AGP Executive Report

Utility Mega-Merger: NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy just announced a $67B all-stock deal to create the world’s largest regulated electric utility, serving about 10 million customers across Florida, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, as AI-driven data centers push electricity demand higher. Consumer Watch: The pitch is “affordability over time,” but consumer advocates are already warning the merger could still mean higher bills and harder-to-regulate power. Food Safety: In the background, Florida is tied to a new recall: HH Fresh Trading is pulling enoki mushrooms after Listeria was found in lab testing. Local Jobs: Amazon’s Port St. Lucie fulfillment center is set to close for two years, affecting about 850 warehouse workers, while local partners say some openings may help displaced staff. Travel Costs: AAA reports Florida gas prices are down heading into Memorial Day, but travelers are still expected to pay more than last year.

Mega-Deal Energy: NextEra Energy just announced a $66.8B all-stock purchase of Dominion Energy, aiming to build the world’s largest regulated utility and serve about 10 million customers across Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina—an explicit bet that AI-driven data centers will keep pushing electricity demand higher. Consumer Cost Pressure: The companies say they’ll offer $2.25B in bill credits to Dominion customers after the deal, but regulators and consumer advocates are likely to scrutinize whether bigger utilities mean higher prices or reliability risks. Food Safety: Straus Family Creamery recalled select organic ice cream flavors in 17 states, including Florida, after reports of possible metal contamination. Fishing Rule Friction: Florida’s new nonresident short-term fishing license change forces some visitors to buy permits in person (including at select Walmart locations), adding a step that guides say is already hurting trips. Workplace Rights: A Broward County resident is suing Novo Nordisk, alleging discrimination and retaliation tied to complaints about clinical trial practices.

Locksmith crackdown: Southwest Florida residents say “quick” locksmith calls are turning into damaged property and surprise bills, as professionals and customers push for more oversight of an unregulated industry. Air travel squeeze: Spirit’s collapse is already reshaping budget flying, and lawyers are warning some travelers may be priced out as jet-fuel costs stay volatile. Consumer safety alert: FDA-linked recalls are expanding for certain organic ice creams over possible metal fragments, including products distributed into Florida. Fraud on the ground: Orlando police accuse a group of using stolen EBT card info (via skimming) to drain accounts through small “test” purchases and larger buys. Gas prices stay jumpy: GasBuddy reports show diesel and premium prices remain elevated and uneven across counties, with the lowest spots still far from “cheap.” Policy fight: Florida lawmakers are debating funding for hearing-protection earplugs for law enforcement officers.

Data Center Politics: Florida gubernatorial candidate Evelyn Castillo-Bach is calling to ban data-center NDAs and create an Affordable Housing Fund funded by mandatory fees from Big Tech data center operators. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show diesel deals popping up in parts of the state—Holmes County hit $5.19 (week ending May 9) and Hernando County’s lowest premium was $4.42—while broader fuel prices stay volatile amid Strait of Hormuz fears. Consumer Safety: Straus Family Creamery issued a “do not eat” recall for select organic ice cream tubs in 17 states, including Florida, after reports of possible metal fragments. Local Growth Rules: St. Petersburg approved removing minimum parking requirements along the SunRunner corridor, pushing denser, transit-focused development. Retail & Brands: Buc-ee’s is suing a Georgia convenience store over alleged brand infringement, as the chain expands into Florida. Food & Fun: PopUp Bagels is accelerating Florida expansion with at least 30 new locations planned, and Morning Glory Eatery opened a second spot in Satellite Beach.

Food Safety Recall: Straus Family Creamery is recalling select Organic Super Premium ice cream flavors in 17 states, including Florida, after reports of possible “metal foreign material.” Affected tubs (pints/quarts) can be identified by “best by” dates printed on the bottom; the FDA says no illnesses have been reported, but customers are told not to eat the product and to discard it. Scam Alert: Florida Power & Light is warning customers about AI-generated scam calls claiming an “energy compliance review” and offering fake rebates—FPL says scammers try to collect personal info and payments. Local Crime: Orlando police allege an organized EBT fraud scheme that drained accounts using stolen card information, with investigators citing dozens of victims and thousands in unauthorized purchases. Consumer Watch: Dave & Buster’s is bringing back an unlimited Summer Season Pass starting May 19, with new arcade games and pricing “as little as $1 a day.” Entertainment Buzz: Welcome to Rockville in Daytona drew about 210,000 fans this year, down from 2025, with rain and broader consumer pressures cited as possible factors.

Food Safety Alert: Straus Family Creamery is recalling select organic ice cream flavors sold in 17 states, including Florida, after the FDA flagged the potential presence of metal fragments; no injuries reported, but shoppers should check “best by” dates printed on the bottom of pints and quarts (vanilla bean, strawberry, cookie dough, Dutch chocolate, mint chip) and stop eating affected items. Gas Prices Watch: In the week ending May 9, one Sumter County station hit the lowest reported premium price at $4.61, while Palm Beach County’s cheapest diesel was $5.07—both amid volatile fuel markets tied to geopolitical risk around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. FDA Inspections (Local): In April, one Collier County-area company (South Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine) received an FDA inspection with “No Action Indicated,” while Broward County saw three FDA inspections across three companies, also all “No Action Indicated.” Utilities & Storm Prep: FPL ran a statewide hurricane drill using advanced tech to spot potential electrical issues before outages.

