AGP Executive Report

School Nutrition Policy: Byron Donalds is pushing to remove ultra-processed foods and harmful additives from Florida school meals, arguing the state can source from Florida farmers—while a similar 2025 bill stalled in the Senate Agriculture Committee. Everglades Construction: South Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers finalized an agreement to speed Everglades restoration, targeting key work tied to completing the Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir by 2029. Food Safety: Florida Cyclospora cases are being linked to Taylor Farms, with broader outbreak tracking and consumer warnings continuing. Water & Recreation Infrastructure: Bay County is lowering Deer Point Reservoir temporarily for Highpoint Park ramp improvements funded by FWC, aiming for year-round access for fishing and boating. Fishing & Aquaculture Calendar: Florida’s spiny lobster mini-season opens Wednesday at midnight with strict limits and permit rules, while anglers are also getting guidance for the week’s freshwater fishing conditions. Public Safety on the Water: Martin County is rewriting shark fishing rules after complaints about drones and chumming near swimmers, and Volusia County continues to report on unprovoked shark bite incidents.

Lobster Season in the Keys: Florida’s two-day spiny lobster mini-season kicks off Wednesday, July 29 (one minute after midnight) and runs through Thursday, July 30, with a reminder that a recreational saltwater fishing license and a lobster permit are required. FWC Safety Push: Ahead of the rush, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urged divers and boaters to review rules, check closed areas, and follow safety guidance like using diver-down signals and staying within required distances. Feral Swine Funding: USDA is making $35 million available for partnerships to respond to feral swine in multiple states including Florida, with an application deadline of Sept. 21. Blue-Green Algae Testing: New research in Southwest Florida is using tools to test for airborne blue-green algae toxins, suggesting low-level exposure may be more common than people think. Cyclospora Watch: Health officials continue tracking a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, with Florida among the states reporting cases. Local Agriculture Recognition: Polk County producer Wade Ellenberg was named a finalist for the 2027 Florida Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year Award, with an on-site judge visit scheduled for Aug. 26.

Everglades Restoration: South Florida Water Management District and the U.S. Army Corps signed an agreement to speed key Everglades projects, aligning federal funding with the EAA Reservoir completion in 2029 and pushing more freshwater south under the Tamiami Trail. Invasive Species Alert: Florida officials renewed warnings about the Giant African snail, including Southwest Florida quarantines and a public call to report sightings without handling. Food Safety/Crops: Cyclospora cases in Palm Beach County are rising, and investigations link the outbreak to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, prompting a recall that reached some Florida Walmart sales. Wildlife Enforcement: Four men tied to illegal alligator poaching in Brevard County received probation (no jail time), with hunting privileges suspended. USDA Funding for Ag Lands: USDA announced $35 million for feral swine eradication partnerships in states including Florida, targeting damage to habitats, soils, water quality, and disease risks. Keys Fisheries: Florida’s one-day spiny lobster mini season opens July 29–30, with FWC urging harvesters to follow rules and safety guidance. Agri-Business Update: Alico, Inc. (Florida agribusiness and land manager) set its Q3 results release for Aug. 10 and a call Aug. 11.

Agribusiness Watch: Alico, Inc. (Fort Myers) will report third-quarter 2026 results Aug. 10, with a conference call Aug. 11—company notes it runs diversified ag and land operations across ~47,000 acres in seven Florida counties. State Water Policy: Florida Agriculture Chief Wilton Simpson named Jessica Ferris as permanent director and Megan Seward as assistant director of the Office of Agricultural Water Policy. Local Farm & Food Education: Painted Sky Farms highlights hands-on youth learning through growing and using produce, tying agriculture to real meals. Agrihood Development: Orlando’s “The Grow” launches as the city’s first agrihood, with a demonstration farm and plans for a nine-acre working farm at the center of the community. Citrus Land Fight: Naples’ South Naples Citrus Grove faces a potential rezoning into an exclusive private golf course, with residents warning of traffic and loss of rural farmland character. Seafood & Wildlife: FWC reminds lobster harvesters of the 48-hour spiny lobster mini-season rules (bag limits, size, egg-bearing protections, and licensing) as enforcement ramps up. Public Health (Cyclospora): Cyclospora/cyclosporiasis continues spreading nationwide; CDC reports thousands of cases and links part of the outbreak to shredded lettuce from Taylor Farms, with Florida monitoring as cases rise. Education Spotlight: Osceola County agriculture teacher Kyndall Brown was named Florida’s 2027 Teacher of the Year, recognized for agriscience instruction and farm partnerships.

