AGP Executive Report

Public Health Alert: Louisiana is warning Gulf Coast beachgoers after a surge in Vibrio vulnificus “flesh-eating” bacteria infections—nine cases this year, five deaths—urging anyone with a wound exposed to brackish or salt water to seek care fast. Florida Update: Florida has reported 14 Vibrio vulnificus cases and two deaths so far in 2026, with health officials reminding residents to wash cuts after coastal exposure and get medical help immediately if symptoms appear. Health Policy & Access: A new report argues nearly half of dementia cases worldwide could be delayed or prevented by addressing 14 lifestyle risk factors, including hearing loss, diet, exercise, and social isolation. Mental Health & Safety: Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton remains “serious but stable” in Florida after “significant blood loss” and injuries tied to a livestream self-harm incident, with family asking for privacy. Local Wellness & Community: A Florida chemist and international team turned rice husk waste into reusable filters that remove synthetic textile dyes from water. Wildlife Incident: An alligator bite in Marion County led to the animal’s removal and a temporary Silver River closure while officials investigate.

Childcare & Early Intervention: Vero Beach will get an $850,000 state budget appropriation to build Childcare Resources of Indian River’s new downtown campus, bundling early learning, wellness, and early intervention to support working families and strengthen the local workforce. Mental Health & Safety: Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton remains hospitalized in Florida under the Baker Act after a livestreamed self-harm incident; his family says he had “significant blood loss,” will need surgery, and faces a long recovery while asking for privacy. Public Health Alert: USDA issued a Salmonella warning tied to jalapeño contamination in certain ready-to-eat chicken products sold in multiple states, including Florida; no illnesses confirmed yet. Coastal Health Warning: Louisiana health officials report deaths from Vibrio vulnificus linked to warm coastal waters and wounds exposed to seawater, with Florida also reporting Vibrio-related deaths this year—experts urge extra caution for open cuts and shellfish. Community Support for Seniors: United Way of Lee, Hendry & Glades highlights its 211 hotline and disaster-response help for families dealing with housing, food, and mental health needs. Wildlife Risk: FWC is investigating an alligator bite in Marion County; the victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Wellness Promotions: 4Ever Young Merritt Island announced August specials on injectables, CoolSculpting, laser hair removal, and GLP-1-related offers.

Hospice & Health: Baseball legend Tommy John, 83, says goodbye to fans from his Bradenton home while in hospice, sharing his long fight with serious health issues. Mental Health Policy: Florida’s Surgeon General issued new guidance advising against prescribing psychotropic meds for most children ages 5–17 for conditions like depression and anxiety. Mosquitoes & Disease Risk: FIU research finds mosquitoes don’t target everyone the same—your body chemistry can make you more or less attractive to species that spread viruses. Coastal Safety: Louisiana reports five deaths from Vibrio vulnificus this year; Florida has also recorded a second death linked to the bacteria, prompting warnings for beachgoers with open wounds and for raw seafood handling. Community Health Access: Tampa’s Bullard Family Foundation held its ninth Back-to-School Bash with free backpacks plus onsite dental, vision, and physical exams. Local Public Health/Wellness: Key Biscayne restaurants are rolling out Miami Spice menus through Sept. 30, with prix-fixe lunch and dinner options. Back-to-School Support: Miami Beach nonprofits hosted large free giveaways of school supplies, clothing, meals, and personal-care items for thousands of families.

Vibrio vulnificus Alert: Florida health officials reported a second death tied to the “flesh-eating” bacteria, with cases in Marion and Palm Beach counties prompting warnings about saltwater/brackish water exposure and raw shellfish. Public Health & Food Safety: Walmart bakery rolls sold in 19 states were recalled after Florida testing flagged possible glass contamination in Pillsbury dough products. Water Security: A multi-state cyber campaign is targeting water utility systems, with investigators warning disruptions could affect public health and daily water access. Child Safety: A 5-year-old boy with autism drowned after wandering into a Hillsborough retention pond, renewing calls for swim lessons and tighter supervision around water. Local Health Tech: Archer First Response Systems and Tampa General Hospital partners are rolling out EMS-driven whole-blood drone delivery to trauma scenes in Hillsborough. Community Health: The Museum of Motherhood in St. Pete is closing at month’s end and shifting to a digital format, including lactation support programming.

