AGP Executive Report

Media Sales & Training: Saga Communications is taking over ad sales for UF’s WRUF-AM/WRUF-FM starting Sept. 1 under a new seven-year joint sales agreement, pairing broadcast revenue with journalism student training and innovation. Mobile OOH Tech: LED Truck Media is rolling out glasses-free 3D anamorphic campaigns via mobile fleets, expanding the format into major markets including Miami. Consumer Protection (Pets): A Miami-based company, Support Pets LLC, faces a class action alleging it sells invalid emotional support/service animal documentation. Local Marketing & Promotions: 360 Impact LLC launches a Southwest Florida referral push offering up to $500 for qualifying window and door installs. Health & Compliance Marketing: Refresh - Aesthetics & Wellness launches “Know Your Vial” to educate Florida patients on Botox authenticity and licensed provider checks. Sports Event Branding: Florida State men’s basketball is coming to Jacksonville for a Dec. 20 non-conference matchup vs. Houston, organized by Intersport. Aging-in-Place Services: Same Day Grab Bars marks two years in Brevard and Indian River counties, highlighting 450 customers served and 1,500+ installs. Legal/Community Impact: Environmentalists and divers sue to halt a sand trap near Port Everglades, arguing it threatens coral and queen conchs.

Sports Marketing: Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi set a Leagues Cup record with 14 goals after scoring twice in a 4-2 win over Atletico San Luis, keeping Florida’s soccer buzz hot. Real Estate & Luxury Growth: Compass is expanding in Northern Arizona, signaling how luxury demand and limited inventory keep driving brokerage marketing pushes. Local Government & Community Trust: Winter Springs is adding cameras and more no-trespassing signage after a reclaimed water pipe break, a reminder that service reliability and public messaging matter. Private Aviation Payments: Real Jet is partnering with Crypto.com to market crypto as a way to pay for jet charters—another bid to mainstream new payment habits. Media & Advertising Tech: Entravision is scaling its AI Latino radio show “GeeGee & Coyotec” into five new markets across its Fuego Network. Brand Building: First Watch says brand awareness is rising as it ramps national recognition efforts beyond its regional roots. Tourism Funding: Orange County’s tourist tax task force is weighing major proposals, including a near-$1B plan for a baseball stadium and a large Dr. Phillips Center expansion. Florida Consumer Culture: A Hollywood steakhouse is drawing attention with monthly nude dining nights, testing how far “experience marketing” can go. Public Safety & Compliance: TikTok is facing renewed scrutiny after Perez Hilton’s self-harm livestream, raising questions about platform moderation and brand risk. Corporate Travel/Entertainment: Disney beat profit estimates on strong theme parks and streaming, with Florida’s parks cited as a “standout quarter.” Business & Finance: DoorDash reported Q2 growth and AI-driven product updates aimed at reducing friction for local commerce.

Theme Park Marketing: Disney’s profits beat estimates as Walt Disney World in Florida posted a “standout quarter,” with domestic parks and cruises showing strength and forward bookings still “robust,” while international visitor momentum lags. AI Audio Expansion: Entravision is scaling its AI Latino radio co-host show “GeeGee & Coyotec” across five new markets on the Fuego Network, leaning into bilingual programming to grow younger bicultural audiences. Local Destination Branding: Key West Business Guild named Fritzie Estimond as executive director, aiming to build on its LGBTQ+ tourism engine that draws about 250,000 visitors annually and powers major signature events. EV Charging Trust Tech: Emobi and OmniTrust partnered to push secure Plug & Charge adoption, targeting interoperability and encrypted communications across EV charging infrastructure. Restaurant PR Wins: Palm Beach County restaurants picked up Michelin recognition, including Emelina’s historic Michelin Star—an international marketing boost for the local dining scene. Florida Consumer/Legal Watch: A federal judge largely dismissed an American Airlines passenger’s suit over an alleged in-flight sexual assault, narrowing claims tied to state consumer-fraud theories. Local Business Spotlight: A Key West realtor (John Spottswood III) is leaning hard into photography/video, drone shots, and digital/social campaigns to help listings stand out in the Keys market.

