AGP Executive Report

Port & Infrastructure: Demolition is underway on the old Fort Myers Beach pier, with crews removing piles and warning beach-goers to expect brief vibrations; the next step is installing 108 new concrete piles. Space & Logistics: SpaceX won a $946M NASA award for three more ISS astronaut missions through 2030, keeping crewed transport centered on Florida launches. Public Safety & Data Security: A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was arrested for allegedly accessing confidential law enforcement databases and sharing drivers’ personal info via Snapchat and texts, allegedly for parody. Weather: A low-pressure system is forecast to bring widespread rain and severe thunderstorms across Florida this weekend, with lightning and hail possible. Education Tech: Florida’s State Board of Education adopted binding AI rules for schools and colleges, emphasizing guardrails, privacy, and parental rights. Maritime Enforcement: CBP Air and Marine Operations and the Coast Guard interdicted a smuggling vessel off Florida, apprehending 23 people near Angelfish Creek. Transit/Travel: PortMiami hit 10M cruise passengers, celebrating another record as the cruise season continues.

FDOT & Roadwork: Drivers face overnight disruption on I-4 in Tampa, with westbound lanes closed 10 p.m. Sept. 21 to 5 a.m. Sept. 22 for Downtown Tampa Interchange safety upgrades, using an I-275/State Road 574 detour. Crash & Congestion: A rollover crash blocked two southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike in Boynton Beach, triggering delays as crews respond. Bridge Replacement: Marion County crews begin demolishing the Southwest 66th Street overpass on I-75, with overnight lane closures (10 p.m.-6 a.m.) and detours via Southwest 43rd Street. Local Traffic Safety: Lakeland will consider expanding its red-light camera ordinance after reporting more than 56,000 potential violations in the last year and about 27,609 issued tickets. Transit Safety: A Breeze Bus crash in Sarasota County injured seven people but did not block roads. Aviation & Security: TSA at Tampa International found a knife concealed inside a baseball bat-shaped flashlight. Public Health: Florida leads the U.S. in dengue cases as mosquito control ramps up with truck-and-plane spraying.

Surveillance & Public Safety: Florida lawmakers and sheriffs are trying to find middle ground on Flock-style license plate cameras as the state moves to revoke permits and law enforcement works to get systems back online. Road & Traffic Updates: A new traffic pattern using RCUT signalized U-turns is now in place on SR 16 at Stratton Boulevard and Industry Center Road in St. Johns County, with added turn lanes and crosswalks. Crash Impacts: An I-75 crash near Ocala closed lanes and caused hours of delays, while another crash on the Florida Turnpike triggered a 2-mile backup in Palm Beach Gardens. Freight & Logistics: Haulwide launched a car-shipping comparison site that profiles carriers using federal licensing records, including FMCSA authority and payment terms. Aviation/Transport Security: FAA tests an AI system aimed at reducing flight delays, as regulators expand federal safety standards for autonomous vehicles. Major Federal Case (Florida-linked): Eighteen suspects in the 2021 assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse were transported to Florida to face trial in federal court.

Marine & Maritime Workforce: EYC Foundation awarded 2026 marine and maritime scholarships to 12 students, including five new recipients, as the program enters its 12th year. Business Relocation Signal: Lt. Gov. Jay Collins points to Buc-ee’s expansion and major corporate moves as proof Florida’s “math” (no personal income tax, lean regulation, growth-driven demand) is driving site selection. Aviation Maintenance Expansion: Willis Lease Finance plans a new Willis Engine Repair Center in Malaysia, its third such facility, to grow storage, repair and maintenance across Asia-Pacific. Autonomous Safety Policy: NHTSA is working on federal safety standards for autonomous vehicles, tackling the lack of a single real-world test for “safe enough” operation. Electric Waste Collection: Coconut Creek launched Florida’s first fully electric residential recycling and waste fleet with zero-emission trucks and safety tech. Pedestrian Infrastructure: FDOT and Clearwater are advancing the $15M Courtney Campbell Causeway Pedestrian Trail, including a new overpass canopy and bike racks. Road Safety: A head-on crash on US-17/92 near Davenport killed two and seriously injured two; a separate Turnpike crash in Palm Beach Gardens backed traffic about two miles. Air Travel Costs: Airlines plan to cut less-profitable routes as jet fuel prices rise, with holiday travel pressure building. Maritime Security/Justice: Eighteen suspects in the 2021 assassination of Haiti’s President Jovenel Moïse were flown to Florida for trial.

