AGP Executive Report

School Health Costs: Highlands County School Board debated rising health insurance losses tied to claims exceeding premiums, including a proposed $8-per-employee-per-month add-on for wellness assessment and clinic review through Florida Educator Health Trust, with board member Donna Howerton questioning where the money will come from. Medicaid Spending Watch: New local Medicaid billing figures show sharp growth in several Florida areas—Cooper City DME MACs up to $16,117 (2024), Deland Vision Services up 174.3% to $192, Titusville DME MACs up 28.3% to $62,384, and West Melbourne DME MACs up 593.9% to $229—highlighting shifting public health spending patterns. Substance Use Treatment: Wesley Chapel Medicaid alcohol and drug abuse treatment jumped 263.1% to $111,536 in 2024, while Seffner’s Temporary National Codes (Non-Medicare) surged to $67,240 (+233.9%). Health Policy & Oversight: Democrats renewed calls for investigations and resignations after a leaked Leon County grand jury report alleged DeSantis administration “misappropriated” $10 million in Medicaid-related settlement funds for political purposes, while officials disputed the findings as a politically motivated “witch hunt.” Public Health Alerts: Florida health officials warned about West Nile virus in Orange County and issued advisories tied to water quality concerns in multiple areas.

Public Health Alerts: Florida health officials warned of dengue (“breakbone fever”) risk as locally acquired cases were reported, with Aedes mosquitoes driving spread and county alerts urging prevention. Hospital Safety: FDA-linked recalls hit IV supplies, including recalled 0.9% sodium chloride bags after particulate concerns, prompting hospitals to pull affected lots. Cardiac Screening Push: A Tampa Bay family is calling for heart screenings to expand beyond high school athletes after a daughter’s cardiac emergency revealed Wolff-Parkinson-White. Opioid Accountability: Walmart agreed to a $50 million settlement over allegations it failed to flag suspicious opioid prescriptions. Child Safety: Florida’s “Operation Statewide Shield” recovered 163 missing children statewide and connected them with medical and child-welfare services, with arrests reported. Community Wellness: A veterans ride in Levy and Dixie counties raised support for a rural food bank, pairing hunger relief with local outreach. Health & Access: Florida’s Hope Florida vaccine rule fight and school vaccine requirement changes continue to stir debate over kids’ healthcare.

Public Health & Safety: West Nile virus activity is rising in Orange County, prompting a health advisory after sentinel chickens tested positive, with officials warning residents to take mosquito precautions. Healthcare Access: HCA Florida Capital Hospital will close its Level 2 NICU on Nov. 1, raising concerns about longer drives for pregnant patients seeking obstetric and newborn care. Medical Research: A phase 2 trial found an investigational IL-6 monoclonal antibody (pacibekitug) produced sustained reductions in inflammation biomarkers through six months in chronic kidney disease patients at elevated cardiovascular risk. Policy & Regulation: Pinellas County commissioners moved to reaffirm that large-scale, standalone data centers are prohibited in unincorporated areas, citing strain on electricity, water, and industrial land. Community Health: A Voices of Bonita report says recent immigration enforcement activity in Lee County is leaving families scrambling for rent, food, and childcare, with local groups stepping in with emergency grants. Food Safety: A rice recall expanded to 54,000 lbs sold across 12 states includes Florida, warning consumers to check affected products.

Extreme Heat & Health: A physician warns Florida’s heat-and-humidity surges can be life-threatening, citing thousands of heat-related ER visits and deaths and urging voters to press candidates on climate and cooling access. Infectious Disease Watch: CDC says COVID-19 activity is increasing in most states while Florida sits in the “moderate” range; separate reporting flags rising dengue risk in Florida counties and a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to recalled produce. Food & Medical Safety: FDA-linked recall coverage highlights contaminated IV saline bags reaching Florida, plus ongoing alerts tied to recalled injectables. Local Care & Access: Kaiser Permanente names Jonathan Watkins to lead the Santa Rosa service area, overseeing hospital operations and plan coverage for a large share of Sonoma County members. Public Health in the Community: A mobile STI-testing vehicle launches in South Florida, expanding access to screening. Health in Real Life: A Palm Beach man describes surviving a months-long battle with flesh-eating Vibrio vulnificus after landscaping cuts near water. Care for Vulnerable People: A disabled Florida dog’s stolen custom wheelchair is being replaced after community help.