Diplomacy & Florida Politics: The U.S. revoked Brazil ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti’s visa after Brazil delayed approval of Trump’s nominee—Florida Republican Daniel Perez—escalating a wider Trump-Lula rift that could quickly reverse if Brazil grants “agrément.” Media/Marketing & Legal: A federal appeals court cleared the way for Florida to enforce DeSantis-backed restrictions on children attending certain sexually explicit drag performances, vacating a preliminary injunction in the Hamburger Mary’s case. Elections & Messaging: A Leon County judge blocked Amendment 3’s ballot title and summary as biased and misleading, ordering rewrite language before the November vote. Healthcare Rebrand: ACKWEST Group rebranded Reckner Healthcare as TestSet Health, unifying local research with a global data strategy. Mobility & Retail Tech: Spiid Rideshare launched in Florida and other major markets with transparent fares and multiple driver pay models. EV Infrastructure: EVgo is adding 500+ DC fast chargers at Brixmor shopping centers, including Florida sites, aiming to meet drivers where they shop. Local PR/Marcom: South Florida’s Bernays Awards celebrated 20 years of regional PR and marketing work. Consumer/Brand Demand: Star Spangled Flags restocked Betsy Ross 13-star flags for America’s 250th anniversary, noting fewer than 100 units remain. Business Growth: M/I Homes leaned on mortgage rate buydowns to sustain sales momentum, even as margins softened.

Migration & Housing Demand: Safeway Moving’s analysis of 340,000+ interstate moving inquiries says Florida’s inbound migration share jumped 9.5 points in 2026, reversing a five-year slide (63% inbound in early 2026 vs 53% in 2025), with New York still the biggest feeder state. Ballot Language & Political Messaging: A Leon County judge ordered Florida’s AG to rewrite major parts of Amendment 3’s ballot title and summary, calling the “Save our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes” framing “akin to a political slogan” and the summary “misleading” for not fairly stating the amendment’s legal purpose. Local Property Tax Process: St. Pete Beach commissioners set a tentative 2027 millage ceiling (3.6715 mills) but left the door open to a possible increase, asking for more resident input before deciding. Franchise & Growth Moves: Transworld Business Advisors of Florida expanded its M&A team with David K. Founds; Lightbridge Academy launched a Fast-Track Ownership Program; Jeff’s Bagel Run secured a 10-unit franchise deal for Eastern/South Central Pennsylvania. Media/Marketing & Workplace Recognition: TalkingParents earned Florida Trend’s Best Companies To Work For nod (No. 8, medium-sized firms) for its workplace culture and marketing leadership. Logistics Expansion: ColdTrack opened a new temperature-controlled fulfillment facility in Jacksonville to speed Southeast shipping for perishable DTC brands. Sports Marketing: PGA Tour’s 2028 overhaul includes the Cadillac Championship at Trump’s Miami course joining the Championship Series.

Florida Politics & Media: Florida’s Cabinet primaries are quietly tilting toward incumbents—GOP Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia and Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson look solid heading into the nomination fight, while Democrats face a tougher climb to get attention and fundraising. Local Business & Marketing: Oro Sports, led by former screenwriter/producer Luanne DiBernardo, is turning an MS-inspired performance problem into cooling-gear demand—an unusual Florida-to-manufacturing brand story. Retail Foot Traffic: Spirit’s exit from Detroit’s Evans Terminal is hitting nearby shops, a reminder that airline routes can make or break airport retail performance. Banking Promotions: Bank Independent promoted 12 leaders, including new VPs in tech and legal—another sign Florida financial brands are leaning into internal growth. Health & Advertising Partnerships: Harris Teeter is expanding prescription delivery via Instacart, bundling pharmacy trust with grocery convenience. Community Spotlight: Florida Weekly’s “Community Candid” profiles Palm Beach Gardens’ Chelsea Reed, now at Republic Capital Group, highlighting local leadership as a brand asset. Legal/Compliance Watch: DOJ settlement news out of Jacksonville—Complete Health Partners to pay $14.1M over Medicare Advantage false claims—keeps healthcare marketing compliance in the spotlight. Environment & Risk: A lawsuit says federal officials missed a queen conch habitat deadline, raising stakes for Florida coastal permitting and conservation messaging.

