AGP Executive Report

Screwworm Alert: USDA confirmed New World Screwworm in a Texas calf, with cases also reported in New Mexico—raising Florida rancher and pet-owner concerns as the parasite spreads across state lines. Healthcare Costs: The Trump administration warned 500+ hospitals (including Florida-linked enforcement) to post clearer price information or face steep penalties, aiming to curb surprise medical bills. Consumer Protection—Pets: A new Florida law starting July 1 requires vets to tell pet owners they can get written prescriptions to shop at pharmacies, potentially lowering medication costs. Home & Insurance: USAA says Florida tort reforms helped it deliver nearly $1B in rate cuts and dividends to eligible members, including average auto dividends beginning June 15. Local Growth: Sawgrass Lakes, Babcock Ranch’s new gated luxury neighborhood, is debuting with 138 homes from the upper $600,000s to $1.5M, while West Jacksonville approved a 478-home development near I-10/U.S. 301. Food Safety: A moringa supplement-linked Salmonella outbreak expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, prompting additional FDA recall updates.

Flesh-Eating Parasite Alert: Florida is on high alert as the New World screwworm spreads beyond Texas and into a New Mexico dog case, raising fears for pets and livestock and prompting emergency state rules to stop the fly from entering Florida. Gas Watch: St. Lucie County hit the week’s lowest midgrade price at $4.39 a gallon (week ending May 30), while Florida’s overall gas picture stays volatile amid global oil and shipping worries. Health Insurance Warning: Critics say “cheaper” alternative health plans are gaining traction, but consumer advocates urge caution because they may not cover essential benefits and can limit consumer protections. Local Consumer Moves: Chick-fil-A opened its first Florida delivery-only “ghost kitchen” in Miami’s Wynwood; Sprouts announced a new Lecanto store; and Costco cut prices on select Kirkland items. Data Center Pushback: Zephyrhills advanced a temporary moratorium on data centers as residents cite water and power strain during drought. Food Safety: The Kebab Shop is linked to an E. coli O157:H7 alert affecting customers in California, Texas, and Florida—watch for serious illness symptoms.

Utility Costs & Health: The Trump administration ordered Orlando’s Stanton coal plant to keep running past retirement, a move critics say will raise bills and add pollution-linked health harm. Power Reliability: Florida utilities are also pushing 2026 grid upgrades—like FPL’s storm-secure underground work in Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties—to cut outages during extreme heat. Consumer Watchlist: A Florida tourist’s viral complaint about being charged €44 for two ice creams in Rome spotlights add-on pricing and the need to check receipts before paying. Tech & Business: DataCore launched a “Buy with Confidence” program in Fort Lauderdale with fixed pricing and secured hardware allocations to reduce storage-project cost surprises. Food & Fun: With World Cup fever in South Florida, major brands are rolling out matchday menu items and deals, from soccer-themed desserts to limited-edition chips and collectibles. Local Retail: Bang’N Bagel opened in Jacksonville, bringing New York-style bagels and fresh schmears to Beach Boulevard. Energy-Saving Tips: FPL urged customers to set thermostats around 75–78°F, use ceiling fans, and seal drafts to lower cooling costs.

Retail Grocery: Sprouts Farmers Market opened new stores in Lecanto and Webster, plus a California grand opening—bringing more fresh-produce and $5 sushi/sandwich deals to shoppers. Healthcare Costs: GoodRx launched GoodRx Companion, a $14.99/month membership bundling discounted generics, online care visits, and lab/imaging discounts. Home & Consumer Tech: SleePare’s San Francisco showroom lets shoppers try popular online mattresses in person before buying. Local Government & Waterfront Development: Miami commissioners will decide whether residents vote on an $80M Virginia Key marina redevelopment plan after years of legal fights. Utilities & Reliability: FPL outlined 2026 Brevard County upgrades, including storm-secure underground projects and major tree-trimming to cut outages. Food Safety & Lawsuits: A Florida family’s SpaghettiOs worm/parasite claim keeps pressure on Campbell’s and Walmart. Public Health & Pets: USDA says the New World screwworm fly has been detected in Texas again, triggering emergency response for cattle and pets. Gas Prices Watch: Collier County’s lowest premium gas hit $4.57 in the week ending May 30, with Florida’s premium average at $5.01. Politics & Consumer Protection: Annette Taddeo entered Florida’s CFO race, attacking insurance costs and promising more transparency.

