AGP Executive Report

Public Health & Safety: A YMCA of South Florida water safety push is ramping up after multiple recent drownings, with the CDC calling drowning the leading cause of death for kids ages 1–4 and Florida expanding free swimming lessons for more families. Healthcare Access & Quality: Orlando Health’s Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children earned a top national spot on Newsweek’s 2026 list, ranking No. 1 in Florida for pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery. Food & Nutrition Policy: A new analysis says SNAP enrollment fell by more than 27,000 in Colorado, blaming the “Big Beautiful Bill” act for much of the decline. Public Health & Justice: A federal jury convicted Nigerian-born pharmacist Olushola Yusuf of illegally distributing more than 335,000 oxycodone pills, with sentencing set for October. Community Health: OneBlood secured rare blood for a Miami teen with sickle cell, clearing the way for a bone marrow transplant. Local Health Infrastructure: Comcast/Xfinity expanded high-speed internet to thousands of Highlands County homes and businesses, citing benefits for education and healthcare.

Public Health & Safety: Florida health officials issued a warning about concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products sold in gas stations and online, saying the opioid-like substance can cause respiratory depression, seizures, addiction, and more. Food & Drug Safety: Amy’s Kitchen recalled more than 180,000 cans of Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup due to a potential spoilage risk tied to a can pull-tab defect; the FDA classed it as Class II. Local Health Access: DOH-Charlotte expanded school and sports physicals plus EKG screenings, and is also adding more adult services like annual physicals and routine blood work. Healthcare Innovation: Delray Medical Center acquired augmented-reality surgical tech (ASTRA Arvis) for more precise joint replacement procedures. Community Health Support: Titus O’Neil’s Bullard Family Foundation packed 30,000 backpacks for a back-to-school bash that also includes free health screenings, dental exams, and eye exams. Public Safety Funding Fight: Florida’s Fraternal Order of Police joined firefighters and fire chiefs opposing Amendment 3 over concerns it could cut funding for law enforcement, fire rescue, and EMS. Disease Watch: CDC data shows U.S. measles cases hit a 35-year high as vaccination rates decline.

Measles Surge: CDC data shows U.S. measles cases hit 2,318—highest since 1991—after a historic jump past 2,300, with Florida among the hardest-hit states as outbreaks spread across age groups. Rabies Prevention: Polk, Sarasota and Citrus counties issued rabies alerts, and SPCA Florida is partnering on a free clinic in Lakeland offering the first 500 pets microchips plus rabies vaccines. Hospital Expansion: Lee Health’s new $824 million Fort Myers hospital construction is underway, with an opening targeted for fall 2028. Hurricane Readiness: PriorityEvac is selling membership access to guaranteed charter evacuation flights from Florida airports (including RSW) to Atlanta ahead of major storms. Property Tax Fallout: Florida voters will decide a Nov. 3 homestead property tax amendment that could raise exemptions but is already triggering local budget planning and service cuts. AI Medical Lawsuit: A Florida pastor’s lawsuit alleges ChatGPT guidance delayed life-saving care, adding to growing legal pressure on AI health tools.

Cyclosporiasis Watch: CDC and FDA expanded a lettuce-linked cyclosporiasis investigation to nine states, adding Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania; Florida is among the states tied to recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico/Taylor Fresh Foods iceberg lettuce, with Florida’s case count reported at 168 confirmed or suspected since Jan. 1. Food Safety Recall: FDA recalled 184,000+ cans of Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup—Light in Sodium (lot 60D0924, best by April 2027) due to a pull-tab defect that could lead to spoilage; Florida is included in distribution. Local Access to Care: Polk County raised eligibility for its Polk HealthCare Plan from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level and simplified applications to one income verification form. Public Health & Vaccines: Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo pointed to vaccine hesitancy tied to Ave Maria University as a possible factor in Florida’s measles surge (141 confirmed cases as of July 23). Health & Safety at Home: Lee County is investigating the death of a 17-month-old found in a hot car outside a Fort Myers church/daycare; no arrests reported. Opioid Enforcement: A Florida pharmacist and pharmacy owner were convicted in a massive oxycodone distribution conspiracy, accused of selling high volumes at steep markups.

