AGP Executive Report

Storm Recovery: Hurricane Isaias left hundreds of thousands of Florida customers without power; crews are restoring service as the state opens an insurance-claims center and activates $10 million in small-business loans. Food Safety: FDA inspectors reported cockroaches on cheese-making equipment and flies on ready-to-eat products at a Florida plant; consumers should watch for any follow-up advisories. Getting Around Tampa Bay: A proposed Tampa–St. Petersburg ferry could launch by year’s end, with fares targeted at $10. Fuel Costs: For the week ending Oct. 3, Florida’s average premium-gas price was $4.90 a gallon; Suwannee County’s lowest reported price was $4.84.

Hurricane Recovery: More than 200,000 Florida customers had power restored by Sunday after Hurricane Isaias, but outages remained. FPL expected to largely finish restoration Monday; CHELCO was targeting Tuesday. USPS also temporarily halted delivery and retail operations in 60 Panhandle ZIP codes. Food Safety: The FDA says not to eat recalled Starfish Seafood Trio—cold-smoked salmon, halibut and trout—over possible listeria contamination. No illnesses had been reported; return the product for a refund. Consumer Payments: Florida is among 30 states where eligible HealthCare.gov customers may receive a $500 Treasury check if they paid full price for 2026 coverage. No application is required; don’t share personal or banking details to claim it. Fuel Costs: Regular gas averaged $4.09 a gallon statewide for the week ending Oct. 3, while reported prices in Wakulla County started at $3.75.

Hurricane Recovery: Isaias struck near Destin as a Category 2 storm, leaving damage and widespread outages; more than 600,000 customers across the Southeast were still without power Saturday. Flooding and tornado threats persisted inland. Florida officials urged residents to avoid downed power lines and never run generators indoors as crews worked to restore service. Food Recall: Starfish Seafood Trio cold-smoked salmon, halibut and trout was recalled over possible Listeria contamination. The 8-ounce packages, lot D139149161-153, were distributed in Florida and other states; no illnesses have been reported. Fuel Costs: For the week ending Oct. 3, reported regular gas prices averaged $4.09 statewide. The lowest reported prices were $3.99 in Hendry County, while Orange County’s lowest E15 price was $3.82 per gallon.

Storm Recovery: Isaias weakened after making landfall near Destin, but more than 420,000 Florida utility customers were still without power Saturday as crews cleared debris and restored service. Officials warned residents to avoid downed lines and never run generators indoors; two people died in Florida, including one from generator-related carbon monoxide poisoning. Water Safety: A boil-water notice affects about 345 connections in Belleview Hills Estates, Marion County. Boil water for one minute or use bottled water until testing clears the system. Travel Disruptions: Pensacola International and Destin-Fort Walton Beach airports remained closed to commercial flights as crews assessed damage. Consumer Alerts: Florida officials warned businesses against storm-related price gouging and urged residents to report suspected cases. Separately, a smoked-seafood recall was issued over possible Listeria contamination.

Storm Disruptions: Isaias weakened to a post-tropical cyclone after striking near Destin, but flooding, dangerous winds and widespread outages continued across the Panhandle. More than 400,000 Florida customers were without power Saturday morning as crews began assessing damage. Fuel Costs: The storm has put Gulf Coast fuel supplies at risk, adding pressure to already-high prices. Florida’s reported regular-gas average was $4.09 a gallon for the week ending Oct. 3; analysts say Trump’s Russian diesel deal is unlikely to make a meaningful difference at the pump. Food Safety: Recalls and alerts this week covered frozen berries over possible E. coli and imported Vienna-style sausages flagged by federal health officials. Hidden Fees: The FTC is targeting Florida’s Greenway Auto Group over alleged $3,350 in undisclosed fees, a reminder to check the full price before signing.

Storm Readiness: Hurricane Isaias is threatening the Florida Panhandle, with officials warning businesses against price gouging. More than 22,000 Tallahassee-area customers were without power as crews worked to restore service. Food Safety: A smoked seafood recall covers Starfish Seafood Trio packages sold in Florida and five other states over possible Listeria contamination. Check the lot number and expiry date; return or discard affected packages. Consumer Settlements: A judge approved AT&T’s $177 million data-breach settlement. Customers who filed claims could receive payments, with many expected to get $6.50 to $40. A separate multistate settlement over alleged generic-drug price fixing may offer compensation to people who bought certain generics from 2009 to 2019. Hidden Fees: The FTC is targeting Greenway Auto Group over alleged undisclosed charges of up to $3,350, underscoring the need to review dealer fees before signing.

