong odors as mats decompose. Heat Watch: A dangerous early-summer heat wave is already pushing into the Southeast, with Tallahassee flagged for extreme temperatures and guidance to cool down and hydrate. Hurricane Season Monitoring: The National Hurricane Center is tracking a weak tropical system in the southwestern Gulf, with formation chances low over the next week—still a reminder to prep early. Public Health & Supplements: New research links regular glucosamine use to higher dementia progression risk, raising questions for people who take the joint supplement. Legal Fight Over Pesticides: Pesticide makers are pushing “liability shield” laws to block lawsuits tied to cancer claims, as a Supreme Court decision is expected to shape whether state warning lawsuits can proceed. Climate Resilience Debate (Opinion): A Collier County coastline resiliency plan is criticized as short on long-term protection, with residents questioning what “real resiliency” means for decades ahead. Local Governance: Lee County residents and opinion writers are challenging a school board decision to build in Alva instead of larger Lehigh Acres, citing cost and transparency concerns.

Heat & Storm Readiness: Heat advisories are back across parts of Florida, with the Peninsula facing elevated heat risk this weekend and major impacts expected for people without air conditioning or enough hydration. Invasive Species & Wildlife Management: Florida’s invasive python fight continues, with record removals reported near Naples and a separate Everglades case where a visitor was fined after handling a python. Coastal Water Quality & Beach Impacts: Palm Beach County is seeing renewed sargassum pileups, and the FWC says hand removal is generally allowed, with extra rules during sea turtle nesting season. Public Health & Environment Policy: Republican attorneys general, including Florida’s, are urging the EPA to classify mifepristone as a water contaminant, while health and science groups say there’s no proof of harm to water systems. Climate & Weather Drivers: Saharan dust is expected to return to Southwest Florida, bringing hazier skies and drier conditions that can also suppress tropical storm development. Oysters & Habitat Restoration: Coastal Bend oyster reef restoration highlights how recycled oyster shells are being used to rebuild habitat.

Sargassum Cleanup Rules: Florida beaches are seeing fresh sargassum piles, and the big question is what residents can legally do—hand removal is allowed, but mechanical cleanup needs permits, with disposal and sea turtle nesting season complicating efforts. Invasive Wildlife Control: Southwest Florida hit a python milestone, with biologists removing more than 8,000 pounds of Burmese pythons and pulling thousands of eggs to curb the next generation. Mosquito Fight Gets Tech Push: Google is seeking federal permission to release millions of sterile male mosquitoes in Florida to reduce disease-carrying populations, raising fresh public scrutiny. Data Center Backlash in Florida: Pasco County residents packed a planning meeting, and commissioners backed a temporary moratorium to study impacts on water, power, noise, climate, and quality of life. FWC Employee Speech Policy: Florida’s wildlife agency rolled out a social media rule limiting negative personal posts about the agency, following a prior lawsuit where a judge said the employee’s speech was protected. Energy Shift: A new report says solar generated more electricity than coal in the U.S. for the first time, with Florida among states driving new solar growth. Everglades Research Funding: FIU secured $11M+ for robotics and Everglades restoration research, continuing long-running work to protect the ecosystem. Invasive Species Watch: Wildlife officials are also racing to respond to other invasive threats, including tegu lizards spreading across the South.

Public Health: Dengue season is ramping up in Florida, with Miami-Dade under a mosquito-borne illness alert as CDC data show a sharp national surge and local risk rises with heat and standing water. Water Safety: North Lauderdale issued a precautionary boil-water order after a water testing lab error produced conflicting results for e. coli. Invasive Species: Southwest Florida conservation teams removed a record 8,000+ pounds of Burmese pythons in a season, while wildlife officials warn about the spread of invasive tegus that can raid nests and threaten native wildlife. Wildlife Management: Disney World says it has removed 414 nuisance alligators since the 2016 fatal attack, underscoring ongoing safety and habitat-control efforts. Climate & Storm Outlook: NOAA says El Niño is in place and strengthening; it may mean fewer storms overall, but Florida still needs to stay ready as conditions shift. Community & Resilience: Hospitals in Southwest Florida are updating storm plans for power and flooding risks to keep care running during major hurricanes.