AI & Health Lawsuits: A Florida pastor, Scott Winters, sued OpenAI and Sam Altman after he claims ChatGPT discouraged him from seeking care before a near-fatal pulmonary embolism; OpenAI says ChatGPT isn’t a doctor. Public Health—Parasite Outbreak: Florida reported 158 cyclosporiasis cases since May 1, with guidance to wash produce thoroughly and cook when possible as the outbreak spreads. Health Tech Rollout: OpenAI launched “Health in ChatGPT” for all U.S. adults, letting users connect Apple Health and some medical records—while critics point to ongoing safety lawsuits. Medical Policy & Kids Care: The American Association of Pediatrics moved to dismiss its federal bid against Florida AG action over claims about transgender medicine for children. Local Wellness & Community: North Port welcomed a new Nothing Bundt Cakes location; MedFast Urgent Care named an employee of the month; and a YMCA Palm Beaches golf classic raised funds for swim lessons and wellness programs. Environment & Health: Bonita Springs firefighters rescued 14 sea turtle hatchlings from storm drains, releasing them back into the Gulf.

Cyclospora Watch: Sarasota-area ERs are seeing more diarrhea complaints, but doctors stress it may not mean cyclosporiasis—still, Florida’s confirmed cases keep climbing, with the state reporting 154 confirmed and 4 suspected since May 1 and Sarasota/Manatee now listing additional counts. Rabies Alert: Citrus County issued a 60-day rabies warning after an unvaccinated stray kitten tested positive, urging residents to watch for exposure in local wildlife. AI in Mental Health: A Florida attorney warns that AI tools in mental health crises must not outpace patient safety, after concerns were raised about automated triage and access to licensed clinicians. Healthier Homes Push: A Coral Gables condo project is pursuing WELL for residential designation, aiming for independently verified standards tied to resident health and comfort. Pet Air-Quality Safety: Wildfire smoke is stressing pets too—vets say it can irritate airways and worsen conditions, so owners should limit exposure and monitor symptoms. Veterans Parking Relief: Marathon approved waiving parking and boat ramp fees for registered military veterans, using DD-214 and other official documentation. Community Wellness Development: Bonita Springs is moving ahead with a $140M sports-and-wellness destination designed to become a “third place” for connection, recovery, and leagues.

AI & Health Lawsuits: A Florida pastor, Scott Winters, sued OpenAI and Sam Altman after he says ChatGPT’s medical advice delayed emergency care, with his condition later diagnosed as a pulmonary embolism. Animal Health & Public Safety: Martin County arrested a 77-year-old woman after authorities found 80 cats and 12 dogs in extreme hoarding conditions, including no working A/C and hazardous waste buildup. Coral Conservation: University of Miami researchers moved endangered elkhorn coral fragments onto dry land as a brutal heat wave threatens to wipe out what’s left of the species. Hospital Expansion: AdventHealth plans an 80-bed hospital in The Villages, targeting construction in 2027 and opening in 2030 to serve fast-growing retirement and surrounding communities. Sports Medicine & Community Wellness: Tampa General and USF unveiled a new partnership with a Tampa General jersey patch for USF football, while Lee Health earned national recognition for health equity and social responsibility.

Student-Athlete Heart Screening: Florida’s new law requiring heart screenings for student athletes is now in effect statewide, highlighted by a Leon County teen’s story where early testing found hidden conditions that put her at high risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Mental Health & Social Media Lawsuits: A Florida teen suing Meta over depression and anxiety dropped his claims days before trial in Los Angeles, with Meta saying the case never held up. Public Health Alerts: Sarasota County issued a rabies advisory after an infected raccoon was confirmed, urging residents to avoid wild animals and seek prompt treatment if exposure occurs. Marine & Wildlife Care: A nearly 300-pound loggerhead sea turtle was rescued off Sugarloaf Key and is improving after initial tests at The Turtle Hospital. Research Funding: The state awarded $935K to DEEP for underwater research missions in the Florida Keys, supporting up to six Florida research teams. Local Health & Safety: A bicyclist died in a crash on E. Colonial Drive in Orange County, with the Tesla driver taken to the hospital for minor injuries.