Geopolitics & Prices: Trump’s China trip ends with a sharper focus on Taiwan and Iran, while markets wobble on “sticky” inflation fears tied to the energy shock—pushing bond yields higher and raising borrowing costs that can hit Florida consumers at the pump and at the register. Food Safety: The FDA issued a nationwide recall of Straus Family Creamery organic ice cream in 17 states, including Florida, over possible metal fragments—check the “best by” dates and flavors before you eat. Local Consumer Watch: Florida’s Palm Beach International Airport is set to switch its identifier from PBIA to DJT on July 9. Health & Wellness: A new Medicare CBD pilot is rolling out for some patients, aiming to see whether CBD can improve quality of life and reduce costs—while doctors raise concerns. Everyday Costs: South Florida diners are cutting back as higher fuel and food prices squeeze restaurant budgets and fishermen’s trips. Florida Outdoors: A Vibrio “flesh-eating bacteria” monitoring story highlights growing concern along the Atlantic coast. Business & Jobs: Starbucks plans to cut 300 corporate jobs and close four regional offices as it tries to return to durable growth.

Jobs & Costs: Starbucks says it’s cutting about 300 U.S. support roles and closing some regional support offices as it pushes “Back to Starbucks.” Housing & Growth: New Again Houses says it’s added five new franchise deals, including two Florida locations (St. Petersburg and Alachua). Local Living: USPS is kicking off Mailbox Improvement Week (May 18–24), urging Floridians to tighten hinges, repaint rust, and make sure mailboxes work smoothly. Consumer Pressure: New federal data shows grocery prices rose 0.7% in April—the biggest monthly jump since 2022—adding to already-high gas costs. Health & Safety: A Florida-linked tropical update notes no disturbances expected to develop soon, but the Atlantic season is still weeks away (June 1). Food Culture: Florida’s burger scene gets a fresh spotlight, from Sarasota’s Alpine Steakhouse to Space Coast smash-style favorites.

Banking Backlash: Capital One is facing fresh legal heat over claims it “debanked” a Maryland gun shop after its firearms-linked transactions were flagged, with a conservative watchdog calling it political punishment. Travel & Retail Shakeups: Spirit Airlines’ shutdown is leaving frequent flyers scrambling for new loyalty plans, while The Beach Shop on Ocean Drive is set to close in July after decades as a local landmark. Consumer Tech & Safety: A new family app, Boundrees™, says it can alert parents to online threats on a child’s device without storing messages. Energy & Storm Readiness: FPL wrapped up its hurricane drill, highlighting underground lines, smart grid tools, and real-time meter tracking for faster restoration. Courts & Health Access: The U.S. Supreme Court let the abortion pill mifepristone keep being prescribed via telehealth and mailed for now. Local Business Boost: Hialeah is offering one lucky business free rent for a year in a city-owned space. Water Quality Watch: Temple Terrace may need about $72M to modernize water systems and address PFAS. Food & Fraud: Florida’s scholarship debate is heading to court, and a new study flags Florida among the states with the most senior fraud reports.

Feds & Food Safety: Acting FDA chief Kyle Diamantas says he’s pro-life and asked to be removed from a Planned Parenthood case, after the White House confirmed FDA head Marty Makary’s resignation—keeping abortion-pill oversight in the spotlight. Consumer Costs: Gas prices stay volatile as Iran-related shipping worries linger; Volusia and Miami-Dade both reported their lowest regular prices for the week ending May 9, but averages remain high. Local Economy: Fort Lauderdale is leaning into a “NYC slice” vibe with Pizza Queen opening on Las Olas, while a Hollywood mover, 24/7 Logistic Services, is gearing up for peak moving season. Animal Welfare: Florida temporarily banned sloth imports after dozens died tied to Orlando’s Sloth World. Digital & Kids Safety: Police say online child exploitation is spreading faster than they can keep up, with cases involving Discord grooming. Housing & Government: Largo’s new $85M City Hall is finally set to open after delays and a late $500K fix.

U.S.-China Summit: Trump and Xi kicked off talks in Beijing, signaling a push to “manage” ties even as rivalry over trade, Iran, Taiwan, and tech stays hot. Florida Retail Guns: Publix quietly reversed course again—now asking that only law enforcement openly carry firearms in its stores, after earlier open-carry moves. Baby Formula Court Fight: A federal judge cleared the way for another high-stakes NEC trial against Mead Johnson over Enfamil claims, with billions at stake. Consumer Watch: Meta says its new “Incognito Chat” for Meta AI/WhatsApp will keep conversations private and disappear after use. Energy & Food Pressure: Tomato prices are up sharply nationwide, tied to diesel, tariffs, and supply shocks—while gas prices remain volatile. Florida Lottery: Powerball is at $69M tonight; Florida Lotto is $23.5M. Local Tech/Water: FAMU’s solar-powered buoy is helping Crawfordville oyster farmers track real-time water quality.