Extreme Heat & Health: A University of Miami/Sylvester study finds extreme heat is already shaping cancer care choices in South Florida, from delaying visits to changing daily routines. Climate Signals: The National Hurricane Center says a Bay of Campeche disturbance has only a 10% chance to develop and is not expected to be an issue for South Florida. Weather Watch: The NWS warns South Florida could see the hottest “feels-like” temps of the summer over the weekend into next week. Everglades Soil Carbon: New research maps underground fungal networks and highlights dense fungal biomass in flooded grasslands like the Everglades, underscoring their role as carbon sinks. Public Safety & Storm Readiness: Sumter County opens a new joint training facility and pet-friendly emergency shelter to improve disaster response. Local Environment & Wildlife: Disney World removed 414 “nuisance” alligators from its property over the past decade after a toddler death. Invasive Species: Georgia reports 56 invasive Argentine tegus, with concerns they’re spreading. Boating Safety: Two Volusia County boaters were rescued after their vessel lost power offshore.

Wildlife & Invasives: Conservancy of Southwest Florida python teams logged another record season, removing more than 8,000 pounds of Burmese pythons from the Everglades, including a first “4-ton” haul. Public Safety for Wildlife: Seminole County is getting bear-proof trash cans via a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission grant, aiming to cut human-bear conflicts as Florida’s black bear population tops 4,000. Health & Environment: A new review links pesticide exposure during pregnancy and early childhood to higher risks of childhood leukemia and brain tumors, with the strongest signals tied to prenatal exposure. Climate/Power: The U.S. ordered Orlando Utilities Commission to keep burning coal at a local power plant, despite plans to shut it down, raising fresh air-quality concerns. Coastal/Storm Resilience: Daytona Beach opened a new $27 million Fire Station No. 1 and emergency operations headquarters, funded in part through Florida’s Resilient Florida Program to reduce flooding risk near the Halifax River.

Ocean Monitoring Cuts: The Trump administration has begun dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, a network of 900+ seafloor sensors, raising alarms that Florida and the wider U.S. will lose key data for tracking climate and marine change. Wildlife & Invasives: In Southwest Florida, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida removed 8,080 pounds of invasive Burmese pythons in its latest season, topping last year’s total and using radio-tag “scout snakes” to find breeding males. Public Safety on Water: A Navy base employee in Panama City is in critical condition after a shark attack during lunch break swimming, with NOAA, FWC, and local authorities investigating. Water Safety Push: Southwest Florida officials and partners are urging vigilance around pools and beaches as summer heat brings more drownings and water incidents. Agriculture & Disease Control: Florida strengthened emergency rules after new New World screwworm detections in Texas and New Mexico, tightening animal import restrictions to protect the cattle industry. Local Landfill Debate: Alachua County is weighing future waste disposal options, including a potential new landfill site, as its current contract heads toward 2028. Health & Food Safety: Florida health officials reported glyphosate in store-bought bread, sparking a dispute with independent toxicologists over testing and safety limits. Conservation Infrastructure: Construction started on the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s La Gorce Family Intern Village, adding 30 beds to support research and wildlife work on the island.

New World Screwworm: USDA confirmed new cases in Texas (and earlier reports tied to New Mexico), reviving border restrictions and renewed calls for tighter animal transport rules to protect livestock, pets, and wildlife. Wildlife Protection: After 56 sloth deaths tied to Orlando’s failed Sloth World attraction, advocates and experts urge Florida wildlife regulators to strengthen import and handling rules, including a permanent ban on wild sloth imports. Energy & Climate Policy: Despite Trump’s push for coal, solar hit a major U.S. milestone, overtaking coal for the first time in monthly electricity share. Local Resilience & Infrastructure: Leon County commissioners discussed a one-year data center moratorium as residents worry about power, water, and strain on services. Everglades Funding: Florida lawmakers secured $11.6M for Everglades restoration in a 2027 Interior funding bill. Public Health & Safety: University of Florida research links glucosamine use with faster Alzheimer’s progression, raising questions for supplement users. Coastal/Water: A pair of missing boaters off New Smyrna Beach were found safe after more than 24 hours stranded at sea.

