AGP Executive Report

Election Readiness: Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd urged voters to report credible election-law violations as early voting continues statewide, directing complaints to the state’s Office of Election Crimes and Security. Amendment 3: Palm Beach County nonprofit leaders warned that proposed property-tax cuts could weaken funding for local services. A Florida Nonprofit Alliance survey found 65% of surveyed nonprofits may cut programs or turn clients away if the measure passes; Gov. Ron DeSantis is backing it. Local Control: Florida’s expanding limits on city and county powers are drawing renewed scrutiny, including state preemption over housing policy and other local decisions. Community Support: Cape Canaveral’s American Legion Post 348 donated $10,600 to Space Coast Survivors, helping 12 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Seminole County’s Meals on Wheels, Etc. also raised $50,000 for senior meals and support services.

Florida Elections: Early voting is drawing strong turnout ahead of Nov. 3, with Sarasota County leading the state at 27.7% as of Sunday. Governor and U.S. Senate contests are tightening, while voters also face Amendment 3, a proposed property-tax cut that local officials warn could squeeze public services. Digital Safety: Attorney General James Uthmeier’s proposed Safe Screens Act would require age checks at app stores, operating systems and AI chatbots, potentially reaching every adult smartphone user; the bill has no sponsor yet. Coastal Resources: NOAA tapped Fugro to map 3,200 square kilometers of Florida’s Atlantic seafloor for updated navigation charts. Separately, the federal government allocated nearly $10 million to Florida fisheries affected by Hurricane Ian. Public Safety: A shooting near FAMU’s homecoming game injured 12 people, including six children; elected officials and community leaders issued messages of support.

Florida Elections: More than 10% of Florida voters have cast ballots, while election officials have alerted the FBI after reports of immigration agents near polling sites. An investigation found agents at one site were there to vote, underscoring concerns about voter confidence. Local Budgets: Florida’s proposed Amendment 3 property-tax cuts have divided local leaders over potential service reductions; Senate President Ben Albritton now opposes the measure. Venice is also holding off on tougher stormwater rules, citing SB 180’s limits on local development standards. Public Safety: A shooting near FAMU’s homecoming injured 12 people, including six children. University and state officials condemned the violence and urged anyone with information to contact Tallahassee police. Conservation: The state approved a $12.9 million easement protecting 5,610 acres of Hendrie Ranch in Highlands County from future development while allowing its family-run cattle and timber operations to continue.

Florida’s Election Stakes: Trump and Melania cast early ballots in Palm Beach as voting expands statewide and closely watched governor and Senate races tighten. Amendment 3’s proposed property-tax cuts are also fueling debate over local services, housing and water. University Hiring: Gov. Ron DeSantis renewed his call for states to curb H-1B hiring, saying Florida has stopped such hires at its universities—a policy with potential consequences for campus staffing. Local Accountability: Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested on grand-theft and fraud charges tied to COVID relief funds she helped administer, drawing fresh scrutiny to local oversight of public money. Children’s Services: The Children’s Trust reappointed Lourdes Gimenez and Norman Gerstein to its board.

Property-Tax Stakes: Florida’s Amendment 3 is fueling debate over homeowner tax relief and the impact on local services. Miami-Dade leaders are divided, while questions are being raised about sheriffs using taxpayer-funded platforms to influence the vote. Children’s Services: Gov. Ron DeSantis reappointed educator Lourdes Gimenez and former judge Norman Gerstein to The Children’s Trust board, which supports programs for Miami-Dade children and families. Student Support: FAMU announced a $2 million scholarship challenge for its Marching “100,” adding fundraising support for students.

Property Tax Stakes: Florida voters face Amendment 3, which would sharply raise the homestead exemption. Homeowners could save thousands, but local leaders warn cities and counties may lose billions and cut services. Public School Funding: Five state-funded charter schools paid more than $30 million over four years to companies run by Erika Donalds, wife of gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds; one company is projected to receive $15.7 million in fees over two school years. Election Oversight: Reports of immigration agents near Florida early-voting sites prompted election officials to alert the FBI, while experts say viral videos of machines selecting the wrong candidate usually reflect touch or calibration issues—not fraud. Local Accountability: Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was fined $2,000 by the state ethics commission in a joint agreement. Public Funds: A Pompano Beach woman was convicted of taking more than $152,000 in her deceased great-aunt’s Social Security benefits over nearly six years.

