AGP Executive Report

Local Regulation: Coral Gables is moving to rein in food-delivery robots after complaints about sidewalk safety and accessibility, including a 7 mph limit, pedestrian right-of-way rules, and limits on loitering. World Cup Hospitality: Adega Gaucha (Orlando and Kissimmee) will host viewing events for Brazil’s first three 2026 World Cup group matches, with a ticketed food-and-drink package. Food Safety Lawsuit: A Florida mother and daughter sue Campbell’s and Walmart over alleged SpaghettiOs contamination with “actively moving” worms/parasites, claiming parasitic illness and seeking damages under federal food-safety law. Industry Updates: Copeland’s of Jacksonville finishes a full remodel, including new bathrooms, to refresh the guest experience. Consumer/Health Tech: USF beach volleyball alum Addison Bounds launches Elora, aiming to detect drink spiking with miniature sensors in jewelry. Agriculture Protection: Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson issues emergency H5N1 dairy cattle import/testing restrictions to protect the state’s food supply. Tourism Pressure: A survey suggests World Cup hotel bookings in US host cities are softer than expected, with Miami comparatively less impacted.

New Restaurant Openings: MINA Group’s Acqua Bistecca debuts on Estero Bay in Saltleaf, pairing wood-fired steaks and handmade pasta with waterfront views and weekend brunch/live music. Food Safety & Recalls: FDA and CDC reopened a salmonella probe tied to imported moringa leaf powder supplements after additional illnesses, bringing the total to 119 sick across 36 states. Public Health & Animal Health: A UGA study finds wild snakes in Georgia, Florida and South Carolina carrying multiple pathogens—over half with Salmonella—raising extinction concerns. Invasive Species: Florida relaunches the 10-day Florida Python Challenge July 10–19 with a $10,000 top prize to remove Burmese pythons in approved areas. Community Nutrition: Putnam County School District’s summer feeding program targets 189,000 meals for kids 18 and younger, no application needed. Policy Watch: Florida lawmakers advanced a constitutional property tax amendment to the November ballot, aiming to raise the homestead exemption to $250,000.

New Menu Buzz (Coffee/Drinks): Aroma Joe’s rolled out “Dirty Soda” across all 135 locations, with customizable bases (Dr. Pepper, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale) and four signature flavors. Franchise Growth (Florida): Little Greek Fresh Grill signed a deal to expand in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area, targeting up to 30 locations over 10 years, and highlighted its rebuilt Tropicana Field reopening. Fast-Casual Expansion (Beyond Florida): Slim Chickens opened a drive-thru-only “Fly-Thru” location in Kentucky, continuing its push for flexible formats. Local Dining (Inspections): Lee County restaurant health checks for May 25–31 showed 8 restaurants and 7 food trucks earning perfect scores, while 17 failed inspections. Food Safety (Recall): A nationwide recall hit Motor City Pizza Co. 5 Cheese Bread due to possible Salmonella contamination. Community & Food Access (Hurricane Season): FPL and Community Cooperative assembled 500 hurricane preparedness meal kits for Southwest Florida seniors. Wildlife Safety (Outdoor/Community): Port St. Lucie police issued bear-sighting guidance after a black bear was spotted in a residential Town Park community. Food Culture (Donuts): DoorDash’s National Donut Day list named two Florida shops—Donut Kingdom (Tallahassee) and Okaloosa Donuts (Fort Walton Beach). Restaurant Openings (Florida): Sweet Tomatoes reopened in Fort Myers, bringing back the salad buffet concept after its Tucson relaunch.