New World screwworm alert: USDA confirmed more flesh-eating screwworm cases in the Southwest, including a dog in New Mexico, raising fears for livestock and possible beef-price pressure; Florida officials say the human risk is low but are urging pet and animal owners to watch for symptoms. NOAA aquaculture push: NOAA launched CIFARM, a new cooperative institute hosted by the University of New Hampshire with Florida Sea Grant and other partners, aiming to boost sustainable U.S. seafood production through aquaculture research. Wildlife on the move in Florida: Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation reports least terns and black skimmers nesting again on the Sanibel Causeway islands after a long absence. Coastal habitat protection: Dunedin is moving toward an ordinance banning motorized watercraft launches from the Causeway to help protect seagrass and wildlife. Living shorelines: St. Pete Beach is offering residents city-designed, habitat-friendly seawall templates to reduce flooding while preserving aquatic habitat. Conservation land secured: Gov. DeSantis approved permanent protection of 6,237 acres across the Florida Wildlife Corridor via conservation easements. Shark bite incident: A Navy base employee was critically injured after a shark bite near a marina during lunch break; agencies are investigating.

New World Screwworm: USDA confirmed five fresh cases of the flesh-eating screwworm fly—two in Texas (a calf, a goat), plus a pet dog in New Mexico—prompting quarantines, surveillance, and sterile-fly releases as Florida’s 2016-17 outbreak remains the last U.S. reference point. Everglades Funding: Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart secured $11.6 million for Everglades restoration in the FY2027 Interior funding bill, with additional money aimed at Southern Florida water and wildlife priorities. Coal Plant Emergency in Florida: The Trump administration ordered Orlando Utilities Commission to keep the Stanton coal plant running past its planned retirement, raising costs for ratepayers while critics cite air-pollution health impacts. Heat & Grid Resilience: A new analysis says U.S. planners are treating extreme heat as a design baseline, not a rare “tail risk,” as hotter conditions overlap with maintenance and strain the grid. Invasive Iguanas: South Florida residents report a rebound in iguana numbers after the February cold snap, with experts warning of rapid breeding and ongoing property damage. Earthquake Felt in Florida: A 6.1 quake near Cuba shook parts of Southwest Florida, with officials warning to expect aftershocks.

Climate Heat Record: Statista reports NASA/Copernicus data show Earth is warming fast, with July 22, 2024 logged as the hottest global daily average since 1940. Wildlife & Agriculture Threat: USDA confirms new New World screwworm cases in Texas (a calf and a dog), reviving a decades-old cattle threat and highlighting how hard it is to stop spread. Nuclear & Energy Supply Chain: AMPERA says it’s securing thorium from Australia and building an in-house fuel path for its supercritical nuclear system, aiming to support U.S. advanced nuclear fuel production. Hurricane-Ready Grid: A new report argues Florida and other states can’t rely on hardening alone; resilience also needs smarter grid operations and real-time capacity tools. Everglades Pollution Cleanup: A column says Florida is missing deadlines on Everglades pollution cleanup. Marine Conservation Win: Loggerhead Marinelife Center spotted a rare olive ridley sea turtle nest in Florida. Public Health—Lead: A guide reminds families there’s no safe lead level and urges blood testing and source control to protect kids. Local Governance & Water: Sanibel presented its draft capital improvement plan and budget, including stormwater work. Tourism Data Use: Flagler County says an Expedia ad push generated about $400,000 in hotel revenue from a $33,000 spend.