Retail Media & Pharmacy Delivery: Instacart is adding more grocers to its platform for bundled pharmacy access, with Harris Teeter expanding delivery options for health and wellness alongside everyday shopping. Aesthetics & Medical Tech Marketing: Wontech USA is bringing live demos of its Oligio X RF, PicoCare Majesty picosecond laser, and V-Laser vascular platform to AES 2026 in Boca Raton, pushing a “built in-house” U.S. expansion pitch. Compliance Training Update: Velocity 360 USA Training launched a rebuilt ISO 19011:2026 auditor curriculum via its NextGen Learning Platform, aligning training to the new audit approach. Housing & Consumer Protection: Borrowers sued LGI Homes and loanDepot, alleging a deceptive sales scheme that steers renters into costly loans and limits outside advice. Public Safety Tech Politics: Florida’s license-plate surveillance cameras (Flock Safety) are now a gubernatorial campaign issue, with records cited about state trooper use and a court fight looming. Beauty Retail Strategy: CVS is scaling its “beauty minis” push, expanding mini assortments to more stores as discovery and trial drive sales. Real Estate Luxury Branding: Banyan Tree is debuting in the U.S. with luxury residences in West Palm Beach, starting around $1.9M.

Budget & Governance: Gov. DeSantis signed Florida’s $117.6B FY 2026-27 budget, touting caps on spending growth and record investments in education, infrastructure, public safety, conservation and economic opportunity. Local Housing & Rent: Miami rents are easing—June’s average requested rent fell to $2,277 (-2.6% year over year)—but South Florida still remains among the least affordable markets. Marketing & Events: AfriKin Foundation announced “Taste of AfriKin” for Miami Spice on Sept. 6 at Maison AfriKin, pairing African/Caribbean dining with live music and a Jollof Cook-Off. Sports Business: The Marlins’ Liam Hicks is drawing trade-deadline interest (Red Sox, Rays), a reminder how roster moves can reshape fan and media demand. Consumer Finance: A “buy now, refinance later” warning story highlights the risk if mortgage rates stay above 6%. Brand/Community Retail: Wolfmoon Bakery in Bonita Springs leans into an open-kitchen, transparent brand experience to pull customers in. Local Growth & Service: Truforte Business Group is restructuring toward more W-2 staff and higher service standards for business owners. Environment & Public Awareness: Southwest Florida officials are asking residents to watch for the giant African land snail as quarantines and reporting efforts ramp up.

Invasive Species Alert (Southwest Florida): Florida agriculture officials are asking residents to report sightings after the giant African land snail was detected again, warning it can spread fast (up to 1,200 eggs per adult) and damage gardens, crops, and even stucco. Wildlife & Habitat (Everglades): UF researchers documented vultures raiding a Burmese python nest in the Everglades—an unusual sign that native birds may sometimes help control invasive snakes. Real Estate & Marketing (Homebuying): A “buy now, refinance later” strategy is under pressure as mortgage rates stay above 6%, leaving buyers exposed if rates don’t drop. Local Business Growth (Florida): Truforte Business Group says it’s restructuring—adding W-2 staff and tightening performance expectations—to boost service for business sellers. Media/Ad Tech (Florida): Comcast Advertising and Clarivoy extended their partnership to improve TV and streaming ad attribution for automotive retailers. Community & Brand Storytelling (Gainesville): A mother-daughter duo launched a “Have a Heart Kitchen” serving free hot meals, turning social donations into a steady local food-support effort. Sports Tourism (Florida): Visit Sebring/Highlands County is promoting two nationally recognized water-sports events in August, aiming for hotel, dining, and media exposure.