School-Zone Enforcement: Port Orange police are stepping up patrols under FDOT’s High Visibility Enforcement Program, targeting speeding, illegal crosswalk behavior, improper turns, signal violations, and distracted driving, with warnings and citations through May 2027. Crash & Traffic Impacts: A multi-vehicle crash on I-95 North near the Fuller Warren Bridge shut northbound lanes and sent drivers to Park Street or Exit 351B, with detours via I-10. Overnight Roadwork: FDOT says the San Jose Blvd ramp to I-295 North will close nightly 9 p.m.-5 a.m. Monday and Tuesday (Sept. 21-22) for pavement markings, with detours via I-295 South and Old St. Augustine Road. Automated Speeding: Davenport is launching speed cameras at Horizons Elementary, starting with a 30-day warning period before $100 citations for speeding violations. Disability Transit Funding: Tallahassee’s iEnable door-to-door service for people with disabilities ended July 1 after Gov. DeSantis vetoed $6 million, leaving riders scrambling for alternatives. TSA Carry-On Reminder: TSA is confiscating a popular squishy kids’ toy (NeeDoh) because it contains liquid gel that violates liquids/aerosols/gels rules.

Road Safety & Wildlife: Florida troopers corralled an emu found walking along Polk Parkway/State Road 570, then returned it to its owners—no injuries reported. Public Works Disruption: A 12-inch water main break shut down part of Old Mill Run at Lake Sumter Landing in The Villages, affecting both lanes and the sidewalk for days while crews excavate and restore asphalt. Aviation & STEM Outreach: Sheltair at Orlando Melbourne International Airport hosted Girls in Aviation Day, drawing a record 900+ attendees and dozens of aviation/STEM activities. Law Enforcement & Drugs: Fort Pierce authorities seized about 4.5 kilograms of fentanyl plus cocaine, MDPV-laced marijuana, and oxycodone pills during a narcotics search, adding multiple trafficking-related charges. Local Crime Update: St. Johns County deputies arrested a convicted felon after a license plate reader alert led to a chase and standoff; the suspect was airlifted in critical condition. Weather/Marine: Tropical Depression Six formed in the central Atlantic and is expected to stay far from Florida, with no land impacts anticipated.

Aviation & Airports: WRPA and partners marked major upgrades at Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, including a new $7.4M aviation education center and the opening of Air Heritage Park, tying training to long-term regional growth. Port & Maritime: Crowley’s tanker Florida rescued three men and three cats from a disabled sailboat about 75 nautical miles off Oregon, highlighting how U.S. maritime response can reach far beyond Florida waters. Road Safety & Traffic: Florida’s first known dengue death of 2026 was confirmed in Hillsborough, while separate Florida incidents included a Palm City hit-and-run suspect captured after a swamp manhunt and a Palm Bay crash leaving a teen with a broken back. Trucking & Security: A Southwest Florida carrier, Expedite Express (Truckload LLC), filed Chapter 11, underscoring continued pressure on small fleets from fuel costs and regulatory scrutiny. Local Planning: Auburndale approved a $124.5M budget while keeping its millage rate unchanged, with capital projects like a new fire station leading the spending plan. Cruise Logistics: Oasis of the Seas diverted to Nassau after medical emergencies, delaying the next sailing and scrapping a Port Canaveral stop. Public Works/Design: Key West’s Art in Public Places board approved funding that could support an LGBTQ+ mural on Duval Street after DOT-painted-over rainbow crosswalks.

FDOT & Road Safety: Collier County is set for “full closures” this weekend tied to the FDOT I-75 project, with drivers urged to plan detours. Workforce & Training: Florida received a $6.6M U.S. Dept. of Labor/Education grant to expand work-based learning via Xello, boosting virtual options for students—especially in rural areas. Transit Operations: Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority highlighted how workforce modernization can improve service reliability and reduce admin load. Aviation & Security: Kennedy Space Center police say a Chinese tourist pleaded guilty to flying a drone in restricted airspace near launch pad 39B; he faces up to a year and a $100,000 fine. Charter Aviation: Tropic Air Charters is buying two Tecnam P2012 Travellers to upgrade South Florida–Bahamas regional service. Logistics & Trade: Maersk’s weekly market update flags tight capacity and peak-season pressure, plus inland water-level issues and service bottlenecks. Public Safety Tech Backlash: A Florida DOT move revokes permits for automated license plate readers, as a broader national revolt grows. Community Needs: Feeding South Florida will host its first Thanksgiving Community Feast at Hard Rock Stadium, partnering with logistics and local groups to reach families facing food insecurity.