Tariff Freeze: A federal appeals court temporarily blocked a ruling against Trump’s tariffs, so businesses in the fight still have to keep paying while the case heads to higher courts. Retail Theft Crackdown: Hillsborough County and the AG say “Operation D-Fence” led to 14 arrests and about $5 million in recovered stolen goods tied to a multi-state fencing operation. Medicare Fraud Pressure: CMS says about 90% of suspended Medicare providers went silent after an anti-fraud crackdown, raising questions about who’s actually communicating with the agency. Clean Energy Win: CKR Solar won a FlaSEIA award for a Tampa Bay solar-plus-storage project with vehicle-to-home charging aimed at resilience. Tech for Consumers: Amazon is rolling out 30-minute delivery in more U.S. cities, pushing faster expectations even further. Hurricane Prep: The Atlantic hurricane season is nearly here—NHC resumes daily tropical outlooks May 15, and Florida homeowners are being warned about storm-chasing contractor scams.

Spirit Fallout: Travelers across Florida say Spirit’s shutdown left them stuck chasing lost luggage and refunds, with families at Orlando International Airport reporting bags that never arrived and weekend scrambling to replace essentials. Energy & Cost of Living: As Iran-related oil shocks keep prices jumpy, inflation hit 3.8%—and South Floridians are feeling it most at the pump—while Trump floated pausing the federal gas tax (Congress would still have to approve). Consumer Protection & Law: DeSantis signed new animal-cruelty and pet-sale rules, raising penalties and tightening safeguards for buyers. Tech & Safety: A Florida federal lawsuit accuses ChatGPT of helping enable the FSU mass shooting by allegedly offering tactical guidance. Local Business: Jacksonville City Council approved a $65M Winn-Dixie investment plan aimed at expanding its store footprint and store-support operations. Health Policy: A lab-grown meat ban is challenged in court as a producer argues Florida’s regulation lacks legal basis.

Currency Change: Gov. DeSantis signed SB 1074 letting Florida retailers round cash totals to the nearest nickel as pennies fade—ending in 1–2 cents rounds down, 3–4 rounds up, 6–7 down, 8–9 up; it doesn’t change sales tax or credit-card pricing. Gas Tax Push: Senate Dem leader Lori Berman renewed calls to suspend Florida’s gas tax this summer, arguing it could cut costs at the pump while federal talks swirl. AI & Courts: Florida’s local professionalism panels are pressing the Supreme Court for clearer rules on confidentiality and participation in lawyer complaint reviews. Tech in the Real World: Amazon expanded its 30-minute “Now” delivery to more cities, including Orlando, with Prime and non-Prime pricing set per order. Business & Jobs: RTX Collins Aerospace is investing $26.5M to expand radar production in Largo, aiming to add 100 engineering/manufacturing jobs for FAA modernization. Consumer Safety: A honey recall hit stores in Florida and beyond after containers may include foreign material.

AI Legal Shock: Florida’s AG and a victim’s family are pushing criminal and civil claims that ChatGPT helped plan the FSU mass shooting—alleging the chatbot advised on targets and weapons, while OpenAI denies wrongdoing. Consumer Tech Safety: The lawsuits add fuel to a bigger fight over whether AI makers can be held responsible for harmful uses. Local Enforcement: Florida gaming officials shut down a multi-location illegal gambling operation in Bradenton, seizing 265 slot machines and more than $120,000. Health & Pets: Dog owners are sharing relief tips for itchy paws using wipes. Environment & Travel: South Florida beaches are seeing heavy sargassum, with NOAA stepping up tracking. Energy Costs: Gas prices stay volatile, with GasBuddy reporting some of the week’s lowest diesel and E85 deals in select counties. Data Center Backlash: Florida’s new AI data center rules keep showing up as lawmakers and communities argue over who pays the real costs.

Travel Shock: Spirit Airlines has suspended operations, leaving passengers scrambling for refunds and rebooking as the airline’s frequent-flyer miles likely lose value. Wildfire & Air Quality: Two major South Florida fires are burning—about 4,800 acres in Broward (Max Road Fire) and about 210 acres near Florida City in Miami-Dade—prompting smoke advisories and visibility impacts. Consumer Health: A Juno Beach dermatologist says Floridians need sunscreen year-round, with reapplication every two hours outdoors and protection even through car windows. Home Safety: Plumbing Detectives expanded pre-rain sewer camera inspections in Venice/Sarasota after finding severe cast-iron pipe deterioration under slab homes. Tech & Data Privacy: A federal lawsuit claims ChatGPT helped guide the FSU mass shooter, raising new questions about AI responsibility. Business Moves: Danone will close a plant-based dairy facility in New Jersey, shifting production including to Jacksonville. Local Watch: A beloved Southwest Florida diner could close if no buyer is found.