AGP Executive Report

Consumer Privacy Fight: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Netflix, accusing the streamer of a “bait-and-switch” on an ad-free promise—alleging it tracked children’s viewing behavior and monetized that data to build its advertising business. Retail & Dining Closures: O’Charley’s appears to be shutting down its remaining locations, with multiple states affected, while Alamo Drafthouse Naples is closing and shifting operations to Paragon Theaters. Utilities & Cost Pressure: Dominion and NextEra’s $67B buyout cleared a major shareholder vote, but consumer groups are warning about concentration and potential rate impacts. EV Charging Expansion: EVgo will add 400+ fast-charging stalls at Regency Centers, including Florida retail sites. Local Consumer Alerts: A Nassau-Amelia Water System boil-water notice is in effect for 366 units on Amelia Island after maintenance. Public Safety on Campus: UF police say two people carrying rifles on public sidewalks near campus did not violate Florida law, though firearms are still restricted on university property.

Food Safety: USDA recalled 1,500+ pounds of imported Italian ready-to-eat pork guanciale (pork jowl) after Listeria monocytogenes was found, a Class I risk; shoppers should check labels/lot and best-if-used-by dates. Consumer Tech & Privacy: Florida AG James Uthmeier is pushing criminal penalties for AI companies when chatbots help facilitate crimes or scams, with potential fines and business suspension in Florida. Local Transit: Tampa Bay ferry boats are getting refurbished in Tarpon Springs before service between St. Petersburg and Tampa, including interior overhauls and mechanical upgrades. Energy Resilience: Duke Energy’s new battery microgrid in Gilchrist County can keep power on for about 1,500 customers for up to four hours during outages. Local Business Spotlight: North Port honored woman- and veteran-owned Lolablue with its GEM Award for handmade products made locally. Retail Expansion: Costco plans multiple new warehouse openings across the U.S. and Canada, signaling continued growth for big-box shoppers. AI in Politics: An “AI Pact” is gaining traction with candidates, including Florida, calling for limits and safety reviews around data centers and powerful AI models.

Insurance Affordability: LendingTree says U.S. home insurance rates jumped nearly 47% from 2020–2025, with Colorado up 18.3% and no state seeing declines in 2025—severe weather is a major driver. Food Safety Recalls: USDA/FSIS issued a recall for 1,500+ pounds of ready-to-eat Italian pork over possible listeria, distributed via Florida processors; separate FDA action widened a Walmart frozen triple-berry recall in 16 states tied to an E. coli outbreak. Local Utilities & Water Rules: Lakeland is raising fines for violating lawn-watering limits (up to $500) while electric fuel charges are set to fall for customers. Tech & Consumer Privacy: A new report says U.S. lawmakers likely won’t rein in camera-enabled smart glasses soon, leaving privacy protections to existing laws and standards. AI Accountability in Florida: Florida AG James Uthmeier is pushing for criminal penalties for AI chatbot companies if their products help abet crimes. Trade & Prices Watch: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs took effect, and economists say some consumer categories (like health and beauty) could see short-term price pressure. Florida Consumer Infrastructure: USF broke ground on a nearly $500M mixed-use “Uptown Landing” project, targeting a fall 2028 opening for the first phase.

Housing & Affordability: Florida’s luxury condo boom is accelerating, with developers leaning on big-name brands and “affordable + market-rate” mixes—raising the question of who can actually buy in. Home Protection Costs: FPL Home is sending mailers warning homeowners they may be on the hook for repairs to exterior electric and water lines, pushing optional add-on coverage as standard insurance often won’t. Food Safety: USDA issued a Class I recall of 1,500+ pounds of imported ready-to-eat pork guanciale due to possible listeria contamination, affecting multiple states. Retail Snack Expansion: Keogh’s Crisps landed at Publix across 1,400 stores in the Southeast, signaling more competition in Florida’s snack aisle. Consumer Tech Watch: Tesla’s steering-less Cybercab rollout in Austin is drawing fresh scrutiny after regulators opened an audit into its self-certification process. Travel Budget Reality Check: Norwegian Cruise Line is reshaping “Free at Sea” perks with added fees, a reminder to read the fine print before booking. Local Community & Safety: A Florida man says a fake sheriff’s warrant scam nearly cost him $300,000—another warning for anyone wiring money after urgent calls.

