AGP Executive Report

Food Safety Alert: FDA expanded a recall of Lundberg Family Farms Jasmine white rice (27,000+ packages) over possible foreign material contamination, affecting stores including Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, and Wegmans; check UPC 073416040281 and lot codes 260201MA/260202MA and don’t eat. Consumer Costs & Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports show E85, E15, and premium/midgrade prices varying by county this week, with E85 as low as $2.99 in Polk County and E15 as low as $3.62 in Marion County. Retail & Shopping: Aldi announced three new store openings in the Phoenix area this fall as it pushes a 40-store expansion plan—another sign of continued discount-grocery competition. Utilities Relief: FPL customers are set for a one-time September electric bill reduction after final hurricane-season cost accounting, returning about $80 million total. Public Health: JEA issued a precautionary boil-water advisory for customers in Nassau County’s Yulee/Wildlight area after an equipment failure at a water plant. Tech & Privacy: More local governments are ending contracts with Flock Safety amid concerns about surveillance reach, data sharing, and misuse.

Consumer Safety Recalls: The FDA updated a white rice recall tied to Lundberg Family Farms, saying the affected 2-lb White Jasmine Rice was distributed in Florida and other states due to possible foreign materials. Household Product Risk: Walmart reannounced a Mainstays 9-Drawer Fabric Dresser recall after tip-over/entrapment concerns, warning the discounted furniture still reached homes via liquidators. Medical Supply Watch: Two IV saline recalls hit hospitals nationwide—B. Braun for zinc-oxide particulate and Baxter for possible fiberglass particulate—both tied to 0.9% sodium chloride injection lots. Scam Alerts (Florida): BBB Scam Tracker data shows New Port Richey tied for 18th in Florida for July scam reports, with counterfeit product among the most common types. Local Consumer Costs: Hillsborough hotel “bed tax” revenue is funding hundreds of millions toward the Tampa Bay Rays’ new stadium. Home Tech Caution: A Florida homeowner’s tankless water heater replacement sparked online scrutiny over installation red flags. Florida Innovation: A Belleview High School student won an ISEF award for using recycled foamed glass to help build oyster habitat surfaces.

Consumer Safety Recalls: Walmart reannounced a nationwide recall of Mainstays 9-Drawer Fabric Dressers after tip-over and entrapment risks, with the CPSC saying the recalled units kept reaching homes even after the first recall. Public Health Alerts: Hospitals were told to pull recalled 0.9% sodium chloride IV bags due to possible particulate contamination, including zinc-oxide-related lots from B. Braun and other saline recalls. Fraud Watch (Florida): BBB Scam Tracker data shows Venice tied for 25th in Florida for scam reports in July, with phishing and online purchase scams driving losses. Postal Access: USPS is permanently closing a post office in Cape Coral, Florida residents say they’ve had major mail delays, raising concerns for medication deliveries. State Oversight: Sarasota auditors say a $100,767 payout to former Tax Collector Mike Moran violated state law because PACE couldn’t show he performed the “transition services.” Regulation (Kratom): Florida AG James Uthmeier signed an emergency rule to control highly concentrated 7-OH products, citing addiction and overdose risks.

Data Center Rules: Pinellas County commissioners voted to put in writing that large-scale, standalone “hyperscale” data centers are already prohibited in unincorporated areas, with staff drafting a resolution to reaffirm the ban as residents worry about electricity, water, and industrial land strain. Local Governance & Growth: Highlands County is also reviewing zoning to limit or deny large AI data centers under a new state law, while Fort Pierce faces a citizen pushback effort over South Hutchinson Island development that opponents say could violate height limits. Consumer Safety Recalls: Baxter issued multiple nationwide IV solution recalls after reports of possible fiberglass or stainless-steel particles in sealed bags, and Walmart reissued warnings about recalled Mainstays dressers that were still sold through liquidation channels. Food & Health Alerts: The FDA classified a cyclospora-linked shredded iceberg lettuce recall as Class I, and a rice recall expansion now includes Lundberg jasmine white rice sold in Florida and other states. Tech & Kids: Florida rejected Meta’s $18B child-safety settlement, even as Meta agreed to new safeguards in a landmark multi-state deal. Retail & Travel: Apple TV raised prices again, and Frontier is seeking new daily Orlando-to-Colombia routes.

