AGP Executive Report

Second Amendment Relief: Florida’s Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday is back, suspending sales tax on eligible firearms, ammunition, and hunting, fishing, and camping gear through Dec. 31. Gas Prices: AAA says Florida’s average regular hit $4.29, with some stations charging $5+ a gallon as global oil prices and Middle East tensions tighten supply. Food Safety: Walmart is recalling frozen Bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine over possible listeria contamination; Florida agriculture officials helped flag the issue. Drought & Water: Florida drought now affects 15.5 million people, raising wildfire and drinking-water risks as dry conditions stretch into lightning season. Agriculture Pest Threat: An invasive pasture mealybug has spread across 25 counties, prompting a state emergency declaration and threatening crops and lawns. Local Conservation: Polk County and a state program are permanently protecting nearly 1,000 acres via conservation easements. AI Oversight Push: Florida AG Letitia James and other attorneys general are urging Congress to require stronger federal AI safety testing and transparency. Consumer Tech/Delivery: Aiken-area Feasters Foods is using two all-electric delivery vans to cut diesel costs and improve eco-friendliness. Surveillance Privacy Fight: Sen. Josh Hawley pressed Flock Safety over nationwide camera access and alleged due-process concerns, with a Florida witness describing wrongful linkage. Retail & Community: Puerto Rican artisans are getting year-round visibility through a digital fair platform with QR links and online storefronts.

Homeowners Insurance: Citizens Property Insurance President Timothy Cerio told Florida’s board to “shop the market” after policy changes shrank Citizens’ exposure, while board chair Carlos Beruff questioned whether Citizens should exist at all. Water Restrictions: The Southwest Florida Water Management District extended the Modified Phase III “Extreme” water shortage through March 31, 2027, keeping one-day-a-week watering limits across multiple counties. Food Safety: Publix is named in a Pinellas County wrongful-death lawsuit over recalled frozen blueberries linked to an E. coli outbreak; separately, Walmart recalled frozen lemon Alfredo fettuccine nationwide over possible listeria. Consumer Costs: Gas prices in Florida jumped to about $4.29 statewide, with some stations over $5, as oil-shipping disruptions tied to U.S.-Iran tensions push wholesale costs. Local Deals & Services: Suncoast Credit Union and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay launched an all-year member discount; Prime Insurance Agency added GEICO auto coverage options statewide. Tech & Mobility: Waymo began public driverless rides in Tampa Bay (about 50 square miles), expanding autonomous options for riders.

Food Safety: A multistate hepatitis A outbreak tied to imported frozen clams has sickened 37 people, with 30 hospitalized, and Florida consumers are urged to watch for symptoms after eating raw/undercooked shellfish. Grocery Deals: A USA TODAY Network-Florida poll finds 88% of readers want Publix to change its Florida-only BOGO rule that requires buying two items for the discount. Recalls: Walmart shoppers should check freezers—Bettergoods frozen lemon alfredo fettuccine is recalled nationwide over possible listeria contamination. Healthcare Access: CMS canceled 315,000 Affordable Care Act marketplace plans covering about 760,000 people amid a fraud crackdown, raising questions for anyone who bought coverage through HealthCare.gov. Elder Care: Nursing home beds are getting scarcer nationwide, with closures and reduced capacity leaving more people on waiting lists. Local Economy: Florida’s minimum wage rises Sept. 30 to $15 for non-tipped workers and $11.98 for tipped workers. Consumer Tech & Travel: Embraer says GPS instability reports are affecting some E2 aircraft operations, while FedEx expands sustainable aviation fuel purchases including Florida airports.

Water Shortage Update: Southwest Florida’s water district extended “Extreme” watering limits through March 31, keeping one-day-a-week outdoor watering with strict early-morning/late-night hours for Polk County and more. Home Insurance Relief: Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky approved major homeowners rate decreases affecting 62,000+ policies, with more filings reportedly in the pipeline. Minimum Wage: Florida’s minimum wage rises to $15 on Sept. 30, with some restaurants warning prices may climb as labor costs increase. Food Safety Recalls: Walmart shoppers should check freezers—bettergoods frozen lemon alfredo fettuccine was recalled over possible listeria contamination (specific lots/UPCs). Class Action Watch: Pork buyers in Florida may qualify for a share of a $117M antitrust settlement; claims are due by Oct. 29, 2026. Health Care Costs: Florida consumers are being urged to file for potential compensation tied to inflated generic drug prices. Tech & Power Politics: Data centers are heating up Florida’s governor race, with Democrats pushing back on pro-development messaging. Convenience Retail: Chains shared how they generate limited-time offer ideas, leaning on sales data, ingredients on hand, and in-store feedback.