Food Insecurity Relief: AdventHealth and United Way Central Florida delivered 10,400+ pounds of food and essentials to Lake Placid-area families, citing Highlands County’s food insecurity rate above 13% and poverty near 19%. Local Education Options: Highlands County’s School Board is launching Highlands PLUS (formerly “A la Carte”) so scholarship students can take one or more district courses without full-time enrollment. Emergency Care Expansion: Memorial Healthcare System converted its Douglas Road 24/7 Care Center into the Douglas Road ER, a larger freestanding emergency department opening to the public in August 2026. Public Health Watch: The U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak hit record levels, with 4,173 domestic infections confirmed across 41 states as investigators continue to trace sources amid lettuce-related recalls. Homelessness Enforcement Debate: Miami commissioners are set to vote on an ordinance that would make it easier to arrest people sleeping outdoors, after the state’s encampment ban. Health & Safety in the Community: Deltona approved new rules for e-bikes and scooters to improve public safety, and Florida reports rising leprosy cases possibly linked to armadillos.

Tropical Storm Bertha: The storm is pushing toward Florida’s Gulf Coast with tropical-storm conditions spreading into the Panhandle and a flooding-rain threat of 2–4 inches (isolated higher totals) that could trigger flash flooding in urban areas. Food Safety: FDA says a Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce test was a false positive, but the company’s recall tied to the cyclospora outbreak remains in effect—so don’t assume lettuce is suddenly safe. Maternal Health: An Orlando mom’s postpartum depression story highlights how the “baby blues” can be more serious, with untreated cases linked to major risks including suicide. Public Health & Fraud: A KFF poll finds voters increasingly blame doctors and hospitals for Medicare/Medicaid fraud as the federal government ramps up enforcement. Local Animal Health: A 450-pound sea turtle was rescued and taken to The Turtle Hospital for rehab in the Lower Keys. Sports Safety: HCA Florida is urging early sports physicals as Florida’s new EKG requirement for high school athletes takes effect.

Public Health & Food Safety: FDA says a Cyclospora-positive Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce test was a “false positive,” but the agency insists the recall remains tied to shredded lettuce from central Mexico and outbreak investigations continue. Youth Sports Safety: Florida’s new “Second Chance Act” requires high school athletes to get an EKG before playing, aiming to flag heart conditions that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest. Healthcare Policy & Access: Florida confirms a Burmese python breeding hotspot outside the Everglades (western Charlotte County), raising concerns about a wider spread. Injury & Safety: A UC San Diego study finds e-bike crashes in California surged dramatically, with children hit hardest—an urgent reminder for safer riding and supervision. Medical Research: USF researchers are studying an Antarctic sea squirt and its bacteria-made chemicals as a potential melanoma-fighting lead. Local Health & Community: Tropical Storm Bertha is forming in the Gulf with flooding and wind risks for parts of Florida’s Panhandle. Legal/Health Liability: NeoGenomics Laboratories agreed to a $9.8M settlement over False Claims Act allegations involving lab consulting and patient referrals.

Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA says a Taylor Farms cyclospora lettuce test was a false positive, but the company’s voluntary recall remains in effect as investigators keep looking for the source; the outbreak has sickened people across the U.S., with Florida reporting more than 100 cases. Local Health Watch: Florida’s leprosy (Hansen’s disease) cases are rising, with Central Florida counties seeing a higher concentration; health officials stress it’s rare and treatable, but early diagnosis matters. Drowning Prevention: Florida expanded its swim lesson voucher program to prioritize kids with autism ages 1–7, aiming to cut drowning risk in a state where water activities are constant. Healthcare Policy & Access: Florida’s emergency fund spending heavily favored immigration enforcement over other disaster missions, raising questions about whether the fund is still serving its original purpose. Community & Wellness: Compassionate Southwest Florida marked its one-year push for a more compassionate community, with more conversations planned. Crime & Safety: A Meade County shooting led to the arrest of a Dunedin man; in Hillsborough, a deputy was released home after being shot in an ambush.