Tourism & Sports Marketing: Highlands County is pitching itself as a water-sports destination with ProWatercross on Lake Verona (Aug. 15–16) plus another August event, both set for CBS Sports recap coverage—free spectator access included. Public Health & Housing: Florida researchers say hurricane flood damage can trigger breathing problems months later, with indoor mold, older roofs, and flood depth tied to lingering respiratory symptoms. Child Safety & Social Media: Families of four teens who died by suicide are suing Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube, arguing years of platform harms escalated to death—another pressure point in the growing child-safety legal fight. Local Conservation: Florida scrub-jays are rebounding at Wingate Creek State Park, where a restoration effort has reached 56 breeding pairs and aims for 100. Brand/Media Business: E.W. Scripps completed its WTVQ acquisition in Lexington, strengthening its local TV footprint—another reminder that station deals keep reshaping regional media markets. Community & Food: A Gainesville mother-daughter duo runs “Have a Heart Kitchen,” serving free hot meals to residents facing hunger. Marketing/Ad Tech & Lead Gen: COSMarketing Agency says integrated SEO, social and Google Ads (plus AI) drove big lead gains for Florida clients, including booking and consultation jumps.

Local Real Estate & Development: Clearwater Beach’s “Holdout House” finally sold for about $3M, ending decades of buyout resistance and raising questions about what comes next for the nearly one-of-a-kind property. Community Finance: Lakeland is moving toward a 2027 fire assessment fee, with a consultant study aimed at spreading fire-service costs across property owners. HOA Governance: Florida condo boards may not need remote access tools in every scenario, but the rules differ depending on whether meetings are held via video conference or in-person with remote directors. Local Media: E.W. Scripps has completed its WTVQ acquisition in Lexington, creating a duopoly and strengthening its local TV footprint. Marketing & Media Deals: Comcast Advertising and Clarivoy extended their TV/streaming ad attribution partnership for automotive retailers. Sports Marketing Moment: The Arnold Palmer Invitational is joining the PGA Tour Championship Series starting in 2028, signaling another major brand push for Orlando. Consumer Culture: Disney World is rolling out new Halloween party costumes effective Aug. 7, a change fans are already reacting to hard. Corporate/Investor Watch: Hertz faces a securities fraud class action tied to alleged liquidity and financing misstatements. Florida Business & Growth: Miami mortgage broker Philip Bennett shared a 2026 framework for choosing conventional, jumbo, Non-QM, and investment-property financing. Public Safety & Environment: A radioactive phosphogypsum stack near Progress Village remains a flashpoint for health and environmental justice concerns.

Social Media Lawsuits: Families of four teens who died by suicide are suing Meta, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube, alleging years of escalating harms tied to addiction and sleep deprivation—another wave of pressure on platforms to prove child-safety practices. Local Housing Costs: Northeast Florida buyers are feeling HOA sticker shock, with monthly fees varying wildly by county and even by neighborhood amenities. Political Messaging Fight: A Florida judge is weighing whether the ballot summary for a major property-tax amendment reads like campaign advertising, setting up a potential rewrite before November. Marketing & Media: PolySays launched an independent prediction-market news platform that turns odds movement into source-linked timelines—built for readers who want “what changed and why.” Community Promotions: Cox Media Group’s 99 JAMZ is running a small-business marketing contest offering one winner a $10,000 2027 campaign grant. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Flock Safety cameras face growing pushback nationwide, including deactivations and contract cancellations by cities.

Grocery Expansion: Sprouts says it will open 42 new stores in 2026, with at least 15 in Q3—building early marketing teams in new markets like Chicago. Workplace Branding: The Miami Foundation landed on Florida Trend’s “Best Companies To Work For” list, a talent-and-culture win that can boost employer marketing. Retail/IPO Spotlight: Reformation’s $211M IPO is a reminder for Florida brands watching DTC growth and store expansion playbooks. Local Construction & Luxury Development: The St. Regis Residences in Sunny Isles Beach hit a major milestone with a South Tower mat foundation pour, while Kolter Homes rolled out new floorplans and move-in-ready options across Central Florida and Palm Beach County. Ad Tech for Florida Retailers: Comcast Advertising and Clarivoy extended their TV/streaming attribution partnership, citing measurable dealership lift in Florida. Consumer Safety & Trust: Florida’s vacation scams study puts the state 7th for losses, with AI making it harder to spot fake offers. Media & Community: WJCT Public Media named Karen Feagins its next president/CEO, and WSIR’s return effort highlights the hurdles for local radio brands. Policy/Tech Backlash: Flock Safety cameras face growing pushback nationwide, including deactivations and contract cancellations. Health/Legal: A Florida federal case targets a shoulder prosthesis maker/distributor over alleged marketing and safety warnings.