Consumer Safety: The FDA issued a nationwide recall of frozen lemon alfredo fettuccine sold at Walmart due to possible Listeria contamination, urging shoppers to check lot numbers and return for a refund. Food Safety: The CDC says an E. coli outbreak tied to frozen blueberries sold at Walmart (Great Value) and Publix (GreenWise) is over, with 17 confirmed cases across Florida and Georgia. Housing & Consumer Finance: Florida’s new law bars zoning discrimination against factory-built homes, requiring “as of right” approval in districts that allow detached single-family homes. Utilities & Cost of Living: A Jacksonville resident is pushing back against JEA’s Oct. 1 rate increase after a $500 bill, arguing fees are driving costs. Workforce & Wages: Florida’s minimum wage rises to $15 on Sept. 30, with tipped workers covered by a lower direct wage plus tips. Local Business: PhillyDeez NYP brings New York-style pizza to Tallahassee with a fast-growing following. Tech & Energy: Researchers say electricity prices vary sharply by state, pointing to policy and energy choices as major drivers. Retail Deals: USA TODAY Network-Florida compared Publix BOGO items against Walmart and Aldi, finding Publix’s BOGO was lowest on more than half the tested products. Disaster Prep: The Florida Red Cross and Jefferson County are offering free shelter-volunteer training as hurricane season peaks. Bankruptcy Watch: A Wendy’s franchise operator with 314 locations filed Chapter 11, saying restaurants will keep operating while it restructures.

Consumer Protection: A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit from Florida shoppers claiming Hershey misled them with Reese’s “faceless” Halloween pumpkins, saying the buyers’ only harm was disappointment and not a defective or worthless product. Auto Insurance & Scams: A Tampa investigation alleges an auto glass salesman pressured drivers into windshield replacement claims, raising questions about whether minor damage was being exaggerated to trigger insurance payouts. Food Prices: Rising gas costs are squeezing restaurant budgets, with owners citing higher beef and produce costs—plus the knock-on effect of needing to source tomatoes from Florida at higher prices. Local Water Safety: Temple Terrace is moving toward a long-term PFAS reduction plan, voting to accept a master plan that could lead to a 3–5 year overhaul, while interim fixes are still being evaluated. Retail & Deals: Walmart’s October sale runs longer than Amazon Prime’s, and shoppers can also watch for major early-October sales from Amazon and Target. Business Moves: Raymond James is hiring senior Jefferies bankers to expand its consumer and retail investment banking team.

Surveillance & Privacy: Florida lawmakers and sheriffs are trying to find middle ground as the state moves to pull back Flock Safety-style license plate cameras on highways, after concerns about how long data is kept and how it can be searched. Car Shipping for Consumers: Miami-based Haulwide launched car-shipping comparison profiles that list each company’s federal operating authority (FMCSA), USDOT/MC numbers, registration details, and advertised payment terms—aimed at helping shoppers spot who they’re really paying. Healthcare Leadership: Lee Health CEO Dr. Larry Antonucci announced his retirement after steering major growth and major crises, including COVID-19 and Hurricane Ian. Workplace Rules: Starbucks agreed to resolve Florida’s DEI-related lawsuit with a $1M settlement and four years of compliance certifications, without admitting wrongdoing. Consumer Tech & Safety: Stratasys and UCF’s Limbitless expanded their 3D-printed prosthetics partnership to boost access for children. Food & Recalls: Walmart shoppers are being urged to check freezers after listeria testing prompted a recall of two Alfredo pasta lots. Retail Expansion: Toys “R” Us is accelerating its return with 120 new U.S. stores, including more Florida presence via airport and mall locations.

Immigration & Campus Policing: FIU students protested a deal that deputizes campus police as ICE agents under a 287(g) partnership, spotlighting how Florida universities are being pulled into the Trump-era deportation push. Retail & Consumer Safety: Walmart recalled a Great Value frozen berry blend in 16 states over possible E. coli contamination; Florida shoppers should check lot code 6040 01-6 and avoid the product. Tech & Privacy Backlash: Flock Safety is offering voluntary buyouts to employees as cities and communities revolt against its license-plate surveillance network, citing contract losses, vandalism, and morale damage. Energy & Storm Resilience: Florida Power & Light hit 2,000 miles of overhead-to-underground neighborhood line conversions, benefiting 200,000+ customers and aiming to cut hurricane damage. Local Crime: Tampa Bay authorities recovered $300,000 in stolen merchandise in an organized retail theft operation targeting multiple chains. Consumer Tech/Health: CDC and FDA warned that contaminated IV glutathione “detox” treatments have sickened dozens, including cases tied to Florida clinics.