Food Safety Watch: The FDA says a Cyclospora test tied to Taylor Farms was a false positive, but the agency still warns the multistate investigation is ongoing. Recall Alerts: Taylor Farms expanded its iceberg lettuce recall tied to the outbreak, and Walmart pulled specific Marketside lettuce products in multiple states including Florida. Local Health & Safety: A Lauderhill teen was hospitalized after being pulled from a pool, adding to concerns about rising child drownings and near-drownings in South Florida. Heart Care in Florida: Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater offered a new heart valve treatment, marking a first for the Sunshine State. Sleep & Wellness: New research suggests spending more time in bright daylight can help people fall asleep earlier and get deeper sleep. Elder Legal Help: Florida’s Elder Law Grant Program will fund legal aid for older adults, with applications due July 31. Medicaid Integrity: Gov. DeSantis announced a statewide initiative to crack down on Medicaid fraud, including provider revalidation and enhanced screening. Diabetes Progress: A Type 1 diabetes pipeline is making “remarkable progress” toward insulin independence. Cybersecurity: Ransomware victims increasingly pay ransoms, deepening debate over whether to comply.

Food Safety: Walmart and Taylor Farms expanded voluntary recalls of Marketside and Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce shipped to 27 states, including Florida, tied to a growing cyclospora outbreak; officials warn customers not to eat affected products and to discard or return for refunds. Public Health: In Jacksonville and across South Florida, doctors say cyclosporiasis can cause prolonged, sometimes “explosive” diarrhea and fatigue, with cases likely higher than reported as the outbreak spreads. Community & Wellness: Fort Pierce’s “Unity in Our Community” event brought families together with health screenings, public safety demos, and services—aimed at strengthening trust between police and residents. Cancer Care: “Real Housewives of Orange County” alum Jeana Keough, 70, was diagnosed with tongue cancer and her family launched a GoFundMe to support treatment. Back-to-School Health: Florida’s sales tax holiday starts Monday, with limits on clothing, school supplies, and computers—helping families budget for the school year. Safety & Oversight: Leon County commissioners rejected grant funding for license plate recognition tech after resident pushback, reigniting privacy-versus-public-safety debate.

Food Safety Alert: Taylor Farms expanded its voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce and salad mixes linked to a cyclospora outbreak, pulling products shipped to 27 states including Florida; the company says it’s removing implicated lots and consumers should discard recalled items. Public Health: Health officials warn cyclospora can cause “explosive diarrhea,” and the outbreak may be larger than reported as cases continue to be tracked. Healthcare Innovation: Health First became the first in Brevard County to offer Mako SmartRobotics-assisted reverse shoulder replacement, aiming for more precise surgery and faster recovery. Injury & Safety: A 4-year-old was pulled from a Plantation pool and is in critical condition after near-drowning, highlighting ongoing drowning risk for young children. Local Wellness & Community: A couple in Ahwatukee opened Valentin Dance, naming the studio after their “miracle baby” and offering classes for kids and adults. Health Costs: An agricultural economist breaks down why Florida shoppers are paying more for produce, citing weather, labor, energy, shipping, and supply-chain pressures.

Food Safety Alert: Taylor Farms recalled bagged shredded iceberg lettuce distributed in 27 states, including Florida, after a Cyclospora-linked cyclosporiasis outbreak investigation. The company says it’s removing affected product and has suspended distribution of iceberg lettuce from central Mexico; consumers should discard recalled items and contact a physician if sick. Local Health & Wellness: Florida Power & Light held its first Touch-A-Truck Hurricane Expo in Bradenton, letting families tour emergency equipment and connect with first responders to build storm plans. Public Health & Safety: A man died after a cardiac emergency on Walt Disney World’s “it’s a small world,” according to a Florida agriculture injury report. Community Health: SPCA Florida highlighted adoptable pets including Birdie, a 2½-year-old mixed-breed dog, as part of its ongoing adoption push. Health-Related Crime & Injury: A child died after a shooting at an Orlando apartment complex; police say the investigation is active. Workplace Safety: St. Lucie County firefighters were terminated and others suspended after an investigation found hazing using a modified electric shock device.