AGP Executive Report

Food Safety Recall: FDA recall expanded/updated coverage continues to hit Florida shoppers, with Pillsbury rolls pulled from Walmart stores in 19 states over possible glass contamination, and the ongoing Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce/cyclosporiasis fallout keeping consumers on alert. Public Health Watch: Florida’s cyclosporiasis tally keeps climbing, with the state reporting dozens of new cases in the latest week and the outbreak now spread across many counties, prompting fresh “what to avoid” guidance. Local Dining & Community: Miami Spice 2026 is back with a neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to where to eat, while Mount Dora launches its first Restaurant Week (July 25–Aug. 2) featuring special menus and local drink specials. Business & Growth: The Spice & Tea Exchange is rolling out upgraded tea bars at nearly 100 Florida-area stores, adding handcrafted specialty tea drinks and refreshed in-store menus. Sports, Wellness & Food Parks: Bonita Springs’ Elevate Southwest Florida is building a nearly 20-acre sports and wellness destination that also plans a food park as part of its community “third place” vision.

Food Safety Watch: FDA says a “false positive” test result is behind the Taylor Farms cyclospora lettuce scare, but the recall still stands—so Florida shoppers should keep avoiding the affected products. Public Health: CDC reports cyclosporiasis cases hitting record highs, with Florida among the states seeing rising counts. Local Animal & Food-Chain Risk: A Stuart woman was arrested after authorities found 80 cats and 12 dogs in extreme hoarding conditions—another reminder that sanitation failures can ripple into community health. Retail & Consumer Alerts: Chick-fil-A warned customers about a security incident tied to a limited number of loyalty accounts. Dining & Community: DeLand’s former theater is now an indoor pickleball club with a full restaurant and bar, while Orlando’s 4 Roots Farm hosted a plant-based community potluck. Environment & Food Systems: Scientists moved endangered elkhorn coral fragments ashore in Florida as heat-wave risk threatens survival. Storm Update: Tropical Storm Bertha pushed west of the Panhandle with dangerous surf and minor coastal flooding.

Food Safety Watch: The multistate cyclospora “explosive diarrhea” outbreak keeps growing, with CDC reporting 4,173 confirmed cases since May 1 and FDA pointing to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms as the likely source, even after a Mexico test was called a false positive. Florida Public Health: Florida’s own cyclospora situation remains under scrutiny as officials track new reports and consumers weigh what to eat while recalls stay in place. Local Health Advisory: Sarasota County issued a rabies alert after an infected raccoon was killed near Proctor Road, urging residents to avoid wild animals and seek prompt care if exposed. Food & Community: Hyatt Vacation Club rolled out “Villa Bites” meal bundles for families, delivering kid-focused prepared meals to villas before arrival. Dining & Development: A new Southwest Florida restaurant, El Jardín, is opening with Latin-Japanese flavors and a sustainability-first sourcing approach. Business & Culture: Miami’s cost of living jumped above New York in 2024, with housing and everyday expenses cited by BEA data.

Food Insecurity Relief: AdventHealth and United Way Central Florida delivered more than 10,400 pounds of food and household supplies in Lake Placid, targeting Highlands County where food insecurity tops 13% and poverty nears 19%. Public Health: The U.S. cyclosporiasis outbreak hit a record 4,173 domestic infections across 41 states, with thousands more suspected, as investigators keep tracing links to produce. Recall Watch: FDA-linked Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce remains central to the outbreak response, even as officials debate a “false positive” test—so consumers are urged to check affected products and dates. Local Produce Confidence: One Delray Beach family is turning to backyard growing for greens amid ongoing E. coli and cyclospora worries. Foodservice & Brand News: Kraft Heinz and Disney announced a multi-year alliance bringing Heinz brands and new dining experiences to Disney parks and resorts. Tariffs & Drinks: Southwest Florida distilleries are bracing for a proposed 50% Canada tariff that could raise costs on Canadian-sourced bottles and ingredients. Community & Dining: Red Lobster begins a major refresh rollout, with the first wave including Kissimmee.