Wetlands & Flood Costs: A new Nature Water study links upstream wetland loss to higher downstream residential flood insurance claims, estimating $10.1B more in NFIP payouts since 1985, with costs rising most in Houston, southeastern Louisiana, and coastal Florida. Invasive Wildlife in the Everglades: Python Cowboy Hunts and Everglades crews separated multiple snakes after hunters found two “mating balls” of male Burmese pythons, underscoring how the invasion reshapes Florida’s food web. Mosquito Control Push: Alphabet/Google is seeking EPA approval to release up to 32 million specially treated mosquitoes in California and Florida under its “Debug” plan, using male mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia to reduce reproduction. Local Power Debate: St. Petersburg voted to spend up to $590,000 to study whether to leave Duke Energy and create a city-run electric utility as the Duke franchise nears its Aug. 1 expiration. Reef Fishing Data Incentives: Florida’s FWC will pilot “Cast for Cash” in July 2026, paying Tampa Bay-area anglers up to $1,500 to install temporary cameras and log released reef fish data. Ocean Day Spotlight: Harbor Branch hosted an International Ocean Film Festival tied to World Ocean Day, highlighting marine protection and habitat restoration themes. Wildlife Safety/Health: A Florida thrift-store skull discovery is prompting public help identifying the remains, adding to recent human-cranium finds in second-hand shops.

FWC Fisheries Management: Florida has temporarily suspended recreational snowy grouper harvest in Atlantic state waters starting June 7 (including Monroe County) to avoid exceeding quota and help rebuild the fishery. Wildlife & Public Participation: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission launched Florida Wildlife Watch, inviting residents to review trail-camera photos on Zooniverse to help track wildlife across more than six million acres of state lands. Invasive Species Pressure: Florida officials are warning about invasive lizards, including Nile monitor sightings and other invasive reptile alerts, urging residents to report captures and avoid releasing pets. Local Waterfront Stewardship: Brevard County is pushing the Florida-Friendly Landscaping “Protect the Waterfront” principle, encouraging native plants and erosion-control steps for Indian River Lagoon homeowners. Energy & Power Reliability: St. Petersburg voted to explore replacing Duke Energy Florida with a city-run electric utility, hiring a consultant as the Duke franchise nears its Aug. 1 expiration.

Wildlife & Public Safety: A Florida tourist sued Airboat Rides at Midway after an alleged alligator bite during a “free gator encounter” in Christmas, spotlighting safety concerns at animal tourism attractions. Coastal Water Quality: Tallahassee reported hundreds of gallons of untreated wastewater spilled into Lafayette Creek after a faulty manhole insert pan blocked a gravity main; cleanup and sampling are underway. Harmful Algae Watch: A new warning sign at Pinto Lake City Park in Watsonville (CA) highlights harmful algal bloom risks during peak summer boating and fishing season. Invasive Species Alert: South Florida golden pothos is spreading beyond plantings, with warnings that it can become invasive and harm native trees. Climate & Ecosystems: A new study says mangrove forests may lose carbon-storing power as sea levels rise, with habitat shrinkage and die-offs potentially turning some areas from sinks to sources. Storm Readiness: FPL outlined hurricane-season grid hardening—pole upgrades, vegetation trimming, and storm response drills—plus tips for residents to prepare. Outdoor Fire Update: A brush fire near Indiantown grew rapidly to 125 acres before crews contained it, with thick brush and shifting winds cited.

Everglades Cleanup Deadline: A Florida editorial says the state is missing key deadlines for Everglades pollution cleanup, pointing to stalled progress on the Stormwater Treatment Areas meant to clean water before it reaches the River of Grass. Immigrant Students Rules: Florida’s proposed education rules could restrict immigrant students’ access to adult education and state colleges, drawing sharp criticism over vague standards and potential harm to students who are already working toward affordable higher education. Air Pollution Lawsuit: A federal lawsuit accuses the “Alligator Alcatraz” migrant detention site of running diesel generators and lighting towers without required Clean Air Act permits, alleging harmful emissions to nearby wetlands and public health. Mosquito Release Fight: Google’s plan to seek approval to release millions of modified mosquitoes in California and Florida is back in the spotlight, with public health and safety concerns driving pushback. Coastal Recovery Politics: Fort Myers Beach faces pressure over post-Ian redevelopment, with critics warning that regulatory and political hurdles could push investment to other coastal markets. Green Stadiums: Most FIFA World Cup stadiums in the U.S. have earned LEED green building certifications, with solar, water savings, and waste reduction highlighted ahead of matches. Hurricane Watch: The National Hurricane Center says no Atlantic storms are expected soon, but forecasters are watching Gulf moisture and tropical waves for possible next-week impacts.