Invasive Species Watch: Florida wildlife officials say Burmese pythons are now established in western Charlotte County, expanding the known footprint beyond long-hit areas and raising concerns for native wildlife, wetlands, and the recreation and tourism those ecosystems support. Biosecurity & Livestock Trade: USDA plans to reopen livestock ports along the U.S.-Mexico border next month after a more-than-year suspension tied to New World screwworm risk, with animals subject to veterinary inspections at returning ports. Animal Health Enforcement: Florida arrested a man for allegedly importing 24 sheep and goats from Texas without required health certifications, after prior denial at a Pensacola inspection station. Food Safety & Legal Fallout: Two more lawsuits were filed in Michigan against Taco Bell and Taylor Farms over Cyclospora illness tied to iceberg lettuce, adding to a growing wave of claims as recalls and outbreak investigations continue. Local Water Quality: A Fort Lauderdale church is raising funds for a “living seawall” to replace a deteriorating shoreline and help reduce bacteria pollution in a canal that has sickened swimmers. Recreational Fishing Rules: Florida’s spiny lobster mini-season is set for July 29-30, with specific limits, gear restrictions, and safety guidance for recreational divers.

Daylight Saving Fight: The House passed a bill to end the twice-yearly clock changes, but Senate Republicans are split and may not reach the votes needed—keeping Florida families and businesses watching the calendar debate. Shark & Gator Safety: A “Shark Week” segment with Forrest Galante urged beachgoers to avoid dawn/dusk and feeding times, while fresh Florida alligator attack coverage is reigniting questions about what happens after bites and how “nuisance” gators are handled. Exotic Animal Escapes: Florida wildlife records show 140+ captive animal escapes since 2022, including rhinos, monkeys, pythons, and a white rhino incident that led to federal action. Invasive Species Update: Burmese pythons are now “established” in western Charlotte County, expanding the footprint beyond long-known hotspots. Livestock Trade: USDA plans to resume U.S.-Mexico livestock imports through reopened ports after a New World screwworm halt, with inspections for every animal. Florida Citrus: USDA data show Florida orange harvest rising to 12.92 million boxes in 2025-26, the first increase in 20+ years, supported by major state funding and new disease-resistant work. Food Safety: Recalls this week included Amy’s Organic lentil soup (pull-tab spoilage risk) and broader cyclospora-related lettuce concerns, keeping shoppers on alert.

Invasive Species Watch: Florida wildlife officials say Burmese pythons are now established in western Charlotte County, expanding the known footprint beyond long-hit areas and raising concerns for native wildlife and wetland health. Seafood & Water Safety: A Florida Keys fishing forecast warns that cloud cover and nighttime overcast could cut feeding activity during the full moon phase, with oxygen stress more likely in shallow waters. Wildlife Rescue: Coast Guard crews and The Turtle Hospital in Marathon are treating a struggling, older loggerhead sea turtle rescued near Sugarloaf Key, giving her a shot at recovery and return to the wild. Food Safety Alerts: The FDA-linked cyclospora situation continues to drive recalls and public warnings, while Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup is among this week’s recalled items due to a pull-tab spoilage risk. Livestock Trade: USDA plans to reopen U.S.-Mexico livestock ports next month after a New World screwworm pause, with strict veterinary checks at returning entry points.

Florida Citrus Turnaround: USDA data show Florida harvested 12.92 million boxes of oranges in 2025-26, the first increase in more than 20 years as growers battle greening, storms, and costs, with the Legislature backing recovery. Cyclospora Watch: Health officials say the U.S. cyclospora outbreak has surged to record levels, with Florida cases rising and FDA investigating how contamination is getting into the food system; separate recall updates include Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup in multiple states including Florida. Livestock & Biosecurity: USDA plans to resume Mexican cattle imports next month after a yearlong screwworm-related halt, with full inspections at reopened ports. AI Data Centers vs. Farms: A new wave of AI data center proposals is raising alarms over farmland loss, water strain, and power demand—concerns that echo in rural communities. Keys Fishing Conditions: Upper Keys anglers report hot offshore mahi action when you time the day right, but weeds and heat keep trolling tough. Mosquito Control Politics (Keys): Candidates for the Florida Keys Mosquito Control Board are pushing for accountability and debating approaches, including opposition to GMO mosquitoes.