Kratom & Politics: In Tampa, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. abruptly ended a press Q&A after questions about MAHA PAC donations from kratom company Botanic Tonics, spotlighting concerns about the supplement’s addictive potential. School Nutrition Push: Kennedy also announced new federal grants to improve school lunches after earlier funding cuts, including a $32M “real food” DEPEND grant—though some districts say it won’t fully replace what was lost. Public Health Watch: Florida Department of Health officials warned about blue-green algae toxins in Lake Weir. Medicaid/Charity Fallout: A Florida grand jury report says DeSantis administration officials misappropriated $10M tied to “Hope Florida,” triggering calls for resignations and renewed scrutiny of how state money is used. Health Care Costs: A Florida Policy Institute report warns Amendment 3 property-tax cuts could cost public hospitals about $323M over three years, threatening access and staffing. Food Access: Elder Affairs Florida and Change of Pace are sponsoring no-cost meals for eligible participants through the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Tech & Kids’ Safety: Meta’s multistate settlement over teen social media harm is moving forward, with Florida among the states involved. Local Safety & Privacy: USA TODAY reports multiple states’ officers were disciplined for questionable use of Flock license-plate cameras, including cases tied to Florida.

Medicaid Fallout: A leaked Leon County grand jury report says the DeSantis administration “misappropriated” $10M from a Medicaid settlement into the Hope Florida Foundation, then funneled it into political action committees—Democrats are calling for resignations while Republicans call it a hoax. Local Health Access: Lee Health in Southwest Florida says it will drop UnitedHealthcare as an in-network insurer starting Jan. 1, citing more than $100M in disputed claims and warning patients could face delays. Food Safety: USDA recalled nearly 30,000 pounds of raw Argentine beef sold in Florida and Texas due to missing import reinspection. Public Health Alerts: DOH-Marion County warned residents about blue-green algae toxins at Lake Weir—avoid the water and keep pets away. School & Wellness Policy: Florida became the first state to restrict cash welfare purchases on items like tattoos, vapes, video games, pornography, and theme park tickets. Healthcare Recalls: Baxter recalled multiple injectable drugs over possible fiberglass or metal contamination.

Youth Social Media Safety: Meta agreed to pay up to $18B and add stricter protections for teens on Facebook and Instagram, including default daily time limits and overnight blocks unless a parent opts in—Florida is among states that rejected the deal as “peanuts,” keeping its own case moving. Public Health & Nutrition: A new look at cinnamon says it may slightly help blood sugar for some people, but the research is mixed and it’s not a diabetes fix. Care Access & Staffing: With Temporary Protected Status ending for Haitians, South Florida home-care agencies and nursing homes are scrambling as staffing shortages ripple through hospitals, restaurants, and other services. Local Safety & Health Risks: Florida reports more serious heat-car cases—Pinellas deputies say a mother left two kids in a hot car while shoplifting, and Winter Haven police charged a grandmother after a toddler died from hyperthermia after being left in a car. Prevention & Injury: Doctors warn e-bike crashes are rising; one teen credits a helmet with preventing worse injury in a Pinellas County crash. Brain Health: MDR Your Brain Health Matters will launch a free Memory Café Sept. 15 for people with mild cognitive impairment and their care partners.

Missing-Child Recovery: Florida’s “Operation Statewide Shield” recovered 163 missing children statewide and beyond, including kids as young as 2 months old, with investigators fanning out across major metro areas and making arrests during the five-day sweep. Public Health & Safety: Citrus County confirmed a locally acquired dengue case, prompting mosquito-control steps like fogging and larvicide plus reminders to use repellant and protect against bites. Addiction Watch: Polk County clinicians report severe opiate-like withdrawal tied to concentrated kratom sold in gas stations and smoke shops, with multiple deaths linked since 2023. Digital Health: Meta agreed to pay up to $18B in a teen social media addiction settlement and add stronger protections for younger users on Facebook and Instagram, including daily time limits and nighttime restrictions. Care Access: Lee Health said it will drop UnitedHealthcare as an in-network provider starting in 2027, urging patients to check network status. Cancer Treatment: FDA approved a pancreatic cancer drug, daraxonrasib (Rasonque), for adults with stage IV disease not eligible for surgery.