Consumer Safety: Baxter recalled certain IV saline, anticoagulant citrate, and 70% dextrose bags due to possible fiberglass/stainless contamination, with Florida among the affected states—stop use and return units. Food Safety: The Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has grown to 20 states and 11,458+ illnesses; Florida is listed among distribution states. State Policy: Florida’s minimum wage for non-tipped workers hits $15 on Sept. 30, with future increases tied to inflation. Retail/Convenience: Florida AG Uthmeier filed lawsuits targeting payment processors tied to alleged illegal online “sweepstakes” gambling platforms. Local Economy: Tampa Bay Rays cleared key votes for a new $2.3B, 31,000-seat stadium, with public funding over $800M and an expected 2029 opening. Workplace/Service: A Florida HVAC technician was arrested after a home pet camera allegedly captured him kicking a Chihuahua unconscious. Community/Infrastructure: County commissioners will consider a formal speed-hump request process, including traffic-study and petition requirements.

Consumer Safety & Privacy: USA TODAY reports at least 19 police and sheriff’s employees in five states were arrested, fired, or investigated for improper use of Flock Safety license-plate cameras—cases in Sarasota, Florida, and elsewhere were flagged by reporters before agencies acted. Tech & Courts: UEFA is seeking access to documents in U.S. and Florida federal court to support a Swiss criminal complaint against FIFA boss Gianni Infantino over a scrapped plan to sell World Cup profits to private investors. Health Costs: A new AP/KFF Health News report highlights how the end of enhanced ACA subsidies hit Florida hard, with hundreds of thousands dropping coverage and many facing unaffordable premiums and medical-bill fallout. Food & Retail: Burger King rolls out revised chicken nuggets and new dipping sauces nationwide Sept. 1 after customer complaints about the prior nuggets. Local Shopping: Costco Florida members can now order custom cakes and party platters for delivery via Instacart. Scam Watch: BBB Scam Tracker shows multiple Florida cities with reported fraud in July, including Tampa, Orlando, and Fort Myers.

Retail Expansion: Walmart bought 62+ acres along State Road 82 near Lehigh Acres for nearly $24M, aiming to anchor a new store in the Blackstone Corporate Park—welcomed by some residents for more shopping and dining, but raising traffic and noise worries. Home Services: A Naples guide highlights how to vet flooring pros for Florida’s heat, humidity, and coastal conditions, comparing tile, luxury vinyl plank, and engineered hardwood. Consumer Safety: USDA recalled nearly 30,000 pounds of raw Argentine beef sold in Florida and Texas due to missing import reinspection; consumers should check for specific boneless cuts and return or dispose. Foodborne Illness Watch: Florida cyclosporiasis cases rose to 486 statewide (as of Aug. 22), with county-by-county counts showing the biggest jumps in recent months. Tech & Privacy: Lawmakers and local governments keep pushing back on Flock license-plate cameras, citing privacy concerns as cities reconsider contracts and removal efforts spread. Kids Online: Meta’s multistate settlement would require major child-safety changes and payouts up to $18B, with Florida opting out of the deal. Entertainment Merch: Disney and Champion’s NFL apparel collab may not be restocked once sold out, so fans are urged to grab remaining items while they last.

Meta Child-Safety Settlement: Meta will pay up to $18B and tighten Facebook/Instagram teen rules, including default 2-hour daily limits and blocking use from midnight to 6 a.m. without parental consent, as states end a federal trial over claims the platforms were designed to be addictive. Florida Education Tech: Florida’s Department of Education is proposing rules for public colleges to adopt AI policies covering academic integrity, grading, and campus use limits. Privacy vs. Surveillance Cameras: U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley opened an investigation into Flock Safety’s AI camera network, questioning how it collects and shares location-linked vehicle data. Consumer Safety/Utilities: A Vero Beach woman says she was billed $922 by FPL after a fire destroyed her home and her meter melted; FPL blamed an estimated bill issue. Local Retail at the Airport: ECP (Northwest Florida Beaches International) approved a new concessions deal bringing more local food and shops under SSP America. Health & Food: Cinnamon may slightly help blood sugar, but experts say results are mixed and it’s not a diabetes fix. Local Community: Daytona-area Midtown Welcomes Students Back to B-CU with hygiene supplies, screenings, and support.