Cattle Trade Restart: USDA says it will reopen Mexican cattle ports starting Aug. 24, after a yearlong halt tied to the screwworm fly—Douglas, Arizona first, with later openings planned for New Mexico ports. Food Safety Watch: CDC/FDA report the Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce is broader than first thought, with Florida cases rising to 168 and investigators adding more states as the company maintains its recall and prevention steps amid “false positive” test claims. School Nutrition & Water Testing: Republican gubernatorial front-runner Byron Donalds rolls out a “Healthy Florida Healthy Families” plan to remove ultra-processed foods from school meals and require public lead/contamination testing with results posted online. Research Partnership: Gov. DeSantis signs a University of Florida–University of St. Andrews deal focused on joint research, exchanges, and work spanning marine and physical sciences plus agriculture technology. Aquaculture & Coasts: UF/IFAS Sea Grant highlights Florida aquaculture and natural aquatic ecosystems, while local coastal “living seawall” efforts show growing interest in water-quality solutions.

Food Safety Update: CDC and FDA investigations into the cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico iceberg lettuce keep expanding, with Florida now part of a wider probe that has grown to nine states after Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania were added; officials say “cases with Taco Bell exposure” have been reported across all nine. Florida Numbers: Florida’s confirmed/suspected total is reported at 168 since Jan. 1 through July 17, with July driving the surge (42 in June; 114 in July). Livestock Protection: Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced the arrest of a Maitland man accused of smuggling 24 sheep and goats into the state from Texas after being turned away at an inspection station for missing veterinary documentation tied to New World Screwworm protections. Invasive Species Watch: A destructive yellow-legged hornet is spreading in the Southeast and quarantine efforts are underway, with Florida flagged as a potential next target. Pollinator Habitat: UF/IFAS-linked roadside milkweed plantings in North Florida are helping build monarch and pollinator corridors along state-managed rights-of-way. Agriculture Funding: The House approved a $12B farm aid package as producers push for more relief amid tight margins and volatile input costs. Feral Swine Response: USDA announced $35M for partnerships to combat feral swine threats to farms and landscapes.

Marine Wildlife & Climate: New research tied to warming seas suggests sharks are shifting where they live and travel, with some species moving farther north along Florida’s Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico remaining key habitat for others. Coastal Conservation in Action: Bonita Springs firefighters rescued 14 sea turtle hatchlings trapped in storm drains near Mediterra Beach Club, working with Turtle Time Inc. to return them to the Gulf. Sea Turtle Recovery After Storms: Tropical Storm Bertha wiped out sea turtle nests along Florida’s Gulf Coast, with patrols reporting major nest losses and fewer hatchlings expected later this season. Food Safety & Local Grocers: Florida health updates show cyclosporiasis cases rising, while Publix says it doesn’t source iceberg lettuce from the Mexico region linked to the outbreak; officials continue to urge thorough washing and note cooking is most effective. Agriculture Education: Osceola County agriculture teacher Kyndall Brown was named Florida Teacher of the Year, spotlighting hands-on learning “get your hands dirty” in classrooms. Feral Swine Threat: USDA announced $35 million for partnerships to combat feral swine, citing billions in annual damage and targeting producers and working lands. Fishing Rules: Florida’s spiny lobster sport season is set for July 29–30, with limits, size rules, and protected-area restrictions to check before heading out. Food Assistance Pressure: SNAP enrollment in Florida fell about 23% over the past year, a hit that could ripple through food access for farmworker and rural households.

Food Safety Watch: Florida’s cyclosporiasis tally keeps climbing, with the state reporting 63 new cases in one week and 158 total since May 1, as investigators track a broader outbreak tied to shredded lettuce; officials say symptoms can lag and undercounts are possible. Public Health & Consumer Guidance: CDC data shows more than 4,000 lab-confirmed cases nationwide across 41 states, with hundreds of hospitalizations, keeping pressure on retailers and restaurants to follow recall and handling updates. Local Economy & Families: Florida’s month-long back-to-school sales tax holiday is underway (July 20–Aug. 20), covering qualifying school supplies, clothing, and computers under set price limits. Community & Youth: Southwest Florida Ace Hardware stores are running a three-day “Miracle Bucket Sale” (Aug. 7–9) to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network pediatric care. Governance: Florida’s Supreme Court rejected a public reprimand for an Orange County judge tied to misconduct allegations, sending the matter back for further review.