School Health Policy: Florida’s Department of Health is moving to drop four vaccine requirements for PreK-12 school entry—Hep B, chicken pox, Hib, and pneumococcal—while also expanding religious exemptions and allowing opt-outs from the state vaccine database. Maternal Care Investment: Moffitt Cancer Center is launching a major radiopharmaceutical program with a $600M investment, aiming to speed cancer diagnosis and treatment research. Maternal Health Funding: Karlie Kloss and Joshua Kushner’s $2.5M gift renovated the Karlie Kloss Center for Maternal Health at Jackson Memorial, adding an obstetric emergency room and upgraded care spaces. Healthcare Costs Pressure: Florida is feeling the squeeze as ACA coverage drops and families face higher healthcare costs. Public Safety & Tragedy: A mother and her 2-year-old daughter died after a lightning strike in Margate, and a St. Petersburg woman was jailed for leaving a child in a hot car while shoplifting. Cybersecurity & Medical Devices: Sen. Rick Scott calls for banning federal healthcare funds for Chinese-made medical devices, citing cybersecurity risks. Local Health Access: Bay District Schools approved a new athletic training partnership after HCA withdrew.

Healthcare Costs & Coverage: A new AP report spotlights how Florida is feeling the squeeze after Affordable Care Act subsidies expired, with hundreds of thousands dropping coverage and people delaying care because of higher premiums and medical bills. Public Health Policy: Florida officials are moving to roll back four school vaccine requirements, including chickenpox and Hep B, as the debate over childhood immunizations heats up. Local Access to Care: Lee Health is expanding in Southwest Florida with a new outpatient center at The Forum, bringing primary care, convenient care, and on-site lab services closer to home. Infectious Disease Watch: Florida’s measles situation remains in focus after a national discussion tied cases to immigration claims that don’t match CDC data; meanwhile, dengue alerts continue with new local cases reported. Waterborne Threats: Recent deaths tied to brain-eating amoebas and Vibrio vulnificus are renewing warnings about health risks in warm freshwater and brackish waters. Child Safety: FDLE and partners recovered 163 missing children statewide in “Operation Statewide Shield,” with many cases involving abuse, neglect, exploitation, and trafficking. Substance Abuse & Food Safety: Hospitals and regulators are also flagging ongoing risks—from opioid-related efforts to outbreaks linked to common foods like sprouts.

School Health Policy: Florida health officials propose removing four vaccines (hepatitis B, chickenpox, Hib, and pneumococcal conjugate) from school entry requirements, while also expanding exemptions to moral/ethical beliefs and letting parents opt out of having records included in the state vaccine database. Heart Screening Impact: A Clearwater teen athlete found an undiagnosed congenital heart defect after Florida’s required heart screening, leading to planned surgery—another reminder that “routine” checks can catch hidden conditions. Alzheimer’s Testing: The FDA cleared a Roche/Eli Lilly blood test (Elecsys pTau217) to detect Alzheimer’s-related changes in people 55+ with cognitive impairment, adding to a fast-growing wave of earlier, less invasive diagnostics. Extreme Heat Guidance: NPR’s climate editor explains how this week’s dangerous heat wave is unfolding and why it’s so hard on health, especially as nights stay hot. Food Safety Watch: Reports highlight ongoing multi-state foodborne illness concerns, including recalls tied to E. coli and salmonella outbreaks. Local School Safety: Polk County Public Schools warns students not to wear Meta/Ray-Ban smart glasses or similar devices during school days due to privacy and covert recording concerns.

Public Health & Safety: Florida’s proposed rule to remove four required school immunizations (Hep B, chicken pox, Hib, and pneumococcal) is stirring fresh debate as the state moves to loosen vaccine entry requirements. Foodborne Illness: U.S. health officials report a multistate alfalfa sprout outbreak tied to Everything Sprouts, with cases in Florida and other states; investigators say people may be sickened by E. coli and salmonella, and some have been hospitalized. Healthcare & Civil Rights: A federal judge says FIU likely can’t enforce its protest policy against students punished for an anti-ICE demonstration, issuing a preliminary injunction. Disability & Employment: A Florida woman filed a federal lawsuit claiming she was fired soon after a kidney transplant, alleging disability discrimination by a blind services nonprofit. Workplace Insurance: Florida workers’ comp rates could drop an average 7.4% for 2027, driven by fewer lost-time claims. Community Health & Access: SNAP enrollment is falling faster than expected as work requirements and paperwork burdens take hold, with advocates pointing to administrative hurdles. Emergency Tragedy: A Margate mother and her 2-year-old daughter died after being struck by lightning, highlighting the risks during fast-moving storms.