Medical Marijuana & Public Safety: A Hillsborough County paramedic fired after a positive marijuana test is set to appeal to the Florida Supreme Court after a state appeals court said his medical card didn’t require reinstatement under his bargaining agreement. Water Safety: Miami-Dade says it’s working to meet upcoming stricter federal PFAS limits after research found “forever chemicals” highest in areas including Little Havana and Hialeah—raising cancer and long-term health concerns even at low levels. Foodborne Illness Watch: Florida’s cyclosporiasis outbreak keeps expanding, with health officials urging people to know symptoms and avoid implicated foods as cases rise. Mosquito-Bite Prevention: FIU research debunks the “mosquito magnet” myth, showing different mosquito species target different people—key for smarter repellent strategies against dengue, Zika, and West Nile. School Health: Tallahassee’s back-to-school drive pairs free supplies with EKG heart screenings for students ages 10–25, aligning with Florida’s push for earlier detection in youth athletes. Child Health & Safety: Authorities rescued three children from a Putnam County “house of horrors” involving severe neglect, including black mold and unsafe conditions, and charged the adults involved.

Public Health & Safety: Florida wildlife experts say not all smoke means danger—UF/IFAS highlights how prescribed burns can look similar to wildfires, and why knowing the source helps people protect their health. Foodborne Illness: Cyclosporiasis is surging again in Florida, with case counts climbing and county-by-county updates as officials link outbreaks to lettuce and urge prevention. Cancer & Care Access: State leaders tout progress in cancer treatment, including U.S. News hospital honors for Florida facilities and new investment to expand personalized cancer care at FIU. Mental Health & Crisis Response: A Miami-area TikTok self-harm case involving celebrity blogger Perez Hilton is driving renewed attention to the Baker Act and how families and law enforcement respond during psychiatric emergencies. Community Health & Prevention: Florida’s leprosy update shows cases rising, with guidance on reducing risk and getting evaluated early. Environment & Health Equity: Residents raise alarms about radioactive waste expansion near a historically Black community southeast of Tampa, warning of long-term cancer risk. Wildlife Recovery: Florida Wildlife Hospital released two rehabilitated otters back into the wild after months of care.

COVID Accountability in Washington: A GOP-led Senate committee voted to hold former top infectious-disease official Anthony Fauci in contempt after he refused to answer questions, escalating a push to revisit COVID-19 decisions. Anti-Aging & Hormone Safety: A Florida doctor warns that some anti-aging and hormone clinics rely on quick online questionnaires, limited lab monitoring, and storefront-style prescribing. Foodborne Outbreak Watch (Florida): Charlotte County confirmed its first cyclosporiasis case, as Florida’s lettuce-linked outbreak continues to expand statewide. Drone Tech for Health & Safety: Tampa General plans drone blood delivery to trauma scenes to speed transfusions, while Broward schools explore campus guardian drones for shooter response. School Meals Change in South Florida: Miami-Dade shifts from universal free meals to a school-by-school system, with CEP schools keeping free breakfast and lunch. Mental Health Help-Seeking: Florida experts highlight that asking for help is a strength and discuss suicide prevention resources. Public Health Alerts: Leprosy cases are rising in Florida, with officials urging awareness of symptoms and risk reduction. Property Tax Ballot Fight: A judge ordered Florida to rewrite Amendment 3 ballot language after concerns it could disadvantage renters.

Public Health Leadership: The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC director after nearly a year of vacancy, putting new leadership at the helm of a politically pressured agency. Hospital Rankings: UF Health Shands and UF Health Jacksonville landed among Florida’s top hospitals in the latest U.S. News rankings, with Shands earning national specialty recognition. Mental Health & Safety: Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton was hospitalized after a distressing TikTok livestream; his family says he can communicate as authorities monitored the situation. School Security Tech: Broward County may soon deploy drones designed to reach and neutralize school shooters, though the district says implementation details are still pending. Food & Health Alerts: A vegan coconut dessert recall in Michigan highlights undeclared egg risk, while Florida continues to see public health advisories tied to outbreaks and contaminated foods. Community Support: Central Florida seniors can connect with services at Rep. Scott Franklin’s free Senior Fest on Sept. 9 in Lakeland. Health Education: Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine welcomed new leadership as Jennifer Hunt begins her tenure as dean.