Hurricane Preparedness: With Atlantic hurricane season officially starting June 1, Tampa Bay meteorologist Paul Dellegatto and National Hurricane Center experts say 2026 may be below normal, but one storm can still be catastrophic—so Floridians are urged to stock non-perishables, plan evacuation routes, and prepare for storm surge and flooding. Local Food & Culture: “Florida Talks” is bringing America 250 food-history programming to St. Lucie Village School on June 13, pairing an interactive talk on Florida’s food stories with the “Red, White & FOOD” exhibition. Dining Recognition: Michelin’s 2026 Florida rollout spotlights Central Florida, including Orlando’s Kadence and Camille earning stars, plus a long Bib Gourmand list of quality spots. Agriculture & Land Protection: Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson backed a record $425M investment to protect working farms via development-rights conservation easements. Restaurant News: Cocoa Beach’s Tiny Turtle and nearby eateries were hit by a May 29 fire, with owners and neighbors mobilizing to salvage food and support a quick recovery. New Openings: Sirocco Station, a Lebanese street-food concept, is slated for later this year at The Avenue Viera. Policy Watch: Advocates warn DeSantis’ proposed property tax changes could slash local government revenues, raising concerns for services that support communities and small businesses. Workplace Safety Staffing: A national look at EHS/safety manager roles highlights how expanding OSHA requirements are pushing employers toward more centralized compliance systems.

Hurricane Season Prep: Florida’s Atlantic hurricane season kicks off June 1, and local emergency groups are urging residents to review plans and build kits now—even if forecasts call for a quieter year. Food Safety & Dining Oversight: South Florida’s “Dirty Dining” roundup shows multiple restaurants ordered shut after state inspectors found rodent, roach, sewage, and sanitation problems; most can reopen after cleanup and re-inspection. Local Food & Beverage Business: C3’s Caloosahatchee Cannabis Co. is closing downtown Fort Myers’ Seed & Bean hemp café as it consolidates operations and shifts growth to its Cape Coral location. Tourism & Hospitality: Florida tourism dipped in Q1 2026, with 37.9 million visitors reported—an early signal for hospitality and food-service operators watching demand. Coastal Impacts on Dining: Seaweed forecasts warn of major sargassum washups this summer, raising concerns for beach tourism and coastal businesses. Community Events: West Palm Beach is gearing up for a bigger “One-Epic-Fourth on Flagler” for America’s 250th birthday, with food and drink options plus fireworks and a laser show.

Public Health & Food Safety: An inspector found flies in the kitchen and an employee failing to wash hands at Willie Jewell’s Old School Bar-B-Q in The Villages, citing multiple high- and intermediate-priority violations. Food & Culture: North Miami’s kosher restaurant Mutra made history as the first kosher spot to earn a Michelin Star, with chef Raz Shabtai calling it a major global honor. Local Hospitality Jobs: A Chattanooga hospitality feature highlights how restaurants and hotels are struggling to hire people with strong communication skills, even as some operators lean into community-building and more human service. Tech Meets Public Health: Google is seeking federal approval to release up to 32 million Wolbachia-infected male mosquitoes across California and Florida to curb mosquito-borne diseases. Dining Scene Watch: Jacksonville’s Downtown Investment Authority is backing new restaurant concepts with incentives, including a $590,000 package for Vinyl Room—showing how public dollars are fueling the local food-and-beverage push. Summer Travel Health: Officials are tracking a mix of summer health threats, including Ebola abroad, mpox flare-ups, and rising Vibrio risks in Florida.

Downtown Incentives: Jacksonville’s DIA is backing a new “listening den” concept, Vinyl Room, with a $590,000 FAB-REP package—showing how public money is increasingly tied to restaurant and nightlife growth. Fast-Food Buzz: Raising Cane’s opened a second Gainesville location with a “Lucky 20” giveaway that drew early lines of students and families. Local Openings & Closings (Brevard): New spots like Culver’s, Dutch Bros, Fatburger, and Grounds and Grapes are joining Cocoa Beach and the Space Coast, while Clayton’s Crab Company closed after 59 years. Public Health & Food/Drink Safety: Google is seeking federal approval to release up to 32 million specially treated mosquitoes in California and Florida to curb disease spread. Food Access: Thornwell’s free Grab N’ Go summer meal program starts June 1, adding mobile pickup sites June 9 to reach more families. Hurricane Prep Costs: Inflation is pushing up prices on hurricane essentials, including food and non-alcoholic beverages, with small items adding up fast. Community Food Culture: A “best bakery” poll continues in SW Florida, inviting readers to vote on where they get the best breads, cakes, and sweets.