Public Health Watch: Florida’s locally acquired dengue is back in the Tampa Bay orbit, with Hillsborough reporting eight cases and Pinellas logging its first local transmission in 15 years, both under mosquito-borne illness alerts. Food Safety: FDA upgraded a Publix frozen berry recall tied to possible E. coli to its highest risk level; UAE officials say none of the recalled products were sold or imported there, while Florida and Georgia account for the reported illnesses. Severe Weather & Safety: A lightning strike in Margate killed a 31-year-old mother and her 2-year-old daughter; police are investigating. Health Access & Costs: Florida’s August SNAP schedule runs between the 1st and 28th, based on case-number digits. Health Research (National): A preprint reports glioblastoma patients vaccinated for COVID shortly before surgery lived about twice as long as unvaccinated patients. Community Wellness: A Volusia County lake rescue highlighted by a Good Samaritan’s fast CPR response.

Aviation & Safety: A small Piper PA30 crashed into the Atlantic about two miles east of Boca Raton; the pilot was pulled from the water and taken to a hospital as a precaution while the FAA leads the investigation. Emergency Response: On Lake Woodruff, a 56-year-old fisherman collapsed and died despite CPR from dispatchers, deputies, a helicopter crew and EMS, including a flight paramedic who jumped into the lake to start care. Public Health & Vaccines: On CBS’s Face the Nation, Florida GOP nominee Byron Donalds faced backlash after linking measles outbreaks to illegal immigration instead of falling vaccination rates; a separate fact-check notes MMR is not lethal and remains safe and effective. Healthcare Policy: Donalds also laid out a healthcare platform on the show, including how he’d handle vaccine mandates if elected. Food Safety: The FDA is investigating a multi-state E. coli and salmonella outbreak tied to alfalfa sprouts, with recalls and hospitalizations reported across multiple states. Community Health: Florida’s mosquito health alerts are active in several counties, with local guidance urging residents to take precautions.

Nursing Workforce: South Florida State College honored 16 Practical Nursing graduates at a July 30 pinning ceremony, with awards for academic and clinical excellence and a Golden D.U.C.K. mentor recognition for Good Shepherd Hospice. Food Safety: Everything Sprouts recalled alfalfa sprouts tied to a multi-state Shiga toxin E. coli and/or Salmonella outbreak, with Florida among the affected states and dozens of reported illnesses. Public Health Watch: CDC modeling shows COVID-19 infections growing or likely growing in 47 states, signaling a broad late-summer surge. Mosquito-Borne Disease: Florida health officials confirmed locally acquired dengue in Citrus County, adding to ongoing mosquito health alerts across parts of the state. Community & Wellness: University of Florida launched the FFL Plants & Pollinators app to help Floridians choose wildlife-friendly plants and avoid invasives. Health Care Costs: A Florida residency strategy is highlighted for reducing state taxes on Roth conversions, but Medicare premium lookback rules can complicate timing. Local Safety: Gulfport police shared weekly activity highlights, including arrests and traffic enforcement. Health & Safety in Schools: A Florida high school football season was canceled after a nearby double shooting, underscoring ongoing safety concerns around youth sports.

Public Health Alert: Florida health officials confirmed a locally acquired dengue case in Citrus County, triggering expanded mosquito control and surveillance (fogging, larviciding, and inspections) and reminding residents to prevent bites with repellents, long sleeves, and by removing standing water. Mosquito-Borne Watch: Separate coverage notes West Nile virus risk is rising in parts of the state, with health departments urging continued mosquito precautions as late summer typically brings peak transmission. Food Safety: A multistate E. coli and Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled alfalfa sprouts has sickened 55 people across 15 states, including Florida, prompting FDA/CDC investigation and product recalls. Heart Health in Schools: Florida’s new requirement for high school athletes to get at least one ECG screening is credited with catching a potentially serious congenital heart defect in a student-athlete before symptoms appeared. Community Safety Grants: Three Florida volunteer fire departments received $10,000 each for safety equipment through a national program, supporting PPE and emergency rescue tools. Local Wellness & Fitness: Tampa General Hospital’s Loggerhead Triathlon marked its 40th anniversary in Jupiter, drawing hundreds of athletes for swimming, biking, and running at Carlin Park.