AGP Executive Report

K-Beauty Giveaway: Tampa’s Aere Beauty is launching a “5,000 Followers Korean Skincare Experience” contest with a $5,000-value trip to South Korea, including airfare, up to five nights, and a behind-the-scenes factory tour. Holiday Retail Rules: Florida’s new restaurant law kicks in July 1, requiring eateries to disclose service charges and credit card surcharges before customers order. Food Safety: Publix is recalling GreenWise frozen organic IQF blueberries (10 oz, lot 60401, best by Feb. 9, 2028) due to possible E. coli O145 contamination. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the cheapest premium in Hillsborough hit $3.76 and in Volusia $3.99 (week ending June 27), while diesel lows included $4.39 in Volusia. Heat & Safety: Florida Power & Light is pushing AC efficiency tips and programs as extreme summer heat drives higher energy use. Travel & Consumer Risk: A Carnival shore-excursion lawsuit filed in South Florida alleges a dune buggy tour was unsafe and poorly warned to guests after an ankle injury.

Holiday Hours & Shopping: Sarasota/Manatee residents looking to stock up for July 4 got a quick guide to what’s open and closed, with federal offices, mail, and most banks shut while many retailers and restaurants stay running. Food Safety Recalls: Major UK supermarkets issued “do not eat” recalls on several common items, including Morrisons Coronation Chicken Pasta (possible undeclared milk from “Florida Salad”) and Maple & Bacon crisps, urging refunds/returns. Heat & Fireworks Safety: Tampa Bay-area burn bans restrict personal fireworks in parts of the region (Manatee/Sarasota), and officials are pushing safer holiday practices as extreme heat threatens celebrations. Health Alert: CDC says cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora) has shown up in Florida with 1–10 reported cases so far, tied to contaminated produce or water. Consumer/Local Business: Forrest Jordan and Associates rolled out a redesigned website to make backup generator quotes and service scheduling easier for Gulf Coast homeowners. Florida Crime Watch: A Florida man faces up to 10 years for allegedly stealing Smokey Bear signs and selling them online.

Restaurant Fee Transparency: Florida’s new law kicks in July 1, forcing restaurants to clearly disclose added charges like service fees, automatic gratuities, delivery fees, and credit card surcharges before customers pay—on menus, ordering sites/apps, near registers, and on receipts. Holiday Budget Reality Check: A new survey finds the cost of a Fourth of July cookout for 10 people hit a record $84.36 nationwide, with Florida coming in more expensive than the national average. Gas Deals for Drivers: Amazon Prime members can save 50¢/gallon at BP/Amoco and participating ampm/Thorntons locations July 2–5 using BP’s earnify app. Retail & Consumer Tech: Whole Foods opens its first Doral location, a 43,000-square-foot store stocked with 550+ items from 125+ Florida suppliers. Local Business Spotlight: Visiting Angels in Palm Beach Gardens earns a 2026 Top-Rated Home Care Agency award for the 6th straight year. Consumer Safety: Health officials are investigating a fast-spreading “explosive” diarrhea parasite outbreak, with Michigan reporting a sharp spike.

Consumer Protection & Courts: Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have raised the cap on damages in lawsuits against state and local governments, arguing it could spur more litigation. He also rejected changes tied to lawyer client trust accounts and new rules for biosolids fertilizer and compost. Holiday Costs & Planning: A Fourth of July cookout for 10 people averaged $73.82, up about 4% year over year, as inflation keeps squeezing grocery budgets. Lottery & Retail Fraud: Florida Lottery investigators arrested a Panama City retailer employee after a compliance ticket was allegedly kept and later scanned/claimed improperly. Food Prices & Antitrust: Egg producers Cal-Maine, Versova and Hickman’s agreed to a $3.3M settlement and 53 million egg donations to resolve price-fixing allegations. Local Water & Utilities: Polk County extended one-day-per-week irrigation limits through Oct. 1 due to drought and regional water shortages. Tech & Connectivity: Amazon says its Leo satellite internet service could launch initial coverage later this year after surpassing 390 satellites in orbit. Public Safety: Fire officials and pediatric experts are urging extra caution with fireworks and sparklers as holiday injuries rise.