Aviation Infrastructure: The FAA says its nationwide radar replacement plan—612 systems tied to the air traffic modernization effort—has slipped at least two months, now targeting September 2028, with supply-chain issues, tariffs, and transit damage slowing deployments; Road Safety: Jacksonville parents and a crossing guard at Oceanway Middle say speeding drivers and a sometimes-nonresponsive pedestrian signal are putting students at risk, renewing calls for speed bumps and fixes; Crash & Enforcement: A chain-reaction crash in North Port left one driver dead and totaled a police cruiser after a secondary collision hit the officer’s parked patrol car; Workforce & Logistics: PepsiCo plans to end manufacturing and warehouse operations at a Maryland bottling plant, cutting 143 jobs tied to fleet and production logistics as it reorganizes its U.S. network; Aviation Finance (National): Jet financiers at an industry meeting flagged rising fuel and borrowing costs as the new top worry, shifting concern away from aircraft shortages; Local Mobility Policy: Florida’s minimum wage is set to rise to $15 on Sept. 30, with tipped workers’ minimums also increasing.

FDOT & Freight Routing: FDOT updated weight limits on the S.R. 29 LaBelle Drawbridge, setting vehicle-specific caps (26T/32T/34T) and directing commercial vehicles to a detour via S.R. 78, U.S. 27 and S.R. 80. Road & Utility Disruptions: Palm Beach’s North End faces potential closures after a Sept. 17 water main break near Tangier Avenue and North Lake Way; North Lake Way will close during repairs. Local Roadwork: Hillsborough County warned of widespread lane closures starting Sept. 20 as maintenance ramps up. Aviation & Air Cargo: BermudAir will add an Embraer E190F freighter, aiming to close a cargo gap for island shippers. Charter Market: Luxury Aircraft Solutions opened member-level pricing for new charter clients through Oct. 31, using a trip-by-trip “no jet card” model. Military Logistics: BAE won a $149.8M Navy contract for maintenance and modernization on the USS Boxer at Naval Base San Diego. Safety & Tech: A collision-repair industry group discussed privacy risks from vehicle data and how shops may handle removal of personal information.

Hands-Free Push: Florida lawmakers still haven’t passed a comprehensive hands-free driving law, even as distracted driving—especially texting—keeps driving preventable crashes. AI in Schools: The Florida Board of Education approved statewide AI rules for K-12 and colleges, requiring parent notice and consent plus alternatives when AI is used for instruction. License Plate Reader Rollback: Collier County will remove 72 license plate readers from state roads after DeSantis’ order to curb Flock/LPR surveillance. Diesel Crunch: Diesel shortages are showing up at stations nationwide, with Florida caught in the broader spike that’s pushing prices to record highs. Airport Security Model: A Florida Atlantic University study compares TSA-operated airports with the TSA’s Screening Partnership Program, focusing on security delay patterns. Aviation/Logistics: BermudAir plans to add the Embraer E190F freighter, expanding express cargo capacity across the Caribbean and North America. Fuel/Transit Costs: New Smyrna Beach raised Sports Complex fees to close a deficit, while Lakeland Electric cut its fuel charge for customers. Transportation Safety Tech: Disney World monorail disruptions from lightning again highlight how quickly rail systems can stall during storms.

AI in Education: Florida’s Board of Education adopted some of the nation’s strictest K-12 AI guardrails, requiring parent notice and opt-in/opt-out, banning companion-style AI and undisclosed monitoring, and protecting student data. Emergency Comms & Vehicles: The House passed the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, pushing automakers to keep AM radios as standard equipment so drivers can access emergency information during hurricanes and outages. TSA Travel Access: TSA expanded expedited “military lanes” to 33+ airports, offering faster screening for service members and veterans with qualifying ID. Road Safety & Crashes: Boca Raton saw a fire truck rear-ended on I-95, sending firefighters and the driver to hospitals; Tallahassee reported 6,000+ power outages affecting downtown traffic lights. Fuel & Cost Pressure: Diesel and gas prices remain a strain for Florida families, with some cutting transportation-heavy services. Freight & Rail Watch: Rail freight volumes dipped year-over-year for the first time in months, with industrial categories like chemicals and petroleum down. Local Infrastructure/Transit: Jacksonville’s USS Jacksonville submarine sail parts arrived for restoration, highlighting ongoing logistics behind major public projects.