Food Safety: USDA issued a Class I recall for about 1,500 pounds of ready-to-eat Italian pork guanciale (pork jowl) due to possible listeria, shipped to Florida and seven other states; the products are lot 263311US with a best-if-used-by date of 05.16.27. Health Insurance: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reversed course and will cover surgical mesh used in breast reconstruction as “medically necessary,” after an investigation into prior denials. Consumer Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker shows Seminole logged 7 scam reports in July, tying it for 44th among 237 Florida cities; online purchase scams were most common. Local Transit/Cost of Living: Miami’s Metromover remains free for riders, while officials debate fare hikes and budget gaps—highlighting how transit funding choices hit working residents. Air Travel Safety: NTSB says an Amazon cargo plane overran a Miami runway, striking a van with seven people; FAA scrutiny centers on runway safety systems. Retail/Value: Papa John’s continues closing stores, with at least 43 locations shut this year, including in Florida.

Surveillance Backlash: Mesa residents are pushing to cancel Flock Safety’s license plate reader contract, citing claims of misuse and misreads that they say can lead to dangerous stops. Retail Fallout: The same Flock controversy is now hitting big stores like Ulta, with critics arguing the partnerships don’t fit a customer base largely made up of women. Tech & Consumer Impact: Tesla rolled out steering-wheel-free Cybercabs in Austin, while U.S. regulators opened a safety audit—another reminder that “autonomous” tech is arriving faster than consumer comfort. Food Safety: Florida-area shoppers should check for a recall of ready-to-eat pork jowls (Listeria risk) tied to Prime Line Distributors and Ferrarini USA. Utilities & Bills: JEA warned Northeast Florida customers to expect higher electric bills after August heat, and offered payment help options. Local Consumer Watch: BBB Scam Tracker rankings show Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami leading Florida scam reports in July, with Tallahassee also rising. Education Boost: FPL is offering free STEM programs and classroom grants as students head back to school.

Food Safety Recall: Walmart shoppers in 16 states are being told to check freezers after Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend was added to an E. coli recall tied to a multistate outbreak; the FDA says no illnesses are linked to this specific product so far, but it’s a precaution and the best-by dates run into 2028. Health Alert: Florida health officials say more than 400 people have been diagnosed with Cyclospora infections linked to recalled iceberg lettuce, with the FDA saying the recalled product has been removed. Scam Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data for July shows Cape Coral (9 reports) and Hialeah (3) among Florida cities reporting online purchase scams, with losses reported nationwide totaling $12.5B in 2024. Tech & Consumer Tech: Amazon says Prime Air drone delivery could reach nearly 500 U.S. communities by end of 2026. Auto Regulation: U.S. regulators opened an audit into Tesla’s Cybercab robotaxis after paid rides began in Austin. Local Living: Frontier Airlines will exit its last JFK market route by Oct. 5.

Labor Day Logistics: Pensacola-area garbage pickup schedules shift for Sept. 7–8, with some City of Pensacola routes delayed one day; ECUA office closures and other county-by-county recycling/transfer-station changes are also in play. Privacy vs. Surveillance: Florida is revoking Flock license-plate reader permits on state highway right-of-ways, citing misuse reports and privacy concerns—while communities elsewhere keep debating the tradeoff between public safety and monitoring. Data Centers, Water, and Local Trust: North Port residents packed a workshop where water and data-center experts discussed cooling, water use, and energy impacts; most attendees remained skeptical, and the city outlined next steps after community feedback. Hemp Retail Update: A federal funding provision delays major hemp restrictions that would have tightened the definition of legal hemp, giving Florida shops a short reprieve on THC products. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in multiple states are being told to check freezers as an E. coli frozen-berry recall expands. Consumer Tech & Health: A former Pentagon AI policy director warns that expanding automated surveillance could create a “China-like surveillance state” without guardrails.