Food Safety Watch: Florida health officials say Vibrio vulnificus (“flesh-eating” bacteria) is showing up earlier than usual, with five confirmed cases already this year and more expected as summer water warms. Dining Recognition: Gainesville’s Afternoon Restaurant earned a spot in Michelin Guide’s first statewide Florida recommendations for 2026, with chefs citing local, scratch-made cooking. Local Food & Community: South Florida’s “World Pup” at Haulover Park blended World Cup soccer hype with pet adoption and food-truck culture, tying animal welfare to responsible pet ownership. Restaurant Scene: Sarasota and Bradenton’s May dining roundup highlights openings, closures, and big moves across local spots. Grocery Culture: A Southwest Florida column digs into Publix BOGO deal rules and how shoppers are navigating them. Health & Lifestyle: A study ranks West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Myers among the nation’s sweatiest cities—relevant for outdoor dining and summer hydration.

Michelin Momentum: Cocoa Beach’s Koko earned a spot in the 2026 Michelin Guide, while Tallahassee’s Black Radish and The Huntsman were added as recommended; across Florida, more restaurants picked up Michelin recognition, including Sarasota’s Lucky 8 (Bib Gourmand) and Southwest Florida’s first-ever Michelin-recommended list for the region. Seafood Season: Soft shell crab season is underway, with chefs noting the brief, fast-to-serve window that makes it a must-order while it lasts. Food Prices Watch: Tomato prices are up nearly 40% year over year, with tariffs and weather/disease impacts on supply cited as key drivers. Local Openings & Events: A former Goodwill is set to become a cafe and community hub in Harborcreek, and Woworks continues expanding its health-focused restaurant brands with new leadership. Community Meals: Volusia County Schools will run a USDA summer food program at select sites for kids 18 and under.

Michelin Milestone: North Miami’s Mutra became the world’s first kosher establishment to earn a Michelin Star as the Michelin Guide expanded statewide for 2026, adding new Miami-area buzz around Middle Eastern cuisine. Michelin Guide Expansion: The first-ever statewide Florida selections also brought Michelin honors to more local spots, including Palm Beach County’s Emelina (star) and Ela Curry & Cocktails (recommended). Pizza Rankings: Una Pizza Napoletana in New York was named the top pizzeria in the U.S. again by 50 Top Pizza, with slice rankings led by L’Industrie. Food & Drink Closings: Bradenton’s 3 Keys Brewing & Gastrobrew announced it will close May 31, citing a continued economic slowdown. Health & Safety: FDA approved Afrezza inhaled insulin for pediatric patients aged 6+ with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, offering a needle-free mealtime option. Public Health Alert: Osceola County issued a rabies alert after an unvaccinated cat in east Kissimmee tested positive. Norovirus Watch: Tampa Bay doctors report a norovirus uptick over the past month, with summer spread risks tied to swimming and cruise-ship clusters. Hurricane Prep: Florida agencies and officials pushed early 2026 hurricane readiness, including what to pack and when to evacuate.

Hurricane Readiness: The American Red Cross is urging Florida families to review disaster plans now that the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season starts June 1, emphasizing a 3-day supply of nonperishable food and water, meds, and pet-friendly shelter planning. SNAP Tech Debate: Florida lawmakers are weighing a $4 million proposal to use AI to audit SNAP applications, with a local food bank warning that a glitch could mean faster denials and hungrier kids. Food Assistance Boost: Feeding South Florida rolled out a new branded truck painted by a student winner, spotlighting how the nonprofit is reaching more families. Michelin Spotlight: Michelin’s first statewide Florida selection put Tampa’s Fat Beet Farm Kitchen and Bakery on the map with a Green Star, while Pensacola’s A Mano Panino earned a Bib Gourmand. Local Dining & Events: Orlando’s Museum of Ice Cream is set to open an eighth location at Pointe Orlando, and the weekend calendar leans into summer fun with food, art, and science-themed stops.