Consumer Safety & Recalls: FDA issued a nationwide recall of Donutful Chocolate Dipped Vanilla Cake Donuts sold on Amazon due to undeclared milk, warning people with milk allergies. Food & Fraud: Uber refunded a South Florida bakery after viral claims that about 300 cinnamon rolls worth $3,000+ were marked undelivered. Retail Theft: A St. Johns County shoplifting crackdown led to 5 arrests and nearly $3,000 in recovered goods. Health & Addiction: Polk County doctors report severe opiate-like withdrawal tied to concentrated kratom extracts sold in gas stations and smoke shops. Tech & Privacy: Sen. Josh Hawley launched an investigation into Flock Safety’s camera network over alleged misuse of Americans’ data. Social Media Oversight: Meta agreed to pay up to $17.1B in a multi-state settlement and adopt teen protections like time limits and reduced nighttime use. Local Business & Growth: Wayfair opened its 10th store in Altamonte Springs, and Publix is fighting the IRS over a denied $2.6M research tax credit. Energy & Costs: Florida’s outdoor gear tax holiday starts Sept. 1, and officials are also weighing AI rules for colleges.

Hurricane Costs & Taxes: A new Florida Policy Institute analysis warns a “perfect storm” for disaster recovery if Amendment 3 cuts about $12B from local governments while FEMA reimbursement for public assistance drops from 75% to 50%, shifting more storm-debris and infrastructure repair costs onto counties and cities. Consumer Health Affordability: Florida is feeling the squeeze after enhanced ACA subsidies expired, with about 440,000 Floridians dropping coverage this year; residents say they’re delaying care or skipping it entirely. Fuel Fraud Fallout: Drivers in Westlake report Mobil sold diesel through premium gas pumps, leading to catastrophic engine damage; FDACS is investigating after customer complaints. Retail & Home Safety: A South Florida window installer filed for bankruptcy mid-project, leaving homeowners out deposits and waiting on hurricane-impact windows. Tech & Jobs: A wave of AI-linked tech layoffs topped 175,000 workers in 2026 so far, including major firms cutting roles. Travel & Local Business: Tampa Bay is seeing a new wave of hotel openings and renovations, expanding options for visitors. Space Coast Shift: SpaceX launched its final dedicated Falcon 9 Starlink mission from Florida as future East Coast Starlink flights transition to Starship.

Healthcare Costs: Florida is feeling the squeeze after the Obamacare subsidy drop-off, with hundreds of thousands of Floridians reportedly losing coverage and facing higher premiums and delayed care. Consumer Food Prices: Grocery costs keep climbing, with tariffs, energy prices, weather, and food-safety shocks all adding pressure on what families pay at the store. Welfare Restrictions: Gov. DeSantis is rolling out new Temporary Cash Assistance limits, barring purchases like tobacco, vaping, drugs, pornography, theme park tickets, tattoos, and even psychic/fortune-telling services—aimed at “nonessential” spending. Utilities & Data Centers: Florida’s PSC is weighing Duke Energy’s plan that could shift data-center costs onto customers, raising alarms from consumer advocates about higher electric bills. Retail & Safety: Target shares slid after it apologized for pulling an “offensive” Halloween costume criticized as racist. Local Business Growth: Little Greek is expanding in Tampa Bay with new Express locations and a traditional restaurant opening in Lutz. Tech & Consumer Protection: Florida regulators are also in the spotlight as states push for stronger teen safeguards and clearer rules for online platforms.

Housing & Taxes: Florida home sales kept climbing in July, with statewide single-family sales up 5.1% and condos/townhouses up 11.0%, though some metro areas saw declines. Property Tax Relief Fight: Amendment 3 would boost homestead exemptions (from $50,000 to $150,000 for non-school levies, then higher later), but Bartow and Polk officials warn it could cut local funding by millions and leave service costs unchanged. Consumer Safety: FDA/CDC investigations continue after a multi-state Salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños, with Florida among the affected states. Food Recall Watch: Alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts (Calco/Everything Sprouts) were recalled after E. coli and salmonella illnesses in 15 states, including Florida. Public Assistance Rules: DeSantis announced Florida will restrict TANF Temporary Cash Assistance purchases to essentials, banning items like vaping, video games, theme park tickets, and luxury services. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show scattered low prices across counties (including E15 and premium deals), but statewide averages remain higher than last year. Retail & Scams: A Volusia County case shows how scammers used fake bank calls to push a victim into withdrawing $8,000—then deputies tracked the suspect. Beauty Shopping: Dr. Forhair’s scalp-care line is rolling into more than 200 Sephora stores in Florida and beyond.