Property Tax Fight: Miami-Dade leaders are split over Amendment 3, which would sharply increase the homestead exemption. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava warns the change could leave the county hundreds of millions of dollars short and force cuts to services; supporters argue it would ease homeowners’ tax bills. Kissimmee Ethics: Mayor Jackie Espinosa agreed to a $2,000 fine and public reprimand over her relationship with a city grant recipient. She also faces criminal charges tied to COVID-era grants awarded to her and family-linked businesses; the allegations have not been proven in court. Election Watch: Federal agents reported near a Leon County polling site were there to vote before an out-of-state assignment, officials said after an FBI inquiry. They were not eligible to vote at that location. Health Policy: Florida has paused plans to remove school vaccine requirements while physicians challenge the rollback in court. Governor’s Race: Donald Trump rallied in Fort Myers for Republican Byron Donalds as candidates make their final pitches ahead of Nov. 3.

Campaign Trail: Donald Trump heads to Fort Myers to rally for Byron Donalds as Florida’s governor and Senate races tighten. Donalds has kept the president at arm’s length in a close race, while election supervisors report federal agents near early-voting sites and the Justice Department plans monitors in Marion and Lake counties. Public Accountability: Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested on grand theft and fraud charges tied to a COVID relief program she helped create, according to the Florida attorney general. Local Services: Amendment 3’s proposed property-tax cuts face opposition from Senate President Ben Albritton and concerns about effects on local budgets and services. Health Care: Florida State University is developing a statewide data system aimed at improving mental health care. Transportation: The state restored $200 million in funding for the long-planned Miami-to-Aventura commuter train.

Election Watch: Florida’s governor and U.S. Senate races are tightening, while supervisors report federal agents near early-voting sites and say they contacted the FBI. Local Taxes: Amendment 3’s proposed property-tax cuts could squeeze funding for child care, libraries and other local services; Senate President Ben Albritton says he’ll vote no. Public Integrity: Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested on charges tied to alleged theft and fraud involving federal COVID-relief grants; she denies wrongdoing. Public Health: Physicians are asking a state administrative court to block Florida’s rollback of four school vaccine requirements, arguing the health department failed to follow proper rulemaking procedures. Transportation: Florida restored $200 million for the long-planned Miami-to-Aventura commuter rail line, fully funding the project.

Local Government: Clearwater City Council gave City Manager Jennifer Poirrier high marks, citing early budget cuts, clear public updates and fiscal discipline as cities prepare for possible state funding changes. Election Watch: A new UNF poll puts Byron Donalds just 2 points ahead of David Jolly and Ashley Moody 4 points ahead of Angie Nixon. Florida voter-lookup tools also went down as early voting began. Public Funds: Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested on grand theft and fraud charges over alleged misuse of COVID relief funds. Property Taxes: Senate President Ben Albritton says he’ll vote against Amendment 3, warning the proposed cuts could leave rural counties short on money for emergency response, law enforcement and infrastructure. Political Accountability: Florida Republicans dropped their lawsuit seeking to block Democrats’ Hope Florida ad, which criticizes state officials over the charity program. Resilience: Sarasota’s The Bay received a $400,000 grant to build a storm-resilient shoreline.

Local Accountability: Kissimmee Mayor Jackie Espinosa was arrested on grand theft and fraud charges over alleged misuse of COVID relief grants for her family’s businesses. State officials say the case emerged from audits of local governments. Property-Tax Fight: Amendment 3 is drawing fresh opposition: Senate President Ben Albritton says it could leave rural counties short of funds, while Gov. Ron DeSantis is campaigning for the tax-cut measure. Election Watch: Polls disagree on the governor’s race. A UNF survey puts Byron Donalds and David Jolly within the margin of error, while another poll gives Donalds a nine-point lead; the Senate race is also competitive. Hurricane Recovery: Florida approved more than $4.5 million in emergency loans for small businesses hit by Hurricane Isaias and announced temporary shelter and first-responder support. Government Transparency: A report that Florida’s 2026 Government in the Sunshine manual may have been shelved raises concerns about public access to state records and meetings.