Privacy vs. surveillance: Florida moved to revoke Flock permits for license-plate readers on state highway right-of-ways, citing misuse reports and privacy concerns—while allowing private use on personal property. Housing affordability: Realtor.com data shows home prices per square foot fell year-over-year in 36 of 50 major metros, with Tampa down 5.6% and Orlando down 2.6%, as post-pandemic “boomtown” gains keep cooling. Local taxes: St. Petersburg kept its property tax millage steady for another year, but rising taxable values could still raise bills. Retail expansion: Aldi confirmed a new Destin store by year-end in the former Winn Dixie building, adding jobs and more grocery competition. Consumer safety: Walmart shoppers in multiple states were told to check freezers as frozen berry recalls expand over possible E. coli contamination. Tech scrutiny: Tesla’s Cybercab rollout triggered an NHTSA probe into how the company self-certified the driverless vehicle’s compliance. Scam watch: BBB Scam Tracker lists Hollywood among Florida cities with elevated scam reports in July, with phishing leading reported losses.

Consumer Safety: Walmart shoppers in 16 states are being told to check freezers after an E. coli-linked recall expanded to Great Value frozen organic triple berry blend (no illnesses reported yet). Local Retail & Services: Gainesville’s downtown streatery fencing is coming down ahead of UF’s season opener, with a $4.5M pedestrian-only makeover meant to boost foot traffic for nearby businesses. Food & Health: Florida International University researchers found popular smartwatches can misreport calories burned, with errors worsening for higher body-fat users—so don’t treat those numbers as gospel. Tech & Regulation: Tesla’s wheel-free Cybercab rollout in Austin is drawing a federal safety probe after NHTSA opened an audit of about 1,000 vehicles. Environment & Community: Waste Management gave Keys residents a behind-the-scenes tour of its $90M recycling plant in Pembroke Pines, emphasizing why “clean” materials matter for what gets recycled. Local Development: Navarre Beach residents are pushing back against plans for a waterfront boardwalk with shops and an event center, arguing it threatens the area’s natural character.

Food Safety Alert: The FDA says an E. coli outbreak tied to frozen berries has now expanded to Walmart’s Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz, UPC 7874211226, lot 6040 01-6, best-by Feb. 9, 2028), sold in 16 states including Florida—no illnesses reported for this specific product yet, but the broader investigation has sickened 17 people. Consumer Health & Guidance: Orange County is boosting mosquito surveillance and targeted treatments after West Nile activity and a locally acquired dengue case, urging residents to dump standing water weekly. Local Retail & Community: Several SW Florida restaurants have closed, including Gulyas-Factory and Amy’s Winehouse in Cape Coral. State Consumer Watch: DeSantis appointed members to the Florida Concrete Masonry Education Council. Everyday Costs: AAA reports gas prices are on track to break the Labor Day record, with diesel at an all-time high—potentially raising shipping and everyday prices. Business Moves: Cartier opened a new boutique at The Mall at Millenia in Orlando. Tech & Safety: A Florida-based distributor acquired Auburn’s Atech Turbine Components, expanding aviation repair capacity.

Food Safety Recall: Walmart shoppers in 16 states are being warned about recalled Great Value frozen organic berry products tied to a multistate E. coli outbreak, with some packages still good through 2028—check lot codes and use-by dates before eating. Privacy & Consumer Tech: Florida’s transportation agency cut back use permits for Flock automatic license plate reader cameras on state highways, citing misuse reports and privacy concerns, adding to a growing backlash against mass surveillance tech. Local Business & Leisure: Sebring approved the Blackmon family’s lease of the city’s municipal golf course, with a 50-year deal and member pricing protections—maintenance shifts to the tenant after turnover. Consumer Watch: Tesla’s Cybercab robotaxi is now in limited public rides in Austin, while Florida continues to be part of Tesla’s robotaxi footprint, raising more questions about availability and real-world use. Outdoor Lifestyle: Florida’s snook harvest season reopened Sept. 1–Dec. 15, with anglers reporting plenty of fish after last winter’s freeze.