Food Safety & Lawsuits: A Florida mother and daughter sued Campbell’s and Walmart, alleging SpaghettiOs contained moving worms/parasites and caused serious illness, with the companies denying wrongdoing. Public Health & Outbreaks: The FDA is investigating two mystery foodborne illness outbreaks (Listeria and Cyclospora) while continuing a separate salmonella probe tied to recalled moringa capsules linked to illnesses in 14 states. Consumer Costs: A new report warns another inflation wave is headed for grocery stores as gas prices rise and food pressures build from weather, tariffs, and a smaller cattle herd. Retail Settlements: Trader Joe’s shoppers have days left to file claims in a $7.4M settlement tied to a 2019 credit-card digit mix-up. Local Energy Politics: St. Pete voted to spend up to $590,000 to study leaving Duke Energy and forming a city-run electric utility as its franchise nears expiration. Transportation Safety: Brevard police report 25 e-bike crashes since January, with many involving teens, as officials push for clearer rules on what counts as an e-bike vs an e-moto. Travel Guidance: TSA updated medical marijuana travel guidance, emphasizing patients can bring state-licensed meds for use after arrival.

Utility Watch: St. Petersburg voted 4-3 to spend up to $590,000 on a study that could lead it to leave Duke Energy and run its own city electric utility as Duke’s 30-year franchise nears its Aug. 1 end. Health Insurance: Cigna is exiting Florida’s Obamacare marketplace in 2027, following Aetna’s 2025 departure—raising fears of shrinking options and a “death spiral” of higher premiums. Food & Safety: The CDC expanded its Salmonella warning tied to moringa supplements, now listing 119 cases across 36 states (plus a second moringa outbreak). Consumer Travel/Entertainment: Charlie Puth canceled an Orlando show due to health issues. Local Assistance: Miami-Dade schools will offer free summer breakfast and lunch to kids up to 18 at 170 sites, with meals required on-site. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest E15 in Citrus County at $3.99 and the lowest midgrade in Holmes County at $4.45 (week ending May 30). Livestock Biosecurity: Florida issued emergency screwworm rules after Texas detection, tightening warm-blooded animal imports and inspections.

GLP-1 Cost Pressure: Goldman Sachs says the speed of semaglutide generic pricing after 2031/32 will hinge less on demand and more on peptide API manufacturing capacity, with China already leading supply and modeled global peptide demand reaching about 99,000 kg by 2030. Hunger & Health Care Access: Parrish Healthcare launched a Hopeful Hearts Supply Drive in Brevard County to stock essentials for people experiencing homelessness, with items like water, bug spray, sunscreen, socks, hygiene products, and nonperishable food accepted through June 30. Food Safety/Consumer Trust: A Florida woman’s Sam’s Club cookie scare—reported as a metal nut found in a chocolate chip cookie—adds to growing consumer frustration about product surprises and what labels really cover. Retail & Community: Publix is teasing “dot cakes” in its bakeries, with a June 16 rollout aimed at dessert fans. Utilities & Storm Readiness: Florida Power & Light outlined hurricane-season grid hardening—pole upgrades, vegetation trimming, and faster restoration planning—plus resident prep tips. Everyday Costs: GasBuddy reports show diesel and premium gas deals across multiple Florida counties, with some of the lowest prices clustered around the week ending May 30. Public Safety: An impaired driver in Delray Beach was sentenced to nine years for a fatal I-95 crash involving a man changing a tire.

Restaurant Closures: Applebee’s is shutting down its Calexico, California location for good on June 16, with about 30 jobs affected—another sign of pressure from rising fuel and food costs and ongoing chain struggles. Community Giving: United Way’s Gifts in Kind program is helping South Florida families still recovering from Hurricane Ian by routing donated goods like carpet remnants from local retailers to households in need. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show Florida drivers can sometimes find standout deals—like midgrade at $4.08 in Columbia County and E15 at $3.49 in Hillsborough County—while diesel and premium prices remain higher statewide. Sustainability & Sports: FIFA World Cup stadiums are earning LEED green building certifications, with solar, water savings, and waste-reduction efforts aimed at cutting emissions and improving the fan experience. Consumer Pressure Points: A new survey finds Americans are increasingly fed up with tipping prompts on digital screens, saying suggested gratuities have become “ridiculous.”