Consumer Credit Watch: Florida AG Brenna Bird launched a civil investigation into Fair Isaac (FICO), issuing a civil subpoena and alleging anticompetitive conduct that could be driving up credit-scoring costs for consumers. Dining Rules: Starting July 1, Florida restaurants must disclose added fees upfront, including service charges and credit card surcharges, before customers order. Food Safety: A CDC-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to contaminated produce is spreading across multiple states, with dozens sick and many hospitalized. Grocery Reality Check: A new study finds produce shelf life varies widely, with roughly half of sampled items spoiling earlier than expected—bad news for shoppers trying to stretch budgets. Space-to-Internet: Amazon’s Leo satellite network cleared a major milestone with a Florida launch of 29 satellites, aiming for initial broadband service later this year. Local Community Aid: Central Floridians can donate supplies for Venezuela earthquake relief through Bravo Supermarkets drop-offs and online fundraising. Holiday Safety: Tampa police plan full-spectrum security for Liberty by the Bay on July 4, urging residents to avoid impaired driving and boating.

Florida Consumer Alerts & Health: A Cyclospora parasite outbreak has sickened at least 145 people across the U.S., with Florida among the states reporting cases—officials urge caution with food and water. Consumer Finance: A Southwest Florida grandmother says Citibank reimbursed more than $60,000 after wire transfers drained her accounts following a WINK News investigation. Big Consumer Policy: Florida’s new statewide data center law took effect Tuesday, aiming to protect electric customers and water supplies, though key provisions were pared back during the final push. Food & Groceries: The DOJ and multiple states reached a settlement with major egg producers over alleged price-fixing—Cal-Maine, Versova and Hickman’s face $3.3M in penalties and 53 million eggs for donations. Tech & Healthcare: Xeltis hit 50% enrollment in its U.S. pivotal trial for a hemodialysis vascular access implant, a step toward FDA approval. Business & Travel: Follow-Up Now launched a mobile app to help professionals automate post-networking follow-ups and manage referrals.

New Florida consumer rules (July 1): More than 120 new laws kicked in statewide, including “Isaiah’s Law” making repeat driving without a valid license a third-degree felony, tougher penalties for child abuse and domestic violence, and new protections tied to animal-abuse reporting. Restaurant fee transparency: Florida also moved to require restaurants to disclose added fees before diners order, aiming to curb surprise charges. Data center crackdown: Gov. DeSantis signed SB 484 to limit how hyperscale data center costs can be pushed onto residential and small-business customers, while preserving local zoning power and requiring more public disclosure. Antitrust egg settlement: The DOJ and 17 states reached a deal with major egg producers over alleged price-fixing; companies will pay $3.3M and donate tens of millions of eggs to food banks. Sunscreen update: The FDA approved a new active ingredient (bemotrizinol) for U.S. sunscreens, while Florida coverage also highlights reef-safe options as shoppers hit peak summer sun. Public health alert: CDC reports a rise in cyclosporiasis cases across multiple states, urging people to watch for contaminated food or water.

Egg Price-Fixing Settlement: The DOJ and 17 states reached agreements with major egg producers Cal-Maine Foods, Versova, and Hickman’s Egg Ranch over alleged collusion to inflate egg price benchmarks from June 2022 to March 2025; the companies won’t admit wrongdoing but will pay $3.3M and donate 53 million eggs to food banks and nonprofits across participating states, including Florida. Consumer Costs Watch: A new survey finds a 2026 Fourth of July cookout for 10 people costs $73.82—up about 4%—as families keep feeling inflation at the grocery store and at the grill. Food Price Pressure (Tomatoflation): Tomato prices are still climbing after winter freezes hit Florida’s tomato crop and Mexico’s supply was also disrupted, with experts expecting retail prices to ease later as production rebounds. Local Business & Retail: Buc ee’s says it plans four new Florida travel centers (including near Fort Pierce and Ocala) as it expands its fuel-and-food stop model statewide. Tech for Health Admins: Humata Health launched a standalone prior authorization platform aimed at independent practices and specialty clinics, promising faster scoring of clinical documentation before payer submissions. Travel Safety Tech: Airbnb is rolling out anti-party AI to block unauthorized Fourth of July bashes, with Florida enforcement coordination in some counties.