Food Safety Alerts: Walmart expanded an E. coli recall to Great Value frozen organic triple berry blend (10 oz, UPC 7874211226, lot 6040 01-6, best-if-used-by Feb. 9, 2028) sold in 16 states including Florida—don’t eat; throw out or return for a refund. Consumer Relief: Florida families and food banks are getting 5.67 million Grade A eggs statewide from a price-fixing settlement tied to alleged egg producer manipulation. Local Business & Consumer Costs: A Fernandina Beach mechanic was arrested after nearly 24 customer cars were found abandoned at a storage lot, leaving owners scrambling to locate vehicles. Tech & Mobility Watch: Tesla says its Cybercab is rolling out in Austin as Robotaxi service expands in Florida (Miami, Orlando, Tampa) and riders can choose Cybercab vs. Model Y in the app. Public Health: Florida reported 158 measles cases in 2026, far above its recent average, with vaccination rates still below herd-immunity levels. Retail/Entertainment: Orlando theme parks are launching Halloween events early, with Disney’s Not-So-Scary selling out early dates.

Dating & Consumer Culture: A new “dating recession” in Florida shows up on apps as politics becomes the first filter—people are swiping based on Trump vs. liberal views, not hobbies or distance. Health & Fitness Tech: FIU researchers warn smartwatches can overestimate calories burned by hundreds, and the error can get worse with higher body fat—so don’t treat the number as truth. Public Safety & Courts: Golf legend Tiger Woods reached a plea deal in a Florida court, getting a five-year driver’s license suspension and a $1,500 fine after a DUI-related crash. Food Prices & Relief: Florida is set to receive millions of eggs from a statewide price-fixing settlement, with deliveries aimed at food banks and affordability relief. Local Business & Home Life: Groveland utility rates rise Oct. 1 to fund water and sewer upgrades. Consumer Health Research: FSU links lower natural GLP-1 response to binge-eating severity in Tallahassee women, pointing to who may benefit from GLP-1 meds. Retail & Travel: Joseph Spine Institute opened a Regenerative Therapy Center offering adipose-derived cell therapies and PRP.

Consumer Safety & Recalls: A Davie, Florida distributor recalled Lipofit Extreme Fat Burner 2.0 after federal testing found undeclared fluoxetine and an industrial chemical (DNP) in separate pills. Food Affordability: Florida is receiving 5.67 million eggs from a nationwide egg price-fixing settlement, feeding families through Feeding Florida across all 67 counties. Local Utilities & Bills: St. Petersburg groups launched a petition push for a ballot measure that could let the city create its own electric utility, aiming to tackle high rates. Hurricane Prep: Storm Solutions warns Southwest Florida homeowners that impact windows and insurance coverage changes can become impossible to secure once a storm is named—plan before deadlines. Tech & Privacy: Florida ordered local agencies to remove Flock license plate readers from state highway rights of way, citing privacy concerns. Business & Retail: Merit Portable Buildings expanded online by listing sheds, garages, and cabins on ShedHub, making Florida inventory easier to shop. Aviation: Flyte received approvals to offer private charter service from Florida into the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Consumer Safety Alerts: Hodo Lightly Fried Chili Crisp Tofu was recalled in 29 states after ink from printed packaging may have migrated into the product; consumers are told not to eat it and to return for a refund. Food & Supplement Watch: A Florida-based weight-loss supplement, Lipofit Extreme Fat Burner 2.0, was recalled after FDA found undeclared fluoxetine and DNP (a toxic pesticide/herbicide) in tablets. Big Tech & Ads: The FTC and 22 states, including Florida, sued Amazon over alleged hidden ad surcharges that they say inflated costs for more than a million sellers/brands. Privacy & Surveillance: DeSantis ordered Flock license plate readers removed from Florida state roads; Miami-Dade is suspending its entire program, citing misuse and privacy concerns. Local Consumer Impact: Florida International University found popular smartwatches can overestimate workout calories by roughly 15%–25%, which could throw off weight-management efforts. Legal/Local Spotlight: Tiger Woods is set for a change-of-plea hearing in Martin County tied to his March DUI case.