Hurricane Disruptions: Isaias is approaching the Gulf Coast as a dangerous Category 2 storm. Destin-Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola airports have closed, and airline waivers may help travelers change plans. Food Safety: Federal officials warned Floridians not to eat certain Grace chicken Vienna sausages illegally imported from Jamaica; return them or throw them away. A separate nationwide Gatorade recall over undeclared dyes also includes Florida, while frozen berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s were recalled over possible E. coli contamination. Grocery Changes: Winn-Dixie is rebranding Hitchcock’s Markets in North Central Florida, bringing the familiar chain’s name to those stores.

Hurricane Readiness: Hurricane Isaias is strengthening toward the Gulf Coast, with Florida declaring emergencies in 27 counties and more than 6,000 power-restoration workers on standby. Pensacola shoppers have already been stocking up as supplies sell out. Grocery Savings: A Sam’s Club trip in St. Petersburg cost $287.84 for 27 items; bulk prices may save money, but shoppers should weigh the $60 annual membership and whether they can use large quantities. Florida Retail: Winn-Dixie is rebranding Hitchcock’s Markets in North Central Florida, while Publix plans to close more South Florida stores. Online Safety: Florida is asking a court to require Meta to restrict features such as infinite scrolling for young users, renewing the state’s lawsuit over alleged harm to children. Health Watch: Florida has reported 252 locally acquired dengue cases this year, most in Hillsborough County, and health officials are urging residents to guard against mosquito bites.

Hurricane Preparations: Isaias strengthened into a hurricane in the Gulf, prompting evacuations in coastal parts of Okaloosa County and planned closures at three county airports. The storm could bring dangerous winds and storm surge to the northern Gulf Coast. Product Safety: Federal officials warned Florida shoppers about Grace chicken Vienna sausages imported from Jamaica without required U.S. inspection. No illnesses or contamination have been reported; check cans for the Jamaican inspection mark and avoid the affected products. Online Safety: Florida’s attorney general asked a judge to require Meta to remove users under 14 from Facebook and Instagram and limit teens’ use of its platforms, as the state’s lawsuit over youth safety continues. Consumer Protection: Hershey added “Carving not on actual product” to Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins after a Florida lawsuit challenged the candy’s pictured jack-o’-lantern face. A judge dismissed the case, though the plaintiffs may appeal.

Home Tech: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier sued router maker TP-Link, alleging it misled consumers about China ties and security risks. The state is seeking restitution and penalties; TP-Link disputes the claims. Online Grocery: Piggly Wiggly Food For Less is rolling out a new e-commerce platform across its Florida stores, with implementation expected by the end of October. Food Safety: Florida issued a health alert for illegally imported chicken Vienna-style sausages from Jamaica; a separate frozen blueberry recall has expanded over potential E. coli risk. Grocery Expansion: Whole Foods opened its 40th Florida store in Bradenton. Storm Costs: A hurricane threat in the Panhandle could affect property insurance rates statewide, depending on storm damage and resulting industry costs. Candy Labels: Hershey added a disclaimer to Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkins after a lawsuit challenged the candy’s filling.

Employee Ownership: Ocala’s Fidelity Manufacturing is now 100% employee-owned after founders Brad and Wendy Dinkins sold the company to an ESOP, giving eligible workers shares as a retirement benefit. Public Health Spending: Hillsborough County may approve retroactive mosquito-control purchases as its dengue response tops $1M while officials await updated case numbers. Consumer Safety Recalls: PepsiCo is recalling 122,000 cases of Gatorade over undeclared dyes, and a wider frozen berry recall linked to E. coli continues to expand to more Walmart and Trader Joe’s products. Housing & Healthcare as a Feature: Wynwood’s Frida Kahlo Condos plan includes a 24/7 doctor-on-call model for residents, with primary care built into the ground-floor clinic. Local Retail & Travel: Whole Foods opens its 40th Florida store in Bradenton, while Zaxby’s is expanding into Florida Turnpike service plazas via Areas USA. Energy & Home Prep: A guide for outage season highlights backup power options ahead of Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, as more households report they’ve already experienced outages. Tech Policy: Alachua City Commission approved a first reading on a 12-month moratorium on new AI data center development.

Diesel & gas prices: In the week ending Sept. 26, one Seminole County station reported E85 at $2.99/gal (Florida average: $3.20), while Gilchrist County’s lowest regular gas hit $4.08/gal and Alachua County’s cheapest diesel was $5.79/gal (county average: $6.28). Truck fuel policy: President Trump signed an order to temporarily allow tax-free “farm diesel” use on highways for trucks, aiming to cut costs, though critics say it’s only a postponement. Food safety: USDA issued a public health alert for illegally imported canned chicken Vienna-style sausages from Jamaica sold in multiple states, urging consumers not to eat affected cans. Consumer protection in candy: Hershey added a new Reese’s Pumpkins disclaimer (“Carving not on actual product”) after a Florida judge dismissed a misleading-packaging lawsuit, though plaintiffs plan to appeal. Public health & safety: An Estero mom is pushing “Edie’s Law” after her toddler nearly died from accidental kratom exposure. Tech & privacy: Florida AG sued TP-Link over claims its routers misled customers about security and China ties. Retail expansion: Whole Foods opened its 40th Florida store in Bradenton (Nov. 5). Local jobs: Miami Beach is hiring park rangers at $29.50–$49.22/hour, with applications due Oct. 7.