AI Data Centers Poll: Florida readers are sounding the alarm about AI data centers, with 91% saying they’re worried about strain on resources and the environment. Home Insurance Pressure: Homebuyers in higher fire-risk areas say the property insurance crisis is hitting hard, with coverage options shrinking and costs rising. Groceries & Consumer Friction: Publix shoppers are angry over BOGO rules that require “must buy two” deals in Florida, even though the chain says it’s been using this approach since it launched its promotions. Public Health Recall: The FDA reports a nationwide recall of thousands of bottles of generic chlorthalidone (high blood pressure “water pill”) due to failed dissolution testing. Auto Insurance Savings: Dairyland will send about $30 million in one-time dividends to eligible Florida auto policyholders, alongside a reported average 14% rate cut. Local Budget Watch: Port St. Lucie set a $971.6 million budget and a 4.8750 mil property tax rate for the coming fiscal year. Consumer Safety at Airports: TSA is confiscating a viral squishy kids’ toy (NeeDoh) from carry-ons because it contains liquid gel. Weather & Risk: Florida drought coverage is expanding, with Sarasota and Manatee counties among the hardest hit.

Consumer Privacy Lawsuit: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Netflix, alleging the streaming giant collected and sold minors’ sensitive data without verifiable parental consent, despite marketing kids’ profiles as safer and ad-free. Retail & Food Safety: A federal judge tossed a class action over “faceless” Reese’s pumpkin candy, saying the complaint amounted to disappointment, not a concrete financial loss; separate reports also highlight ongoing grocery recall chatter, including freezer-related listeria warnings. Banking Merger Update: Fifth Third completed its Comerica integration, converting nearly 600,000 customer accounts and 293 branches across Florida and other states—now a major bank with $300B+ assets. Local Consumer Crime: Two men were sentenced for stealing $362,844 in Walmart merchandise across 11 states, including Florida, using a concealment-and-repack scheme. Aviation Career Push: Orlando Melbourne Airport hosted record “Girls in Aviation Day” with 900+ attendees. Housing/Cost Pressure: A new report spotlights how used-car prices are squeezing Florida shoppers, pushing buyers toward older, higher-mileage vehicles. Tech & AI Policy: Trump announced an “AI Force” and plans to appoint an AI czar, signaling a new federal approach as AI policy heats up.

Consumer Data Privacy: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Netflix, alleging the streaming giant collected and monetized minors’ sensitive data without prior, verifiable parental consent, and sold it to ad and data-broker partners—seeking penalties and an injunction. AI Antitrust: Anthropic, OpenAI, SpaceXAI and Google face a federal lawsuit claiming they coordinated a slowdown in AI development, which plaintiffs say violates the Sherman Act. Minimum Wage: Florida’s minimum wage rises to $15 on Sept. 30 for non-tipped workers; tipped staff must reach $15 via a $11.98 cash minimum plus tips. Food & Drink Costs: A $117 million pork class-action settlement targets consumers who bought qualifying pork products indirectly between 2014 and 2018. Public Safety & Tech: Punta Gorda water-restriction signs remain up because drought conditions are measured regionwide over longer periods, not just after local rain. Retail & Consumer Protection: Danone issued a voluntary recall of So Delicious Dairy Free Salted Caramel Cluster frozen dessert pints due to possible foreign materials. Local Consumer Life: Treasure Coast readers get a roundup of restaurants serving clams, with picks across multiple cities.

Consumer Safety: The FDA upgraded a multistate jalapeño recall to Class I after Salmonella Javiana illnesses linked to jalapeños distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, affecting 27 states—don’t eat, sell, or serve the recalled products. Legal & Privacy: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Netflix, alleging the streaming giant collected and sold minors’ sensitive data without prior verifiable parental consent, seeking penalties and an injunction. Civil Rights Settlement: Starbucks agreed to pay $1 million to resolve Florida’s lawsuit over alleged race-based hiring and advancement practices, including mentorship and networking claims. Tech & Surveillance: Flock Safety is facing new scrutiny after lawmakers alleged a “history” of inaccurate answers; Florida DOT previously revoked permits for its highway system. Food & Health: Florida reported another death tied to Vibrio vulnificus from raw/undercooked oysters, bringing the state total to 4 deaths this year. Jobs & Retail: Amazon laid off nearly 300 workers at a Port St. Lucie-area warehouse ahead of a planned renovation, with rehiring expected when it reopens. Local Consumer Watch: A Hershey Reese’s pumpkin lawsuit was dismissed again, with the judge citing only “subjective disappointment” as the claimed harm.