Father’s Day Dining: Brevard restaurants are rolling out dad-focused specials, from bison burgers and ribs to a Dirty Birds Tiki Bar & Grill bash with prizes and live entertainment, plus relief efforts after a fire hit The Tiny Turtle and knocked out power at Junk Food Bakery. Hurricane Prep & Power Costs: Florida Power & Light shared practical hurricane planning tips, while a new national look shows electricity prices jumping fastest in places like D.C. and New Jersey—an issue that hits household budgets hard. Fireworks Under Drought Pressure: With Florida facing severe drought conditions, officials are warning that fireworks could raise wildfire risk during the 250th-anniversary Fourth of July. Consumer Safety & Food Claims: An Okeechobee woman filed suit alleging worms/parasites in SpaghettiOs she bought at Walmart, claiming serious illness for her and her daughter. Legal/Policy Watch: Florida’s AG moved to challenge the state’s 3-day firearm waiting period as unconstitutional, and the NRA is calling it a major win. Animal Health Alert: Florida is bracing for the New World screwworm threat after Texas confirmed a case, with emergency rules aimed at keeping the parasite out.

Energy Drink Scrutiny: Texas AG Ken Paxton says Boca Raton-based Celsius is under investigation over whether Alani Nu is being marketed to teens, citing 200 milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce can and a family lawsuit alleging heart harm. Consumer Safety & Scams: The Florida Bar can flag members’ profiles with temporary alerts after identity-theft incidents, while the ABA warns of immigration fraud rings that impersonate real lawyers using real bar numbers and fake paperwork. Product Liability: Boca Raton’s Baker Legal Team launched a national practice for Cartiva toe implant injury claims tied to Stryker’s 2024 recall and federal MDL 3172. Local Utilities: St. Petersburg approved a $590,000 feasibility study to explore alternatives to Duke Energy as its 30-year franchise nears expiration. Food Contamination Lawsuit: A Florida mother and daughter sue Campbell Soup and Walmart, alleging live worms/parasites in SpaghettiOs caused illness. Health Alert: Seminole County issued a blue-green algae toxin warning for Lake Jesup—no swimming, drinking, or wading, and keep pets away. Retail & Convenience Trends: A new report says c-stores are shifting from big new builds to remodels and faster upgrades to improve returns. Wildfire Watch: Venice-area homes were evacuated after a brush fire threatened the neighborhood. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports spotty low prices across counties, including E15 at $3.74 in Bradford and diesel at $5.09 in Martin.

DMV Tech Troubles: Florida’s new Orion software is glitching and causing major delays for tax collectors and customers, with some wait times reported up to 2.5 hours. AI & Consumer Risk: A South Florida Lyft damage dispute shows how AI-altered photos can fuel fraud, and Walmart investors rejected an AI workplace proposal amid concerns about worker pressure and safety. Utilities & Bills: St. Petersburg is paying for a study on whether to leave Duke Energy and run its own electric utility as its franchise nears expiration. Housing Costs: A proposed homestead exemption expansion could cut property taxes for homeowners, but local governments warn of major budget gaps. Food & Community: PopUp Bagels opens its first Viera location; Walmart expands in-store restaurant meal delivery with Subway; and Jennifer’s Boutique launches a June food drive to fight summer hunger. Water & Growth: Central Florida’s worst drought in 25 years is raising water-supply worries for new development, including Space Coast expansion. Agriculture Threat: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in Texas, a renewed risk for cattle and even pets.

Hurricane prep: Florida Power & Light urged customers to plan now—check flood zones, review evacuation routes, keep gas tanks at least half full, and set up shelter and pet plans before storms hit. Consumer lawsuit: A former Walmart personal shopper in Winter Garden says store asset protection surveilled her more and denied her requested Sundays off while granting them to newer Hispanic hires; she’s seeking over $500,000. Food safety in Florida courts: A Fort Pierce woman sued Campbell’s and Walmart, alleging SpaghettiOs contained “worms or parasites actively moving,” making her and her daughter seriously ill. Energy & prices: GasBuddy reported a low of $3.97 regular in Dixie County (week ending May 30) and diesel averaging $5.35 in Nassau County; E15 averaged $3.67 in Charlotte County. Retail & deals: Coinbase and Better launched the first Fannie Mae-backed mortgage using Bitcoin/USDC as collateral, aiming for a summer rollout. Local consumer watch: Home Value Store, a Florida home-improvement chain, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