Lettuce Recall Fallout: Taylor Farms’ iceberg lettuce recall tied to the cyclospora outbreak remains in focus after the FDA said an initial positive test was a false positive, while the company still faces scrutiny and an ongoing investigation into the source. Food Safety & Consumer Impact: The recall has expanded across multiple states and keeps shoppers asking what’s safe to eat as cyclosporiasis cases rise nationwide. Florida Water & Wildlife: A Florida wildlife agency is accused of targeting critics with secret surveillance, including repeated pulls of driving records, raising fresh concerns about how state watchdogs use data. Agriculture Workforce Policy: Florida Gov. DeSantis flagged a federal proposal to reshape H-2A visa rules, aiming to broaden eligible farm jobs and update how employers and workers connect. Everglades Infrastructure: Florida is taking over a critical Everglades plumbing project to speed restoration work. Local Community Planting: ReGrow Volusia announced a slate of environmental education programs, from native-plant workshops to wildlife-focused events. Storm Watch: Tropical Storm Bertha made landfall in Louisiana, with dangerous winds and surge prompting preparations across the Gulf and Florida Panhandle.

Cyclospora & Lettuce Recall: The CDC says the U.S. cyclospora outbreak is at record levels, with 4,173 confirmed cases since May 1 and thousands more under investigation, while FDA traceback still points to shredded iceberg lettuce tied to Taylor Farms; consumers are urged to keep following standard food-safety steps as the recall expands across multiple states. Florida Citrus: Florida citrus leaders are reacting to FDA changes to orange juice sugar standards, saying the update could ease pressure on supply and help domestic growers. Local Citrus History: A new citrus-history barn display is planned for Barberville Pioneer Settlement, aiming to spotlight Florida’s citrus legacy for families starting this fall. Marine & Outdoor: Florida remains the top state for shark bites in 2025, and Shark Week 2026 is set to spotlight Florida’s shark activity; separate research also finds human-linked foraging can reshape dolphin social networks in Sarasota Bay. Everglades Restoration: Florida is taking over a critical Everglades plumbing project to speed restoration work. Beef/Ag Education: UF/IFAS Master Gardeners and other local ag programs are rolling out summer workshops, including native plants, water-wise gardening, and pollinator-focused events.

Food Safety Crisis: The U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak hit a record 4,173 domestic infections across 41 states, with thousands more suspected, as investigators keep circling shredded iceberg lettuce tied to Taylor Farms—even after FDA said a test was a “false positive,” while Mexico disputes the source. Recall Watch: The lettuce recall has expanded to 27 states, and guidance continues to focus on specific recalled shredded products and salad mixes, not all lettuce. Everglades Water Supply: Florida and the U.S. Army Corps finalized a deal to let the state take over and speed up the Blue Shanty Flow-way, aimed at moving freshwater from Lake Okeechobee to the Everglades to protect Florida Bay during extreme drought. Marine Life: FWC researchers captured rare whale shark footage off the Florida coast, suggesting the giants may visit state waters more often than reported. Outdoor & Fishing: Tropical Storm Bertha brought rough surf and beach closures in the Panhandle, while anglers reported shifting conditions and mixed catches across Gulf waters. Conservation Recognition: FWC highlighted landowners across the Panhandle for habitat work through its Wildlife Habitat Recognition Program. Local School Choice (Ag-Adjacent): Highlands County schools rolled out “Highlands PLUS,” letting scholarship students take district courses without full-time enrollment.

Food Safety Update: FDA says a “false positive” cyclospora lab result tied to Taylor Farms lettuce doesn’t change the basis of the ongoing outbreak investigation or the voluntary recall, but the company and retailers are still pulling affected iceberg products sold through Walmart and served via Taco Bell in multiple states, as cases climb nationwide. Florida Citrus Policy: A new FDA rule lowers the minimum Brix sugar standard for pasteurized orange juice from 10.5% to 10%, a change Florida leaders say helps growers sell more domestically and reduces reliance on imported high-sugar oranges. Agricultural Labor Politics: A GOP-backed bill to expand and reshape the H-2A guest worker program is drawing hardline backlash over provisions that would let some undocumented farm workers apply for temporary legal status. Gulf Fisheries & Energy: Gulf lawmakers push to update the 3-mile maritime boundary limit to 9 miles, which could reshape fisheries oversight and boost offshore lease revenues for states including Florida. Marine & Aquaculture Education: Emporia State students visited Miami for hands-on shark research and field training, including work at a fish hatchery and marine science facilities.