Election Watch: Florida had logged 1.1 million early and mail-in votes, with Democrats ahead by about 54,000, as a new UNF poll put Byron Donalds just two points ahead of David Jolly and Ashley Moody four points ahead of Angie Nixon. Bill Clinton campaigned with Jolly in Broward, focusing on housing, insurance and health costs. Government Transparency: An appeals court rejected the Florida GOP’s bid to block ads about the Hope Florida controversy, while state attorneys warned TV stations they could face criminal charges for airing them. The court also opened a second inquiry into the leak of a grand-jury report. Local Services and Taxes: Florida officials are weighing how Amendment 3’s proposed property-tax cuts could affect local services. Broward County is moving toward a one-year pause on large data centers amid concerns about power demand. Public Health: Gov. Ron DeSantis says fentanyl-related deaths in Florida have fallen nearly 60% since 2023.

Hope Florida Legal Fight: An appeals court rejected a bid to block publication of the grand jury report, while a judge declined to immediately stop Democrats’ related campaign ad. The court is also examining how the report was handled. Public Records and Safety: Florida’s highway agency is notifying people whose driver and vehicle records were exposed after a local police employee’s credentials were improperly stored. Local Accountability: A Fort Myers council meeting ended when three members walked out during public comment on misconduct allegations against the mayor, renewing concerns about residents’ right to be heard. Election Watch: Early voting surged in Orange County, where first-day turnout nearly doubled the 2022 midterm figure; the Postal Service urges voters to mail ballots at least a week before their local deadline. Environmental Policy: Scientists and conservation groups are pressing federal officials to keep shrimp trawling out of the protected Oculina Bank coral reef off Florida’s Atlantic coast. County Finances: Citrus County earned its fifth GFOA Triple Crown for financial reporting, public-facing budget information and budget presentation.

Voting and Elections: Early voting is underway across Florida, with Duval County opening 24 sites Tuesday; voters will choose a governor and U.S. senator and decide three constitutional amendments. Local Budgets: Amendment 3’s proposed property-tax relief is drawing warnings that reduced revenue could squeeze county services, schools and public safety. Data Center Debate: Opposition to large data centers is shaping Florida’s governor’s race and prompting some counties to consider moratoriums, as candidates face pressure to address local impacts. Hurricane Recovery: The state is offering temporary shelter and first-responder help after Hurricane Isaias, while more than $4.5 million in emergency loans has been approved for affected small businesses. Government Accountability: Republicans are seeking to block Democratic campaign ads about Hope Florida, as a state appeals court has ordered Leon County State Attorney Jack Campbell to explain a grand-jury leak under oath.

Property Tax Stakes: Amendment 3 could reduce local revenue for public safety and other services. Manatee County’s sheriff estimates potential budget cuts of $23 million in the first year and $50 million in the second. Hurricane Recovery: Florida has approved more than $4.5 million in bridge loans for 65 storm-hit small businesses and is arranging temporary housing and aid for affected first responders as federal disaster relief remains pending. Election Watch: Early voting is underway in some Florida counties, with the governor’s race and Amendment 3 among voters’ top concerns. Hope Florida Dispute: The state Republican Party is suing to block Democratic campaign ads citing a leaked grand jury report, arguing that its contents cannot legally be broadcast after the report was expunged. School Oversight: A federal appeals court ruled that Escambia County school board members can be questioned under oath about decisions to remove books from school libraries.

Castro Warrant: A Miami judge issued a no-bond state arrest warrant for former Cuban leader Raúl Castro over the 1996 shootdown of two planes operated by the Florida-based nonprofit Brothers to the Rescue. The case follows a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation. Early Voting: Voting opened Monday in many Florida counties, with races for state and federal offices and local decisions on the ballot. In Orange County, officials warn Amendment 3 could sharply reduce revenue; candidates for mayor disagree on its impact. Public Services: Seven Gainesville organizations could lose funding under Florida’s DEI law, while a separate report says Medicaid changes are leaving eligible Floridians without coverage. State Policy: A federal appeals court cleared Florida to enforce its law restricting minors’ social media use, keeping the state’s age-based limits in effect for now. Hurricane Recovery: Florida is seeking federal disaster relief after Hurricane Isaias, as residents continue to face damage and cleanup costs.