Tropical Storm Bertha Watch: Bertha is churning toward Florida’s Gulf Coast with tropical-storm conditions spreading into the Panhandle and forecasts calling for 2–4 inches of rain (isolated higher) that could trigger flash flooding. Food Safety & Retail Impact: The FDA says a Taylor Farms cyclospora test tied to iceberg lettuce was a false positive, but the recall stays in effect as the investigation continues; the outbreak-linked lettuce was sold via Walmart’s Marketside brand and in some Taco Bell locations. Local Business Costs: Southwest Florida small businesses are bracing for higher prices as new Canadian tariffs roll in, with distilleries and other operators warning supply-chain hits could show up at the register. Hospitality Operations: Fort Pierce’s Sunrise Theatre has new management under VenuWorks, which will handle programming, ticketing coordination, and food & beverage services through 2031. Dining & Health Enforcement: A Lady Lake restaurant, Latin Flavors Bar & Grill, was temporarily closed after inspectors found a live roach infestation and temperature-control violations. Industry Moves: STOCK Residences Naples named Indrajit “Chef Inder” Suryawanshi executive chef to lead its residents-only dining and culinary programming. SNAP Pressure: Tampa Bay area families report SNAP benefit losses tied to fraud, with unauthorized charges traced to a California address and no clear path to reimbursement.

Cyclospora Food Safety Shake-Up: The FDA says a Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce Cyclospora test was a “false positive,” but insists the recall still stands and outbreak traceback points to shredded lettuce from central Mexico—leaving shoppers with mixed signals while cases keep climbing. Local Food Security: Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida finished a Thermal Energy Storage upgrade to keep frozen food safe during outages and severe weather, funded in part by federal dollars. Community Relief: A Cape Coral Community Fridge is fighting to stay open after a code violation threatened the long-running “take what you need” pantry. Retail & Consumer Impact: Burger King rolls out a “Whopper Guarantee,” promising free remakes if orders miss expectations. Cannabis Drinks Watch: A New York investigation finds THC beverages sold in regular stores without proper labeling or ID checks, raising compliance concerns. Storm Season Prep: UF/IFAS offers a free webinar series for Florida homeowners on private wells and septic systems ahead of hurricane season.

Cyclospora Recall Fallout: The FDA says its earlier cyclospora-positive test on Taylor Farms lettuce was a false positive, but the recall stays in place while investigators keep tracing the outbreak’s source; the agency still links the issue to Taylor Farms products tied to Taco Bell distribution. Food Safety Watch: Walmart and other retailers pulled Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce and shredded lettuce tied to the voluntary recall, with Florida among the affected states and specific “best if used by” dates. Legal Pressure on Ingredients: Florida AG James Uthmeier issued a civil subpoena to General Mills/Pillsbury over potassium bromate, a dough-strengthening additive banned in California and some countries. Orange Juice Standards: FDA finalized a new pasteurized orange juice Brix standard (10% from 10.5%) effective Aug. 19, 2026, aimed at easing constraints for Florida growers. Local Dining Compliance: Florida’s “Dirty Dining” roundup reports multiple restaurants ordered shut for issues like mold, unsafe temperatures, pests, and unsanitary conditions. Community & Food Culture: Hyatt Vacation Club launched “Villa Bites” with Nurture Life for ready-to-eat, kid-friendly meals at resort villas.

Orange Juice Rule Update: Rep. Scott Franklin hailed a final federal rule modernizing the pasteurized orange juice identity standard, cutting the minimum Brix from 10.5% to 10% to better match today’s Florida citrus conditions. Cyclospora & Lettuce Recall: FDA says a previously reported Cyclospora-positive lettuce sample tied to Taylor Farms was a false positive, but the outbreak investigation continues with no confirmed positives from product testing; meanwhile Taylor Farms expanded its voluntary iceberg lettuce recall tied to the parasite to 27 states, including Florida, and Walmart pulled select Marketside bagged lettuce as a precaution. Food Safety Enforcement: FDA issued warning letters to three food importers in Florida (and elsewhere) over failures to set up required Foreign Supplier Verification Programs. General Mills Recall: General Mills recalled more than 735,000 Pillsbury frozen bread rolls over possible glass contamination, affecting select products distributed in 19 states including Florida. Local Business Impact: Sarasota’s Pacific Rim restaurant closed indefinitely after an overnight electrical fire, with a GoFundMe launched for recovery. Hurricane Watch: The Gulf system upgraded to Tropical Depression Two with a tropical storm watch issued for Florida’s panhandle.

