AGP Executive Report

Public Health Alert: The CDC says cyclosporiasis (Cyclospora) is showing up in Florida, with 1–10 cases reported so far, as the national outbreak grows and officials work to identify sources. Holiday Safety: A lightning strike at Fort Myers Beach killed one swimmer and injured three others; witnesses described the blast-like sound and emergency crews used CPR/AED before paramedics arrived. Food Safety: Multiple major retailers issued “do not eat” recalls on common items, including Morrisons Coronation Chicken Pasta (possible undeclared milk for people with intolerance/allergy) and other recalled snacks/produce-linked products. Community & Wellness: Florida Wildlife Hospital marked “Freedom Friday” by releasing four red-shouldered hawks after rehabilitation, highlighting the role of local partnerships in protecting native wildlife. Climate & Health: Coral bleaching coverage underscores how hotter ocean temperatures weaken reefs, increasing disease risk and threatening storm protection and local economies.

Public Health & Safety: Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, YMCA of South Florida and the Florida Panthers are warning families about Florida’s drowning surge ahead of the Fourth of July, citing 62 drownings statewide so far this year and urging constant supervision and layered prevention. Mental Health: Braveminds Academy highlights how depression in teen boys often shows up as anger, withdrawal and school refusal—not just sadness—pushing parents to seek evaluation when behavior shifts. Infectious Disease Watch: CDC issued a summer West Nile virus warning, flagging the highest number of infections in 22 years, as heat and mosquito season ramp up. Food & Health Policy: Civilians filed a federal lawsuit against CDC and NIH seeking equal diagnostic guidance and care for Havana Syndrome/AHI victims, arguing the agencies have delayed public protocols. Community Relief: Palm Beach County Catholic parishes are collecting donations for Venezuela earthquake relief, including nonperishable food, OTC meds and basic medical supplies. Local Crime & Health Impact: A North Lauderdale Walmart parking-lot dispute ended with a man shot dead; the shooter claims self-defense, with no charges filed yet.

Extreme Heat & Public Safety: A U.S. heat wave is expected to push World Cup conditions to dangerous levels, with peak heat indexes between 100–115°F and little overnight relief—raising concerns for athletes and fans. Hospital Preparedness: HCA Florida Highlands Hospital ran an active shooter drill with Sebring police, focusing on the first critical minutes and staff-law enforcement coordination. Infectious Disease Watch: CDC and partners are tracking a parasite behind “explosive” diarrhea (Cyclospora/cyclosporiasis) that has sickened people across 17 states, with Michigan cases surging. Community Health & Access: Star Dental opened a Lakewood clinic offering 7-day urgent dental care and accepting Medicaid. Immigration & Caregiving Anxiety: Southwest Florida Haitian residents are in limbo after a Supreme Court ruling affecting Temporary Protected Status, with families worried about what comes next for stability and support. Health Care Fraud Sentencing: Two women tied to a behavioral health clinic in Wyoming were sentenced for a Medicaid fraud scheme, including claims for services that didn’t occur. Local Health Incident: Authorities are investigating a death of a Lee County Jail inmate nearly a year after a “suspicious incident.”

Sovereign Immunity Fight: Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed a bill that would have raised Florida’s caps on damages in government-negligence cases, warning it could fuel meritless lawsuits and strain local budgets. Public Health & Water Safety: Florida swimmers are being warned about deadly Vibrio vulnificus along Atlantic waters ahead of the Fourth of July, with officials noting infections can turn serious fast—especially for people with underlying conditions. Local Care Expansion: Orlando Health and Watson Clinic’s Lakeland Highlands Hospital is set to open July 8, adding major inpatient, ER, operating room, and cardiac interventional capacity in Polk County. Trauma Access: Lakeland Regional Health earned Florida’s Level I Trauma Center designation, aiming to keep severely injured adults and children closer to home. Legal/Privacy in DUI Case: A judge ruled prosecutors can review Tiger Woods’ hospital records tied to his March crash, under a protective order limiting who can access the information. Summer Safety Reminder: A Tampa-area physician warns heat, fireworks, and food mishandling drive many ER visits over the holiday weekend. Alligator Incident: Body-cam and 911 details continue to emerge after a fatal alligator attack in Seminole County’s Econlockhatchee River area, underscoring low-visibility risks in summer water.