AI in Schools: Maryland lawmakers say K-12 AI rules are inconsistent, with teachers forced to “navigate” on their own; a new law pushes AI coordinators, teacher training, and student AI literacy. Consumer Safety: A 6-year-old was slapped in a grocery delivery video, while Florida families are also bracing for deadly hot-car risks as another child dies in a vehicle in Plantation. Food Prices & Antitrust: DOJ and states secured a settlement with major egg producers over alleged price-fixing—53 million eggs and $3.3 million in penalties—after claims they manipulated a benchmark used in egg contracts. Florida Law Changes July 1: About 140 new measures take effect, including restaurant fee transparency and new rules tied to data centers and utilities. Retail & Travel: Avelo adds nonstop flights from four Florida airports to North Dallas McKinney starting November with fares from $99; Primark expands U.S. stores ahead of back-to-school. Heat & Holiday Prep: A study flags fireworks, heat, alcohol, and traffic as top Fourth of July ER drivers, with Florida risks rising as temperatures climb.

Drone near-misses at major airports: A JetBlue flight reported a drone collision while landing at JFK; the FAA investigated and said no damage was found. The report comes after a separate Newark near-miss involving a United flight from Key West, a reminder to travelers that drones near runways are still a real consumer-safety issue. Water and fire restrictions: Southwest Florida Water Management District extended “extreme” outdoor watering limits through Oct. 1, and Manatee County kept a burn ban in place due to drought. Florida consumer lawsuits and safety: Florida sued OpenAI over claims ChatGPT helped enable violence, including the FSU shooting—raising fresh questions about AI accountability and parental controls. Food and price pressure: New York AG Letitia James secured a settlement forcing major egg producers to deliver 53 million eggs and pay $3.3 million after allegations of coordinated price manipulation. Shopping and health: A Publix bakery roundup highlights popular dessert picks, while nutrition experts weigh in on how much shrimp is “too much” for cholesterol-conscious shoppers. Homefront costs: A Florida insurance industry viewpoint argues property premiums are moderating, while warning risks could reverse the trend. Local business moves: City Furniture rebrands as City Home and expands into more home categories, from appliances to outdoor living.

New Bank in Central Florida: Winter Park’s Portrait Bank just received its state charter after raising about $43 million, aiming to serve local businesses, consumers, and wealth clients—Central Florida’s first new community bank in nearly a decade. Convenience Store Expansion: ExtraMile opened its first Florida location in Gainesville, with more stores already in development and a goal of 250+ new sites over five years. Consumer Protection at Restaurants: Florida’s July 1 “operations charge” law (SB 606) requires restaurants to clearly list mandatory fees like gratuities, service charges, and credit card surcharges before customers pay. Home-Shopping Fees in Court: Two Florida buyers filed a class-action against Compass over a $475 flat transaction commission they say was added despite seller-paid agent compensation. Insurance Watch: Citizens Property Insurance hit an all-time low policy count of 278,662 as reforms reduce exposure, though officials expect a gradual rebound. Food & Safety: Rental car AI damage scanners are drawing complaints about surprise charges, and Florida’s AG/Roku settled a children’s data privacy case with enhanced protections.

Consumer Safety & Recalls: Florida homeowners are getting new guidance on hybrid “super” termites, with UF/IFAS urging residents to ignore myths and focus on real termite risk. Home & Utilities: A “virtual power plant” push is turning home batteries and smart thermostats into grid helpers, aiming to ease peak demand as data centers expand. Real Estate & Local Governance: Islamorada is weighing charter changes that would extend and stagger council terms to smooth budgeting and reduce turnover. Tech & Connectivity: AST SpaceMobile says BlueBirds 8–10 are operational and more satellites are headed to Cape Canaveral, a potential boost for direct-to-phone service. Auto Services: Ray’s Luxury Detailing is expanding in Tampa with car window tinting and ceramic coating. Consumer Fraud: A Villages couple lost nearly $12,000 after a third-party travel site promised refunds they never received. Energy & Infrastructure: Florida’s GRU fight may be capped by a new state law tightening control over Gainesville Regional Utilities. Retail & Entertainment: Disney reported a profit rebound as reopened parks lifted its parks and products revenue.