Food Safety Recall: Taylor Farms expanded its voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce from central Mexico tied to the Cyclospora outbreak, now reaching 27 states including Florida; Walmart also pulled select Marketside bagged lettuce in FL and Georgia as a precaution, urging shoppers to discard or return for refunds. Public Health Update: Florida clinicians say cyclosporiasis cases are rising, with Duval, St. Johns and Flagler among the reported areas, and doctors stress that symptoms can be severe and last weeks. Retail & Consumer Impact: The outbreak is driving broader product removals across grocery and foodservice, while fast-food diners are also feeling pressure from higher menu prices and fewer “value” deals. Community & Local Food Culture: Sarasota’s Pacific Rim restaurant closed indefinitely after an overnight electrical fire, with supporters rallying via GoFundMe to help the family-owned business recover. Seasonal Shopping: Florida’s back-to-school sales tax holiday begins Monday, with retailers already pointing shoppers to deals.

Food Safety Alerts: Taylor Farms expanded its voluntary recall of shredded iceberg lettuce and salad mixes tied to the Cyclospora outbreak, now reaching 27 states including Florida; the company says it’s removing implicated product and stopped sourcing from the affected central Mexico lot, while Sysco has halted distribution and told customers to destroy items. More Recalls: General Mills/Pillsbury recalled 736,000+ frozen bread rolls sold at Walmart in-store bakeries due to possible glass contamination, with Florida among the distribution states. Local Food Access: Orlando’s Parramore Market project aims to bring healthier, locally sourced groceries to a food-desert neighborhood, building on the Desire Foundation’s weekly food distributions. Produce Prices & Supply: An agricultural economist breaks down why shoppers are paying more for lettuce and tomatoes, pointing to weather disruptions, labor and shipping costs, and broader supply-chain pressures. Waterway Safety: A Florida activist says herbicide sprayer contractors aren’t always trained for safe handling, raising concerns after a fatal airboat accident involving pesticide workers. Community & Events: Lake Placid’s Caladium Festival returns July 24-26, with growers and family-friendly activities.

Food Safety Recall: Taylor Farms has issued a 27-state recall of bagged shredded iceberg lettuce after federal investigators linked the greens to a multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak; the company says it’s discarding affected product, suspending Central Mexico shipments, and urging buyers to throw it out and seek refunds. Retail Response: Walmart pulled select bagged iceberg salad items from stores in the affected states as a precaution, following Taco Bell’s earlier removal of Taylor Farms lettuce tied to the outbreak. Florida Health Watch: Florida health officials report a rise in cyclosporiasis cases, with guidance to avoid potentially contaminated produce and watch for severe, dehydration-prone diarrhea. Weather Impact: The National Hurricane Center is tracking Invest 91L in the Gulf with a low chance of becoming a named storm, but forecasters warn of heavy rain and possible storms across Florida this weekend, including the Tampa Bay area. Orange Juice Policy: Florida citrus leaders welcomed an FDA rule change lowering the Brix minimum for pasteurized orange juice, saying it could help growers and processors after years of weather- and disease-related losses. Food Industry Alerts: Separate from the lettuce issue, General Mills is also recalling Pillsbury bread rolls in multiple states due to possible glass contamination.

FDA Orange Juice Rule Change: RFK Jr. announced the FDA lowered the minimum dissolved sugar standard for pasteurized orange juice from 10.5° Brix to 10° Brix, a move officials say will help Florida citrus growers and processors rely more on in-state fruit. Food Safety Watch: Florida continues tracking cyclosporiasis as cases climb statewide, with health experts urging people to wash produce thoroughly and cook when possible amid a broader U.S. outbreak linked to contaminated produce. Local Dining & Community: Tallahassee Restaurant Week returns after a 15-year gap, with 25+ locally owned spots offering set-price menus July 17–26. Produce & Parasite Impact: South Florida residents are adjusting diets and avoiding certain leafy greens as reports tie outbreaks to lettuce, including concerns around Taco Bell-linked supply chains. Agriculture & Pests: UF/FDACS held a workshop on pasture mealybug, a grass-feeding pest now reported across Florida, with officials warning it could threaten pastures and crops. Market Buzz: Costco added chicken strips to its food court menu nationwide, a new value-item that’s already sparking taste debates.