Dialysis Innovation: Xeltis says it hit 50% enrollment in its US pivotal trial for aXess™, a vascular access device that turns into a living vessel for hemodialysis—an FDA Breakthrough Device–designated milestone. Public Health Watch: A parasite called Cyclospora is spreading across the US, with at least 145 sick and 20 hospitalized, including cases reported in Florida. Weight-Loss Real-World Data: A Mayo Clinic Health System study finds tirzepatide users lose more total body weight on average if they’re women; age wasn’t a clear independent predictor. Care Access & Tech: A robotic pharmacy startup, Queue, says it can fill and verify prescriptions without a pharmacist on-site, aiming to address staffing and pharmacy pressures. Sports Safety: Florida’s new drowning-prevention law expands state-funded swim lesson vouchers for kids ages 1–7. Local Health & Safety: Florida Highway Patrol reports a 78-year-old Port St. Lucie woman died after being knocked down by a rolling SUV in a driveway. Policy & Health Costs: A House subcommittee hearing highlighted sharp divides over how to lower healthcare costs, including direct contracting vs Medicaid/ACA coverage concerns.

Alligator Attack Aftermath: Florida officials identified 31-year-old Brittany Clark of Orlando as the woman killed after an alligator mauled her in the Econlockhatchee River near Little Big Econ State Forest; 911 calls captured her boyfriend’s frantic pleas as she lost blood and crews responded with multiple agencies, including FWC. Youth Mental Health & Social Media: TikTok reached a settlement with a Florida teen who sued over alleged addictive design that he says worsened depression, anxiety, and sleep loss, as other platform trials remain on the calendar. Concussion Care Access: HitCheck is partnering with Headquarters Health to connect mobile concussion screening to telehealth scheduling with concussion specialists, aiming to speed up next steps after a suspected concussion. New Florida Health-Adjacent Law Changes: July 1 updates include Isaiah’s Law for repeat unlicensed driving penalties and broader July 1 changes affecting schools and health-related rules like allowing FDA-approved epinephrine devices for at-risk students. Cancer Research for Firefighters: University of Miami’s Sylvester Firefighter Cancer Initiative trained as wildland firefighters in Florida to better study smoke, heat, and gear-related cancer risks through a new WISER study.

Alligator Attack Updates: Brittany Clark, 31, has been named as the victim of a fatal Econlockhatchee River attack near Orlando, with new reports describing a “death roll” as her boyfriend tried to pull her free. Public Health & Prevention: A letter from a Florida nurse urges lawmakers to keep vaccine mandates, citing rising measles and other communicable-disease concerns. Local Governance: DeSantis signed a bill sending a proposed merger of the Fort Myers Beach and Iona McGregor fire departments to the November ballot, despite a study finding few compelling reasons to combine. Healthcare Tech: Humata Health expands prior authorization tools beyond large health systems, aiming to cut denials and reduce clinician paperwork. Research & Innovation: DEEP successfully installed a subsea human habitat in the Florida Keys to support multi-day underwater missions for coral restoration and marine science. Community Health Events: Lee Health’s bloodmobile is set for July 25 at the Pine Island Moose Lodge, with donors encouraged to help local hospitals.

Alligator Safety: A 31-year-old Orlando woman, Brittany Clark, died after a Sunday attack in the Little Big Econ State Forest; FWC says two large alligators were captured and DNA testing will determine which one was responsible, as officials note serious bites are rare but multiple attacks have been reported in central Florida this week. Infant Sleep Risk: Port Charlotte investigators reviewed a case involving a three-week-old found unresponsive after the mother fell asleep while feeding the baby in a chair—another reminder that safe sleep support can be lifesaving for exhausted new parents. Mental Health Access: A telehealth psychiatric practice, Synchronous Mental Health, says it can offer appointments within days across Florida and other states, aiming to ease the shortage of psychiatric providers. Behavioral Health Treatment: Oasis Recovery Center in Fort Myers highlights a holistic, experiential approach to addiction care, including detox and outpatient programs plus therapies like yoga and equine therapy. Policy & Health Tech: Florida’s July 1 law changes include new restaurant fee transparency rules and updates tied to large data centers—both with real-world impacts on everyday costs and services. Heat & Health: With Fourth of July heat building, CDC guidance warns indoor temperatures shouldn’t exceed 90°F, as Florida heat advisories and high heat indexes raise health risks.