CDC Leadership: The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Erica Schwartz as the new CDC director, putting fresh leadership at the helm of a politically battered public health agency. Breastfeeding Support in Florida: DOH-Citrus is highlighting no-cost breastfeeding help, including a free infant feeding line, weekly support groups, and online classes with lactation consultant visits. Public Health & Food Safety: Florida continues to track outbreaks and advisories tied to parasites and bacteria, including cyclospora and other contamination alerts affecting residents’ health decisions. Mental Health & Social Media: Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton was hospitalized after a livestream prompted police response over apparent self-harm, renewing scrutiny of platform moderation and crisis response. Child Safety Tragedy: A 3-year-old died after getting her head trapped in a kitchen playset at a babysitter’s home in Boynton Beach, spotlighting the need for safer product design and close supervision. Local Health Tech: Tampa General announced drones to rush whole blood to trauma scenes within minutes, aiming to speed lifesaving care. Community Wellness: Florida families are also being reminded about falls prevention and other practical health steps as school and summer routines shift.

Mental Health & Public Safety: Miami-Dade deputies responded to reports that celebrity blogger Perez Hilton livestreamed self-harm on TikTok, using de-escalation and crisis intervention before he was safely transported to a hospital for a mental health evaluation; TikTok removed the account shortly after. Hospital Quality: A new federal patient-satisfaction survey found Florida hospitals rank last in the nation, with an average 2.71/5 stars and eight facilities earning one-star ratings. Firefighter Cancer Risk: Longboat Key Fire Rescue highlights cancer concerns tied to firefighting foam containing PFAS, as a new DeSantis law begins phasing out certain PFAS foams. Community Health & Prevention: Tampa General plans to use drones to deliver whole blood to trauma scenes within minutes, aiming to improve survival during the “golden hour.” Foodborne Illness Watch: Cyclospora cases continue to surge nationwide, with Florida reporting rising counts and deaths linked to the outbreak. Youth Wellness: A 9-year-old in Florida raised money for St. Jude by selling rubber band bracelets, turning a TV ad into real-world support for kids facing cancer.

Medicaid Fraud Push: Florida AG Tim Griffin joined a coalition of 16 state attorneys general urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, which would expand Medicaid Fraud Control Units to pursue beneficiary and recipient fraud (not just provider fraud), citing nearly $2B recovered in FY2025. Hospital Rankings: Sarasota Memorial Hospital held steady as No. 11 in Florida in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026-27 Best Hospitals, earning 24 specialty honors and top metro-area rehab recognition. Dengue Watch: Palm Beach County confirmed a locally acquired dengue case and issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory, underscoring the need for bite prevention during peak season. Public Health + Food Safety: Florida reported nearly 100 more cyclosporiasis cases in a week, while federal updates continued around salmonella recalls tied to nut butter sold at Walmart. Tech Meets Medicine: A Florida man’s lawsuit alleges ChatGPT discouraged him from emergency care before a pulmonary embolism nearly killed him, raising questions about AI medical responsibility. Wildlife Risk: A new nationwide report lists the American alligator as Florida’s deadliest animal. Community Health Innovation: Tampa General Hospital plans to launch a drone program to deliver whole blood to trauma scenes, pending local approvals.

Public Health Update: Florida logged 97 new cyclosporiasis cases in the latest reporting week, bringing the state total to 252 since June 1, with Miami-Dade still leading (39 cases) and Orange and Broward also seeing increases. Food Safety: The FDA announced a recall of a specific lot of bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter sold at Walmart stores in Alaska and 18 other states after Salmonella was found; no illnesses reported, but shoppers are told to return the affected lot for a refund. Healthcare Rankings: U.S. News named Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Sarasota a top regional hospital in Florida, tied for the No. 11 spot statewide, and Cleveland Clinic (including its Weston campus) continues to rack up national specialty honors. Community Preparedness: Highlands County held a Caregivers Preparedness Workshop to help families plan for disasters, focusing on meds, equipment, transportation, and local resources. Blood Supply: The American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis, urging type O donors in Florida to give amid summer trauma and illness-driven shortages. Digital Health & Youth Safety: TikTok is finalizing settlements in three addiction-related cases alleging harm to minors, with amounts confidential.