School Closures & Rebuilds: Pinellas County superintendent Kevin Hendrick proposed closing 7 schools and converting others into fundamental, magnet and K-8 options to cut costs and reduce unused seats. Privacy vs. Surveillance: Pennsylvania lawmakers are pushing to restrict or ban automated license plate readers, echoing broader concerns about “Flock” style tracking and data storage. Public Health Enforcement: Central Florida health inspectors shut down seven eateries temporarily for issues including rodent droppings and roaches, with some expected to reopen after fixes. Artificial Reef Legacy: Broward County’s 1985 DC-4 “Marriott Reef” remains an active dive site, highlighting Florida’s long-running practice of sinking materials to create habitat. Aviation & Cargo: ABX Air will operate a Boeing 767 freighter for Miami-based Global Aviation Link under a long-term ACMI agreement. Space Coast Watch: SpaceX is targeting Sept. 22 for its next Starship orbital test flight, with licensing pending. Walkability Planning: St. Petersburg held a first webinar on its sidewalk master plan, using mapping and resident input to prioritize filling gaps near schools and commercial areas. Energy Costs for Outdoor Ads: Visual Vibe plans to power its digital billboard network with solar to cut electricity spending and reduce outage downtime. Freight & Logistics Tech: AscendTMS is promoting automated driver and load planning tools for fleets, aiming to streamline trucking operations.

Aviation Safety & Rail Hazards: After a deadly Miami International Airport runway overrun, Broward County aviation officials are revisiting concerns about hazardous rail tank cars staged near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, a risk first flagged in 2025. Airport Litigation: A Miami-area injured cargo-plane worker is suing Amazon and 21 Air over the Sept. 6 crash, alleging preventable pilot and operational failures. Road Safety: A Deerfield Beach crash killed a 4-year-old and left two other children in critical condition after a motorcycle collision during a U-turn. Public Safety Funding: Monroe County approved a $690.2M FY27 budget focused on keeping fire, EMS and law enforcement staffed, including truck and ambulance replacements. Freight & Compliance: FMCSA launched an emergency crackdown on entry-level driver training providers, sweeping 111 entries across 20 states, including Florida-linked operations. Fuel Costs: GasBuddy reports the cheapest midgrade in Okaloosa County hit $3.94 for the week ending Sept. 5, with Florida’s midgrade average at $4.36. Logistics for Animals: A Winter Park volunteer pilot network, Animals Away, flew more than 12,000 pets from overcrowded shelters to rescues nationwide. Transit/Tech Policy: Florida education officials are moving toward AI rules for universities, requiring AI-use and neutrality policies at public colleges.

Fuel Prices & Freight Costs: AAA says Florida gas is back above $4, with Naples averaging about $4.19 and Brevard around $4.10; diesel hit a record $6.23 nationally, a direct hit to trucking and delivery costs. Public Safety & Crashes: A 19-year-old was charged after a wrong-way DUI crash on I-75 in Alachua County; another fatal incident on U.S. 301 involved a pedestrian struck by two semi-trucks. Immigration Detention Oversight: DHS watchdog reports “Alligator Alcatraz” used tiny metal enclosures as “calming areas,” raising health and safety concerns. Transportation Policy & Tech: Florida’s PSC finalists include transportation-agency leader Ivan Maldonado; meanwhile, autonomous driving optimism collides with slow real-world rollout. Port/Transit Planning: St. Petersburg is weighing a $55M mixed-use park concept under I-275, while Holmes Beach seeks help to regulate commercial activity at a state-owned boat ramp. Utilities & Rates: DeSantis is set to appoint PSC members as the board weighs how data centers affect power and water costs.

Aviation Disruption: Amazon suspended ties with cargo airline 21 Air after last week’s fatal Miami International Airport crash; the FAA says operations are “normal,” but FlightAware shows 60+ delays and runway restrictions. Public Safety Tech: Trump said he “sort of” likes Flock AI license-plate cameras for law enforcement, even as Florida agencies move to end or pause ALPR use and residents question who controls the data. Road Safety: A 34-year-old man died after his van struck a semitrailer on U.S. 41 in Manatee County; crash remains under investigation. Construction Hazards: A drilling rig collapsed onto vehicles in Miami’s Brickell area, trapping two workers and sending four people to hospitals. Freight & Costs: Diesel prices are pushing up grocery costs, with analysts pointing to Florida diesel above $6 and knock-on effects through transportation and cold-chain supply. Local Enforcement: Lake Helen’s school-zone speed cameras flagged 5,275 violations in months, with speeding dropping 56% after students returned. Energy Prices: Bradford County hit the week’s lowest premium gas at $4.23, while Florida averages stayed near $4.70 for premium. Maritime Research: USF’s marine mapping team landed a NOAA deal to advance seafloor mapping for safer, more efficient coastal planning.