Public Assistance Rules: Gov. Ron DeSantis says Florida will be the first state to amend its TANF plan to bar Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) EBT spending on items like tobacco/vaping, drugs, pornography, video games, theme park tickets, tattoos, spa services, tanning, and psychic readings—aimed at keeping benefits focused on essentials. Food Safety Alert: FDA/CDC are investigating a multistate outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts from Everything Sprouts, LLC, with 55 sickened across 15 states (including Florida) and recalls underway. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker reports Eustis among Florida cities with 3 scam reports in July, totaling about $5,726 in losses, with employment scams and online purchase schemes topping reports. Tech & Customer Service: Boca Raton-based outboundIQ released genesys-mcp, an open-source tool that helps Genesys Cloud admins build call flows from plain-English requests with human approval before changes go live. Retail/Travel: Buc-ee’s CEO says the chain prefers “conservative, business-friendly” states; Florida is next with a St. Lucie opening in 2027 and an Ocala center planned for 2029. Energy/Weather: Hurricane Center has designated Invest 96L for the tropical wave off the Atlantic, increasing monitoring for Southwest Florida.

Food Safety Recall: UAE says no recalled U.S. GreenWise frozen berries (possible E. coli) were imported or sold there, after the FDA upgraded Publix’s recall to Class 1; Florida and Georgia accounted for the reported cases, with customers told to discard or return for refunds. Household Budgeting: Florida’s August SNAP payout schedule is tied to the 8th and 9th digits of a case number, with benefits landing between the 1st and 28th. Local Small Business: Florida home bakers are leaning into the cottage food law, turning kitchens into small businesses and growing from preorders to farmers-market sales. Consumer Tech & Privacy: A Sarasota attorney warns residents to assume they’re being recorded as license-plate cameras spread for theft deterrence, raising dragnet-surveillance concerns. Energy Watch: GasBuddy price reports show premium and diesel rates varying by county for the week ending Aug. 15, with Florida averages still elevated. Sports & Retail Culture: Publix checkout changes and a Daytona Firecracker 400 format shift also drew attention, alongside ongoing buzz around GTA VI.

Gas Watch: Citrus County hit the week’s low for E15 at $2.99/gal (week ending Aug. 15), while Walton County’s cheapest premium was $4.25/gal—showing how fast pump prices can swing by county. Retail Checkout: Publix is removing the 10-item limit in express lanes to speed up checkout flow. Consumer Safety: A multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts has sickened 55 people and hospitalized four, with cases reported in Florida. Local Business: Downtown Sarasota’s Sugar Champagne Bar cut its $150 minimum spend per person after backlash over the high-end rule. Community Services: Coconut Creek and Republic Services launched Florida’s first fully electric residential recycling and waste fleet, aiming for quieter, zero-emission curbside service. Scam Alerts: BBB Scam Tracker reports show Jay and Apopka among Florida cities with multiple scam reports in July, with losses reaching into the tens of thousands. Food Prices: A new duty on Mexican strawberries could raise prices starting in November, a concern for Florida’s Plant City growers. Delivery Tech: Amazon plans to expand drone delivery to nearly 500 U.S. metro areas, targeting faster suburban drop-offs.

Space Coast Jobs: Relativity Space says it’s revamping Cape Canaveral’s Launch Complex 16 for its larger reusable Terran R rocket and plans a major North Brevard manufacturing push that could create thousands of high-paying jobs by 2034. Travel Costs: A USA TODAY spotlight on Carolina Beach highlights how summer travel is getting pricier, with plane ticket prices up about 25% over the past year and gas still elevated. Food Safety Recall: Everything Sprouts is recalling alfalfa sprouts tied to a 15-state E. coli/Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 55 people, including Florida cases; consumers are urged to toss affected lots and sanitize surfaces. Consumer Tech & Privacy: Take-Two has subpoenaed Discord and Microsoft to help identify the source of GTA VI footage leaks, seeking account and server data tied to the clips. Home & Health: Experts warn cockroaches can worsen allergies and asthma and recommend sealing entry points plus using baits, boric acid, and traps to reduce infestations. Energy Savings: FPL says its solar buildout has generated more than $1.3B in customer savings and now powers millions of homes via 120 solar centers.