Alligator Safety: A 31-year-old woman died after an alligator attack in the Econlockhatchee River near Orlando; FWC says two gators (12- and 13-foot) were captured and DNA testing is underway, with officials noting territorial behavior during mating season and low water levels. Public Health & Nutrition: Diet experts weigh in on how much shrimp is “too much,” while a separate piece highlights what to watch in sugary bakery treats from Publix. Cancer Focus: A roundup cites the states with the highest cancer rates and reminds readers that survival varies widely by location and population. Healthcare Access & Fraud: Coverage points to ongoing behavioral health funding and a broader push against healthcare fraud, including major federal takedowns affecting providers. Policy & Care Costs: Florida’s budget news includes large spending cuts and vetoes, alongside continued debate over healthcare affordability and insurance pressures. Legal/Consumer Health: A court decision discusses when insurers can still face bad-faith claims after paying a judgment. Community Health: New local initiatives include maternal-infant support programs and expanded behavioral health access.

Wildlife & Safety: A 31-year-old Orlando woman died after an alligator attack in the Econlockhatchee River, with FWC capturing and killing two alligators afterward; officials say Central Florida has seen multiple bites in a week and urge people to report “nuisance” animals. Public Health & Care Access: Acorn Health expanded autism diagnostic evaluations in Florida, adding Tampa and Orlando sites for assessments starting at 18 months. Cancer Research: Florida A&M researchers report a new approach that may help pancreatic cancer cells self-destruct, pointing to MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathway activity. Food & Consumer Protections: Florida’s new “operations charge” menu law takes effect July 1, requiring restaurants to clearly list mandatory fees before payment. State Budget & Health Policy: Gov. DeSantis signed Florida’s budget but vetoed about $810M, including cuts tied to corrections funding and other line items. Community Health & Wellness: American Legion District 13 is collecting teddy bears for a July “Christmas in July” run benefiting children at Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Alligator Safety: A 31-year-old woman died after an alligator attack while swimming in Seminole County’s Econlockhatchee River; FWC says a nuisance trapper is searching for the animal. Public Health Preparedness: DeSoto County’s Florida Department of Health is urging residents with disabilities or special needs to register for the Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry ahead of hurricane season so emergency managers can match care needs. Healthcare Tech: HOPPR launched Presto, an AI tool that drafts radiology reports inside existing workflows by pulling findings into doctors’ templates. Medicare Fraud Watch: DOJ announced a massive $6.5B health care fraud crackdown tied to Medicare, with hundreds charged nationwide, including Florida cases. Community Health Access: South Florida Med Group expanded in Miami Lakes with telehealth and a dedicated weight management program. Wellness & Prevention: Florida’s student-athletes can get free heart screenings ahead of a new state ECG law taking effect. Legal/Consumer Note: A personal injury firm says clients can switch attorneys mid-case without restarting their case.

Alligator Safety: FWC confirmed two Central Florida alligator bites in a week—one juvenile bitten on the hand while fishing at Nelson’s Fish Camp in Umatilla, and a prior Rainbow Springs snorkeler attack—urging residents to keep distance, never feed alligators, and use the nuisance hotline if an animal poses a threat. Heat & Hydration: Medical staff at UF Health Shands reported about a dozen ER visits during a Gainesville stadium concert for dehydration and heat exhaustion, a warning sign for football-season crowds. In-Home Care for Seniors: Miami-Dade-area in-home support programs are expanding to help older adults stay safe and independent at home, with services that include daily living help, transport to appointments, and nurse-led care planning. Community Navigation: First 1,000 Days Suncoast added a new family navigator in DeSoto County to connect families with early childhood resources and support. Public Health & Safety Reminder: Florida’s Autism Services Grants Council opened applications for the next license-plate-funded round, backing nonprofit programs for autism therapies and opportunities statewide. Local Tragedy: A Port St. Lucie woman died after a SUV rolled backward in a driveway while her son was starting it, according to Florida Highway Patrol.