Restaurant Fees Crackdown: Florida signed a law requiring restaurants to show mandatory “operations charges” (service fees, gratuities, credit card surcharges, delivery fees, etc.) clearly before customers order, with exact amounts and itemized receipts starting July 1, 2026. Food Safety Alerts: USDA issued multiple same-day actions, including a Listeria alert for Fresh Seasons Kitchen Chicken Caesar Wraps and other recalls/alerts tied to undeclared allergens and labeling issues—check labels if you bought recent packaged foods. Consumer Health Product: Utz issued a voluntary recall of limited Zapp’s and Dirty Potato Chips varieties due to a seasoning that may contain Salmonella from a supplier. Local Business Support: Miami-Dade opened small business grant opportunities for mom-and-pop shops in specific districts, with grants up to $1,500 in one area and applications due in early July. Tech & Utilities: DeSoto County approved a data center plan using a PUD approach aimed at addressing electricity and water concerns raised by residents. New Product Launch: JellyFil, based in Largo, announced its first men’s wellness gummy supplement product and entry into commercial operations. Community Relief: A Melbourne-area drive is collecting supplies for Venezuela earthquake victims. Business Closures: Murray Bros. Caddyshack in World Golf Village is permanently closing after 25 years.

Water Restrictions: Punta Gorda is extending Southwest Florida Water Management District Modified Phase III limits through Oct. 1, keeping once-a-week lawn watering by street number and banning weekend irrigation. Drought Impact on Consumers: A Leesburg-area fishing charter owner says severe low water and hydrilla are cutting access and forcing business uncertainty as drought worsens. Food Safety Recall: Reser’s “Molly’s Kitchen California Style Pasta Salad” was recalled after mislabeling—some tubs may actually be chicken salad with undeclared egg and milk. Retail & Consumer Safety: A St. Augustine restaurant, Murray Bros. CaddyShack at World Golf Village, is closing after 25 years. Data Privacy: AssuranceAmerica says a breach may have exposed sensitive data for at least 1.1 million people across seven states. Local Business Deal: Key Colony Beach Marina (with retail and restaurant) is listed for $15 million, including boat services and Airbnb “boatel” rentals. Public Health/Policy: Florida is among states facing SNAP restrictions on certain soda/candy purchases, with similar bans already in place elsewhere. Consumer Watch: A Florida slip-and-fall reporting guide notes Florida’s injury claim deadline was shortened to 2 years, urging fast documentation.

Consumer Safety & Recalls: USDA warns shoppers to check fridges after 5,000+ pounds of pasta salad was recalled in 7 states, due to possible undeclared allergens. Retail & Everyday Costs: Florida’s “nearest nickel” cash law lets retailers round totals up or down to the nearest 5 cents (credit and online still use pennies). Local Shopping & Customer Experience: A Walmart Neighborhood Market opened in Lady Lake, a smaller format focused on groceries and quick trips. Online Delivery Incident: Disturbing St. Augustine footage shows an Instacart worker’s delivery-related conflict escalating into a mother allegedly slapping her 6-year-old over a heavy grocery drop. Community Support: Miami-area restaurants and volunteers are collecting supplies for Venezuela earthquake survivors, with shipments coordinated by a Florida-based relief group. Small Business Relief: SBA disaster EIDL loans are available for eligible small businesses in parts of Florida tied to drought losses. Utilities & Consumer Protection: Insurance experts say Florida’s storm outlook could help, but premiums won’t fully unwind after years of increases.

Consumer Safety & Justice: The U.S. Justice Department sued to stop Florida tax preparers in Daytona Beach and Ocala from filing returns with allegedly fake deductions and credits, claiming more than $7 million in tax losses. Public Health & Food: A Florida Instacart delivery woman was arrested after viral surveillance footage allegedly showed her slapping her 6-year-old son during a delivery dispute. Holiday Spending: A Fourth of July cookout for 10 now averages $73.82 nationwide, up about 4% from last year, reflecting grocery inflation. Fireworks & Wildfire Risk: Florida won’t impose a statewide fireworks ban, but drought and burn bans remain in some counties; officials urge “responsible” use. Local Business & Services: CARE AT HOME GUARANTEE CORPORATION, a Florida senior-care firm, filed patent applications for its age-in-place care and income management system. Environment & Recreation: A lightning-caused wildfire in North Port’s Orange Hammock area has burned about 1,030 acres, with crews from multiple agencies responding. Energy Reliability: FPL says it’s expanding storm-resilient grid upgrades across Charlotte, Sarasota, DeSoto and nearby communities.