Food Safety Watch: Florida is in the middle of a fast-moving cyclosporiasis outbreak, with health officials pointing to lettuce tied to Taylor Farms and warning symptoms can take up to two weeks to show; Florida case counts keep climbing across counties. Recall Alert: General Mills is recalling more than 735,000 Pillsbury frozen bread rolls sold through Walmart in-store bakeries after glass contamination concerns, with the FDA classifying it as a Class II recall. Lawsuit in the Spotlight: An Okeechobee County family sued Campbell Soup and Walmart after they say they found worms in a can of SpaghettiOs, alleging contamination and illness. Policy & Industry: The FDA lowered the minimum sugar standard for pasteurized orange juice, a move aimed at supporting Florida citrus growers and processors. Local Food Scene: Tallahassee launched its first Restaurant Week with 25+ participating spots, pushing diners toward local menus and specials. Community & Health: Monroe County distributed 138 free Narcan kits during Revive Awareness Day, expanding overdose prevention access from Key West to Tavernier. Environment & Food: Florida’s massive oyster-shell restoration effort is getting attention for unexpectedly strong results in the Gulf ecosystem.

UF/IFAS & Public Health: Yvonne-Marie Linton, a Smithsonian and vector-borne disease expert, was named director of the UF/IFAS Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory in Vero Beach, tasked with research and outreach on threats like dengue, Zika, chikungunya and West Nile. Food Safety & Recalls: Florida shoppers should double-check frozen Pillsbury Bread Rolls after General Mills pulled about 735,840 rolls in 19 states due to possible glass contamination; the FDA classed it as a Class II recall. State Food Oversight: Florida AG James Uthmeier opened an investigation into potassium bromate in bread, starting with General Mills and Pillsbury, after concerns the additive may be carcinogenic. Hospital Nutrition Push: Tampa General Hospital became the first U.S. hospital to sign the federal “Make Hospital Food Healthier” pledge, reporting a 53% jump in patient-reported food quality after menu changes. Produce-Linked Illness Watch: Cyclosporiasis cases keep rising in Florida, with health officials urging caution with leafy greens and advising thorough produce washing. Local Food & Business: Naples got a mobile caviar cart, Gourmet Chariot, launching for National Caviar Day with “The Midas Stick.” Retail & Dining Buzz: Cook Out opened in Temple Terrace, drawing long lines at its soft start. Litigation: An older Jupiter couple sued Publix over alleged E. coli illness tied to GreenWise frozen blueberries. Workforce Pressure: Restaurant employers are scrambling as the end of Temporary Protected Status approaches, affecting workers across multiple countries.

Food Safety Recall: General Mills is recalling nearly 736,000 Pillsbury bread rolls in 19 states, including Florida, after FDA concerns they may contain glass. The pull covers frozen “Hard Roll Dough” and “Kaiser Roll Dough,” with “better if used by” dates in mid-October. Public Health Watch: Florida’s cyclosporiasis numbers keep climbing as the “explosive diarrhea” parasite spreads across the U.S.; Florida reported 106 confirmed/probable cases through July 11, with Miami-Dade now leading the state. Health officials urge careful produce washing and testing if symptoms hit. Local Legal Risk: A Palm Beach County couple sued Publix, alleging frozen blueberries caused an E. coli illness. Dining & Culture: Cocoa Beach’s Rebellion Beachside Bar & Bistro shared a recipe for its “Versailles Garden” cocktail, blending floral, citrus and botanical notes. Community & Food: The Pickled Beet announced a 2026 summer private aviation menu built for inflight dining with customizable options. Real Estate & Amenities: Brystol North in Wylder (Port St. Lucie) broke ground on a lakefront amenity center, including a clubhouse, pool, pickleball courts and a dedicated food truck court.

Fast-Food Launch: McDonald’s is rolling out a limited-time Caesar dipping sauce starting July 21, plus a Caesar Snack Wrap and a Bacon Caesar McCrispy Sandwich, with upgraded crispier panko breading on the McCrispy strips. Coffee Expansion: Dutch Bros opened its second Melbourne, Fla., location, its third in Brevard County, adding more drive-thru specialty drinks and seasonal menu items. Local Openings: Alder & Oak (Aegean-inspired modern Mediterranean) opened in Jacksonville Beach with a rooftop lounge, while Orlando’s dining scene keeps growing with new spots like Pho Bar’s second outpost and other planned openings. Food Safety Watch: As cyclosporiasis cases rise, experts stress produce handling—wash carefully, vary prep by item, and consider avoiding raw produce for higher-risk people. Health & Policy: FDA authorized ivermectin liquid for horses to help prevent New World screwworm infestations, targeting a serious livestock threat. Community & Culture: REEF Fest returns to the Florida Keys for ocean conservation education, dives, snorkeling, and kayak eco-tours.