Consumer Data Privacy: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Netflix, alleging the streaming giant collected and sold minors’ sensitive data without verifiable parental consent, despite marketing kids’ profiles as safe and ad-free, seeking penalties and an injunction. Retail & Food Safety: Walmart shoppers nationwide may have bought recalled bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine after Listeria testing; Gias Foods says no illnesses yet and urges monitoring and medical care if symptoms show. Public Health: Florida recorded a fourth 2026 death from Vibrio vulnificus, tied to raw/undercooked shellfish or wound exposure in warm coastal waters. Consumer Products: Toyworld168 recalled “Rainbow Mystery Squishy Bun Toys” over water beads that can expand and create choking/obstruction risks. Local Consumer Life: A Jacksonville Oceanway Middle crossing guard says drivers repeatedly nearly hit her and that a pedestrian signal may not trigger reliably—parents want fixes. Shopping & Deals: Costco is limiting motor oil purchases amid a price spike. Food & Courts: A judge dismissed a Hershey Reese’s pumpkin “faceless” class action, saying plaintiffs couldn’t show a legal injury beyond disappointment. Florida Business: Toys”R”Us plans 120 new standalone stores nationwide for the holiday season, expanding its brick-and-mortar comeback.

Consumer Protection (Kids/Data): Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Netflix, alleging the company collected and sold minors’ sensitive data to ad and data-broker partners without prior verifiable parental consent, seeking penalties and an injunction. Auto Lending (Predatory Loans): A multistate coalition reached a $694 million settlement with Credit Acceptance Corporation, including cash and debt relief plus requirements to improve disclosures and stop dealer “packing” of unwanted VSC and GAP add-ons. Energy Costs (AI Data Centers): The U.S. House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act to limit how nearby AI data centers can drive up electricity bills, sending it to the Senate after a 417-3 vote. Retail/Household (Gas & Oil): Costco began rationing motor oil purchases amid a price spike, capping weekly buys; meanwhile South Florida drivers say rising fuel costs are squeezing budgets. Food Safety: FDA reported a recall of Tex-Mex items tied to potential Salmonella contamination risk. Local Utilities: A North End Palm Beach water main break may cause road closures while crews repair the line. Mobility/Accessibility: Mobility City opened a new showroom in Acton, Massachusetts, expanding repair, rental, and sales of mobility equipment. Tech for Consumers (Vehicles): A collision-industry panel highlighted privacy risks from vehicle data and how consumers can check what their cars collect.

Consumer Privacy Fight: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Netflix, alleging the company collected and sold minors’ sensitive data without verifiable parental consent, seeking penalties and an injunction. Utility Costs & Drought Rules: Bank of America says utility bills rose faster than inflation this summer, with data centers and grid upgrades cited; locally, Lakeland Electric cut a fuel charge and Lakeland began enforcing Phase 3 water restrictions with fines for repeat lawn-watering violations. Energy Crunch: A diesel shortage is hitting stations nationwide, with reports of “out” displays and record prices, including in Florida. AI in Schools: Florida’s Board of Education approved new AI guardrails for K-12 and colleges, including parent notification/opt-out and limits on AI for graded work. Retail & Mobility: A Florida startup founder was arrested over alleged misuse of VC money; and a Florida car-dealer report says shoppers are increasingly asking for hybrids as gas prices stay high. Health & Safety: Michigan announced a $384M Medicaid fraud settlement with Abbott tied to infant formula compliance issues.

Consumer Privacy Fight: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Netflix, alleging the streamer collected and sold minors’ sensitive data without verifiable parental consent, seeking penalties and an injunction. Housing & Rates: The Fed’s first rate hike in 3+ years could further cool South Florida condos and home sales as mortgage costs rise alongside already-high insurance and HOA fees. Emergency Radio Access: The House passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, backed by Florida Rep. Gus Bilirakis, requiring AM radios in new cars without extra charges. Local Flood Relief: Tampa’s $92.7 million South Howard Flood Relief Project heads to a make-or-break vote, aiming to protect 1,000+ homes and businesses from recurring flooding. Food Safety Recall: Everything Sprouts expanded an alfalfa sprout recall tied to a Shiga toxin E. coli outbreak, with multiple lot numbers and related sprout mix cups affected. Public Health Alert: Polk County confirmed its sixth 2026 rabies case, with most cases involving bats; officials urge residents not to approach unusual animals. Data Center Backlash: Orange County advanced a temporary moratorium on new data center development as residents push for clearer rules and impact research. Fitness Spending Watch: Americans are spending nearly $94B on fitness and weight loss, while FIU research warns many popular fitness watches overestimate calories burned.