USDA Response: USDA confirmed the first New World screwworm case in the U.S. since 1966 in a 3-week-old calf in South Texas, launching quarantines, movement controls, expanded trapping, and sterile fly releases to stop spread. Food Safety Watch: FDA is investigating two new foodborne illness outbreaks—Listeria (8 sick) and Cyclospora (7 sick)—and also continues Salmonella probes tied to moringa supplements. Consumer Lawsuits: A Florida mother and daughter sued Campbell’s and Walmart over alleged live worms/parasites in SpaghettiOs; separate reports also flag a worm/parasite SpaghettiOs lawsuit. Housing Risk: An Attom analysis finds 31 of the 50 riskiest housing counties are clustered in four states, with Florida leading (12 counties, including Charlotte County as No. 1). Everglades Cleanup Deadline: Florida is “flunking” Everglades pollution cleanup as Stormwater Treatment Areas miss 2026 goals. Utilities & Reliability: Duke Energy is upgrading downtown St. Petersburg’s underground grid for storm resilience, while FPL rolls out major Southwest Florida storm-season upgrades. Retail/Bankruptcy: West Marine filed for Chapter 11, citing debt and retail-site costs, and plans store closures plus more digital focus.

OpenAI Lawsuit Push: Florida AG James Uthmeier’s new case against OpenAI and Sam Altman over alleged ChatGPT safety failures is backed by 65% of Florida voters in a June 1-2 poll, with most wanting restrictions and financial penalties. Property Tax Ballot Fight: Gov. Ron DeSantis’ property tax overhaul cleared the Legislature and heads to voters in November, with a key change: public school property taxes are carved out from the plan. Consumer Food Safety: A Florida mother and daughter sued Campbell’s and Walmart over SpaghettiOs they claim contained “actively moving” worms/parasites, alleging illness and seeking damages. Retail Lottery Fraud: A Panama City store clerk was arrested after Florida Lottery investigators say he stole a $1,000 scratch-off ticket and sold it for $800. AI + Governance for Agents: Certiprof launched AIAM™, a certification for AI agent managers, aiming to formalize accountability as companies deploy AI agents faster. Travel for Shoppers: BermudAir is moving its Central Florida nonstop service from Orlando International to Orlando Sanford starting October 2026, with Belize service beginning in December. Energy & Growth: Escambia County is weighing a potential data center proposal as local leaders say power capacity may limit future expansion phases. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Amanda formed in the eastern Pacific while the Atlantic stays quiet for now.

AI Consumer Safety: Florida filed a major lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman, accusing ChatGPT of deceptive safety marketing and of enabling serious harm, including risks to children and alleged links to violent incidents. Property Tax Relief: Florida lawmakers approved DeSantis’ homestead property tax amendment for the November ballot, raising exemptions over time while carving out school taxes—sparking warnings that cities and counties could face major budget cuts. Utility Reliability: Florida Power & Light announced grid upgrades in Wellington, including smart switches to reroute power during outages and added vegetation trimming ahead of hurricane season. Retail & Consumer Services: RideNow opened a new powersports superstore in Gainesville with a larger showroom and inventory, aiming to improve the buying and ownership experience. Public Health & Food Safety: Federal authorities reopened a salmonella investigation tied to imported moringa leaf powder supplements after additional illnesses, urging consumers to check recalled products at home. Local Crime Impacting Shoppers: Authorities issued a vehicular homicide warrant in a deadly Daytona Beach Shores toll booth crash, raising questions about the driver’s actions and alcohol use.

AI Consumer Crackdown: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a first-of-its-kind state lawsuit against OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging ChatGPT misled users, hid safety risks, and was marketed in ways that put children in danger. School Choice Watch: A new statewide survey finds 66% of Florida parents say they’re satisfied with their current schools, but many are still open to switching—driven by safety, student success, and accountability. Market & Money Pressure: A report highlights U.S. consumers’ savings rate sliding to a four-year low, with inflation outpacing wages—fueling worries about affordability and confidence. Local Retail & Food: Aroma Joe’s is rolling out “Dirty Soda” at all 135 locations, while Little Greek Fresh Grill expands in Florida with up to 30 new locations in Miami/Fort Lauderdale over 10 years. Home & Outdoor Living: A Houzz study points to 2026 outdoor upgrades focused on comfort and relaxation, not resale. Energy & Infrastructure: SPATCO Energy Solutions is expanding its environmental services platform via acquisitions tied to fuel tank testing and maintenance, with emphasis on Florida demand.