Heat & Water Safety: North Port officials urge residents to beat Florida summer heat with hydration, shade breaks, and quick action for heat exhaustion/heat stroke, while Punta Gorda extends SWFWMD Modified Phase III water restrictions through Oct. 1 with strict once-a-week lawn watering rules. Disaster Relief (Venezuela): After twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela, rescue teams warn the “race against time” is narrowing as the death toll climbs and families in South Florida keep organizing donations and specialized aid. Local Health & Public Safety: A teen drowned in Florida City, while another teen was airlifted in critical condition after a second drowning incident. Healthcare Fraud Watch: DOJ-linked reporting highlights a massive national health care fraud crackdown, with Florida among the states facing alleged Medicare/Medicaid billing schemes. Community Wellness: Free heart screenings are offered to Orange County student-athletes ahead of a new Florida law, and Florida’s College of the Florida Keys swim program gets grant-funded dryland training equipment. Policy & Health: Commentary and reporting continue to debate how federal environmental deregulation could affect public health and welfare.

Public Health & Food Safety: USDA/Food Safety officials warned Florida shoppers that more than 5,000 pounds of pasta salad were recalled across seven states because of possible undeclared allergens; only tubs with a July 16, 2026 use-by date are affected. Medicare & Health Fraud: DOJ’s massive $6.5B healthcare fraud crackdown continues to ripple through Florida, with multiple Florida-linked cases and arrests tied to Medicaid/Medicare billing schemes. Local Schools & Wellness: Miami-Dade County Public Schools received $70,000 in EPA-backed “Go Green” grants to improve indoor air quality and expand recycling infrastructure for participating schools. Care Access & Mental Health: Peace Medical announced a new chapter expanding mental health, addiction medicine, and primary care services across South Florida. Community Support: Sarasota County nonprofits received Community Foundation grants totaling more than $500,000 to boost services ranging from grief support to senior in-home care. Disaster Relief (Venezuela): South Florida restaurants and a Doral-based nonprofit are collecting donations for Venezuela earthquake survivors as the death toll climbs past 900. Environment & Health: Scientists are testing whether planting elkhorn coral saplings in Dry Tortugas can help a nearly extinct Florida reef species recover after major heatwave losses. Road Safety: Florida Highway Patrol reported a serious I-75 crash in Pasco County involving a lane-change and an oversized tank; two women were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

Rabies Watch: Florida health officials issued and extended rabies advisories after confirmed cases in local wildlife, including a Port Charlotte raccoon case that triggered a dog quarantine and safety guidance for residents and pets. Public Health & Safety: Mosquito-borne virus alerts also surfaced, with officials urging bite prevention as conditions shift. Animal Health Alert: Reports of “zombie squirrels” in Florida and other states point to squirrel fibromatosis, with experts stressing people should not handle sick-looking wildlife. Healthcare Fraud: Florida remains tied to major federal healthcare fraud crackdowns, including large-scale Medicare/Medicaid investigations and arrests. Policy & Access: Supreme Court fallout is raising alarms for healthcare access and caregiving stability as protections for Haitians and Syrians are challenged. Wellness & Community: National HIV Testing Day spotlights South Florida testing efforts, while local health fairs and clinics push prevention and early screening. Environment & Health: Monroe County guidance addresses widespread sargassum impacts in the Keys, including nuisance conditions and fish kill concerns as blooms continue.

Healthcare Fraud & Oversight: A Sarasota nurse practitioner and two others were charged in a Medicare wound-care fraud scheme tied to more than $118M in alleged billings, part of a DOJ takedown hitting 455 defendants nationwide. SNAP Accountability: Florida’s SNAP payment error rate fell to 12.97% in 2025 but still sits above the federal threshold, putting the state on track for nearly $1B in penalties and a corrective action plan. Tech Privacy: Florida and Roku settled a lawsuit over children’s data, with Roku set to add child-protection tools and parental controls over about a year. Public Health & Safety: Leapfrog hospital safety grades show steady results locally, with HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital moving up to a “B” while Sarasota Memorial hospitals kept “A” ratings. Immigration & Health Workforce Impact: A Supreme Court decision ending TPS for Haitians and Syrians could hit Florida hardest, with advocates warning of job losses and knock-on effects for care settings. Animal Health Alert: Charlotte County issued a rabies advisory after a confirmed case in a raccoon.