Housing & Consumer Fraud: A new class action says LGI Homes and loanDepot lured renters into mortgages they couldn’t afford, alleging deceptive “low payment” marketing that left borrowers near foreclosure. Local Media & Community: A Lakeland online urban radio owner is trying to restart WSIR 1490 AM after the FCC issued a “notification of silence,” but antenna-location hurdles are slowing the comeback. Tourism Marketing: VISIT FLORIDA is expanding its rural push, committing to feature all 30 rural counties in its marketing every year starting FY 2026–27. Transportation Policy & Brand Messaging: Florida’s FDOT plans to redirect nearly $200M from EV charging toward an “aerial highway network” for flying taxis, drawing criticism from clean-energy advocates. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Flock Safety cameras face growing resistance nationwide, with cities canceling contracts and residents physically blocking views. Healthcare Tech: DeepHealth won FDA clearance for an AI breast ultrasound tool, aiming to standardize imaging and streamline workflows. Sports Marketing: The PGA Tour confirms the Arnold Palmer Invitational as part of its new Championship Series lineup starting in 2028. Franchising Politics: The International Franchise Association endorsed “Friend of Franchising” candidates in 14 states, including Florida, highlighting pro-franchise policy support.

Tourism Marketing Push: VISIT FLORIDA is stepping up its rural outreach, committing to feature all 30 “Rural Areas of Opportunity” counties in its marketing every year starting FY 2026–2027, aiming to spread visitor dollars to small towns and main streets. AI & Fraud Warning: A Senate Aging hearing says AI is supercharging scams against older Americans by cloning voices and speeding up the “fake proof” fraudsters use to exploit love, fear, shame and urgency. Local Lottery Moment: A Lakewood Ranch-area Wawa near Sarasota is handing out free coffee and fountain drinks after selling the lone $800M Mega Millions winner. PR/Comms Industry Event: Florida Public Relations Association’s PR & Comms Summit lands Aug. 9–12 in Orlando, spotlighting AI, media strategy and communications leadership. Connected Retail Tech: Barrows Connected Store promotes Tim Bagwell to CTO, expanding its retail media and in-store tech push. Data/Privacy & Security: OpenMatter Network urges enterprise leaders to rethink AI security architecture before the next rogue AI crisis. Community Branding: Vero Premier Properties launches GrandHarborHomesVeroBeach.com, pairing a major community amenity refresh with a new digital marketing home. Wellness Collaboration: Palm Beach North Wellness Collective debuts Aug. 20 at Loggerhead Plaza with local businesses teaming up for a shared community event.

Digital Advertising & AI Spending: Meta reported profit down 14% as it boosts AI-related capex to a $130B forecast, with investors reacting to rising costs. Florida Public Health: A synthetic opioid tied to kratom—7-OH—is driving a surge in Florida Poison Center calls, with officials warning current tracking may lag the real problem. Tourism Marketing: Key West tourism data shows strong hotel performance (May occupancy 82.6%) while maritime travel is weakening, pointing to a split between airport-driven visitors and ferry/cruise arrivals. Lottery & Retail Buzz: Florida’s Mega Millions $800M winner was sold at a Wawa near Sarasota; store staff say they’ve been told not to discuss it. Local Brand/Community Events: Oviedo Mall’s Back 2 School Bash (Aug. 1) leans on a supply scavenger hunt and local vendor marketplace to drive family foot traffic. Industry Movers: Carrier plans to sell Westborough-based NORESCO to OPTERRA as it simplifies toward data-center HVAC and AI-enabled building management. Sports & Culture: A new women’s pro baseball league launches its inaugural season, adding fresh sports content and sponsorship potential.