Frozen Food Safety: Walmart and Trader Joe’s expanded recalls of frozen berries tied to potential E. coli contamination, including specific Great Value triple berry and blueberry lots plus one Trader Joe’s mixed berry blend—check UPCs, lot codes, and “best if used by” dates before eating. Sports Drink Watch: PepsiCo recalled 122,021 cases of Gatorade (28-ounce Lemon Lime and Orange varieties, including Zero) after undeclared artificial yellow dyes were found; consumers should verify lot codes and return affected bottles. Fuel Costs & Consumer Impact: Diesel prices remain a pressure point for Florida shoppers and businesses as Trump signed an order easing limits on tax-free red-dyed diesel, aiming to cut costs ahead of the midterms. Retail & Dining Deals: National Taco Day 2026 (Oct. 6) brings promotions across Florida, while TGI Fridays says it wants to expand in the Sunshine State as it grows after bankruptcy. Cyber & Privacy: A ransomware group claims it breached Trump Mobile and exposed customer records; separate reporting also highlights a Florida woman arrested after Anthropic flagged “diary” threats to a sheriff’s office. Florida Legal/Consumer Gambling: Florida AG lawsuits target Chumba Casino, Global Poker, and Stake over sweepstakes-style gambling rules, seeking shutdowns and loss recovery.

Food Safety Recall: PepsiCo is recalling about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade (Lemon Lime, Lemon Lime Zero, Orange, Orange Zero) sold in 37 states, including Florida, because some bottles may contain undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6 dyes; the FDA classifies it as Class II (temporary or medically reversible risk). More Recall Watch: A separate frozen-berry recall tied to E. coli has expanded again, adding Trader Joe’s and affecting Walmart’s Great Value products in multiple states including Florida—check freezer items and lot details. Consumer Tech & Policy: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says society may have to “accept some bad things” for AI benefits, drawing pushback from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as Florida continues its legal fight with OpenAI. Local Travel: Tallahassee International Airport received a $1.5 million federal grant to restart/market a Tallahassee-to-Houston flight route. Business & Jobs: BankUnited named Tony Coley as Tampa Bay commercial banking market leader. Retail/Community: Islamorada Chamber picked Katie Brennan as its new executive director.

Food Safety Recall: PepsiCo is recalling about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in 37 states because labels didn’t list yellow food dyes (Yellow No. 5 and No. 6), a concern for some people with sensitivities. Retail & Pricing Pressure: Tomato tariffs could squeeze restaurant budgets, threatening the “free chips and salsa” tradition as tomato costs rise. Consumer Health & Nutrition: A new review links higher processed meat intake (about 25 grams daily) with higher dementia risk, including Alzheimer’s, though it’s based on associations. Regulation Watch: Kratom rules are diverging as states and federal regulators target more potent 7-OH and synthetic kratom products while leaving traditional leaf less restricted. Local Business & Community: West Palm Beach’s GreenMarket adds new vendors like Arya Tea Bar, while a Cape Coral restaurant tied to UFC star Tito Ortiz is closing after rent and injury challenges. Tech & Privacy: A Florida-focused op-ed warns that wearable and other consumer health tech can expose sensitive women’s data beyond HIPAA protections.

Food Safety Recall: Frozen berries sold at Trader Joe’s and Walmart were hit again as an expanded E. coli recall grows, now tied to additional lots and more states—check freezer labels before eating. Public Health: Alfalfa sprout illnesses tied to a single contaminated seed lot have now spread to 76 people across 16 states, with recalls reaching more kitchens. Consumer Finance & Housing: Home insurance remains a Florida outlier even as some states see rate filings cool off—Florida’s market is still driven by carrier pullbacks and Citizens’ growing role. Retail & Customer Protection: A Bee & Co. skincare store at Westfield Topanga closed after allegations of coercive sales targeting vulnerable shoppers, raising fresh questions about mall retail practices. Local Banking: Community First Credit Union opened a new freestanding Wildlight branch in Nassau County with a drive-thru and ATMs, boosting access for about 2,000 local members. Utilities & Cost of Living: A new look at what families pay for utilities shows Florida’s costs are significant, keeping pressure on household budgets. Data Privacy: Hawaiʻi settled a Labcorp-related data breach case involving a debt collector vendor, underscoring that HIPAA compliance can’t be outsourced.