Dengue Alert: Palm Beach County confirmed a locally acquired dengue fever case, a sign mosquitoes are carrying the virus locally; health experts urged residents to step up mosquito prevention. Food Safety: CDC and federal partners are investigating a multistate E. coli outbreak tied to recalled Publix GreenWise frozen organic berries, with Florida reporting most cases and hospitalizations; consumers were told to throw out affected lots. Medicare Fraud: Jacksonville-based Complete Health agreed to a $14.1M settlement over alleged bogus Medicare Advantage diagnosis coding meant to boost payments. Maternal Wellness: Orange County’s Department of Health hosted a breastfeeding symposium focused on maternal wellness and community support, with lactation consultants on site. Community Health Program: Lee Health promoted Pivio, a 12-week lifestyle medicine program, with a new cohort starting Sept. 10. Public Health Access: Tampa General Hospital plans a first-in-the-nation whole blood drone delivery program with local fire rescue partners. Coastal Restoration: Harbor Branch received $250,000 to support mangrove restoration aimed at protecting seagrass and marine habitat. Policy Pressure: Florida Sheriffs Association voiced concerns about Amendment 3, warning a property tax cut could affect public safety services and local budgets.

Medical Examiner Upgrade: Escambia/Santa Rosa’s First Judicial Circuit is getting a new 18,000-square-foot medical examiner facility in Milton, with a dedicated autopsy suite set to open Aug. 10—after years of cramped space. Restaurant Safety Watch: A review of Jan–July inspections in Escambia and Santa Rosa found 93 high-priority restaurant reports, with the most common problems tied to improper food temperatures and stop-sale orders; several spots were temporarily closed for issues like pests and unsafe storage. Local Parks Funding: Pensacola is proposing to nearly double CRA “asset management” upkeep to $2.9M for 2027 and shift a parks landscape crew to CRA oversight to maintain at least 10 parks and key downtown sites. Disability Services Fight: A new DOJ legal opinion is raising alarms that federal disability rights may not require home-based services, setting up potential legal battles over protections for millions. Youth Mental Health: A reported rise in preteen suicide risk underscores gaps in getting kids timely psychiatric care, especially when facilities won’t accept age or insurance. SNAP Cuts: More than 4 million people are estimated to have already lost SNAP food aid amid sweeping changes, with experts warning the October funding shift could push states to scale back. Florida Health Care Quality: The Orlando VA Healthcare System earned a CMS 5-Star rating for the third straight year, citing strong outcomes, safety, and patient experience. Public Health Alerts: Florida’s “flesh-eating” bacteria coverage continues after a confirmed 2026 death, with officials urging caution around warm coastal waters and seafood. School Safety Tech: Duval County Public Schools will add OPENGATE walk-through weapons detection systems at elementary schools starting Aug. 10, alongside safety officers, drills, and reporting tools.

Leprosy Update: Florida is reporting 17 leprosy (Hansen’s disease) cases so far in 2026, with most clustered in central counties along the I-4 corridor, after 36 cases in 2025—the highest since the state began tracking in 1992. Public Health—Mosquito Season: Miami-Dade health officials confirmed a locally acquired dengue case, urging mosquito precautions as peak season ramps up. Invasive Species Watch: Southwest Florida officials are asking residents to report sightings after the giant African land snail was detected again, warning of major garden, agriculture, and public health impacts. Food Safety & Nutrition: A Publix frozen berry recall expanded after E. coli hospitalizations, while another report highlights why shoppers should read nutritional labels when buying or donating food. Health Policy & Kids: Florida AG James Uthmeier is pressing Catholic schools to grant vaccine exemptions tied to religious doctrine, ahead of the 2026–2027 school year. Community Safety: A structure fire in Sarasota County was contained; investigators are looking into the cause. Violence & Care: A Florida father was indicted for allegedly using a leaf blower on his infant son in a fatal “prank,” with shaken baby syndrome cited.

Heat & Health: A Florida-linked mission to prevent heatstroke is highlighted by the Korey Stringer Institute’s work, including its Florida satellite, after the story of a toddler-sized reminder of how fast heat risks can turn deadly. Disaster Health: New Florida research finds flood-hit homes can trigger breathing problems months after hurricanes, with indoor mold, older roofs, and flood depth tied to lingering respiratory symptoms. Food Safety: Publix frozen berry recalls expanded after E. coli hospitalizations, and health officials also issued no-swim guidance after a wastewater spill on Singer Island. Public Health & Community: Bay County moms gathered for World Breastfeeding Week with mentorship and support through Breastfeed Bay and Healthy Start. Mental Health & Tech: A Florida teen dropped a Meta social media lawsuit days before trial, while separate families sued major platforms after teen suicides tied to alleged addiction and sleep loss. Wildlife & Wellness: More than 20 rehabilitated manatees were released back into Florida waters, showing how coordinated rescue networks support recovery. Safety Alerts: Extreme heat warnings covered much of Florida as temperatures pushed dangerous levels.