Food Safety Alert: SKS Copack is recalling specialty beverages in 25 states, including Florida, due to possible Salmonella contamination, with officials warning of serious illness risk for kids and vulnerable adults. Local Dining Buzz: Florida Boy Burger in Fort Myers is putting a Florida twist on National Burger Day with creative, Gulf-inspired burgers (including bao-bun options) and a second Cape Coral location. Restaurant Promotions: Chipotle is testing a limited-time taco “happy hour” deal—$2.50 tacos with protein—at select Orlando and Tampa locations on weekdays from 2–5 p.m. Coffee Expansion: Ellianos Coffee, a Florida-based drive-thru brand, signed its first Ohio development deal for the Cincinnati metro, marking its 10th state in the pipeline. Community Giving: Grumpy’s Restaurant (Jacksonville) will donate all food for the Cliff Avril Family Foundation’s Family Fun Day on June 7, with Sysco as a foodservice partner. Health Watch (Florida): Vibrio vulnificus is entering its peak season in Florida (June–September), and health officials urge avoiding raw shellfish and protecting wounds from warm coastal waters.

Grocery Crunch: Florida shoppers are feeling it as USDA forecasts grocery prices up 3.2% this year, with families already turning to debt and food assistance. School Meal Shift: Palm Beach County is ending free breakfast and lunch for many students at certain schools, leaving families to pay out of pocket or scramble for alternatives. Summer Food Support: On the First Coast, Catholic Charities is extending its weekend hunger backpack program with summer food bag distributions starting June 1. Local Retail Change: West Volusia’s grocery options are reshaping after Winn-Dixie closures and the arrival of Key Food in Deltona, expanding Latin and Caribbean selections. Hurricane Readiness (Food Angle): Florida leaders and retailers are urging early prep—especially stocking food and water—before hurricane season ramps up. Food & Drink Business: Gatorland debuts a new Crooked Can Brewing partnership with Grinnin’ Gator Lager, adding a dedicated beverage barn for park visitors. Lab-Grown Food Curiosity: A new report revisits the promise and reality of lab-grown meat, from tiny first bites to restaurant availability. Fraud Case: A former Oakes Farms executive pleaded guilty in a federal pricing and invoicing fraud scheme tied to the DoD Fresh Program.

Grocery Shock Ahead: A new inflation wave is expected to hit grocery shelves as bad weather, tariffs, and a shrinking cattle herd keep food prices rising, with economists warning affordability could worsen into 2027. Produce Prices in Focus: Broccoli crowns and cauliflower are seeing “luxury” price spikes as supply disruptions and limited California production tighten availability. Food Safety Recalls: FDA-linked salmonella recalls are expanding beyond food into beverage mixes and dietary supplements sold online, raising concerns for kids, seniors, and immunocompromised shoppers. Local Food Policy: Baker County commissioners tabled a proposed mobile food ordinance after pushback from food truck operators and residents, a win for small vendors. Dining Culture Shift: A survey finds growing support for adults-only dining options, including child-free sections and late-evening restrictions. Florida Food & Tourism: Southern Living’s reader survey put multiple Florida beach towns in its top Southern rankings, underscoring the state’s food-and-travel draw. Community Food Support: SUN Bucks/Summer EBT benefits are set to roll out in June in many states, but Florida is not participating.

Food & Retail Watch: White Castle is breaking ground on a Daytona Beach location at 1944 LPGA Blvd, targeting a late-fall 2026 opening and promising 70+ jobs. Public Health: The USDA/FSIS issued a public health alert for beef kofta at The Kebab Shop in Florida (plus CA and TX) tied to a possible Shiga toxin-producing E. coli risk; the items were pulled from sale May 18 and consumers are told to discard leftovers. Local Openings: Sweet Tomatoes’ Fort Myers grand opening is set for June 1 after a strong soft opening that’s drawn 1,000+ guests a day. Community & Safety: FPL is urging early hurricane prep as the season ramps up, while Charlotte County reports multiple brush fires and residents are keeping “go” bags ready. Immigration/Policy: Human Rights Watch says the Trump administration deported 4,300+ Cubans to Mexico, leaving many older, sick people stranded without shelter or care.

Food Safety Alert: FSIS issued a public health warning for beef kofta at The Kebab Shop after links to an E. coli outbreak; the affected kofta was sold at select locations in California, Texas, and Florida, and the chain stopped selling it earlier this month. Local Health Care: Lee Health acquired Florida Heart Associates, bringing 16 cardiologists and 100+ staff into its heart institute as the system continues its nonprofit conversion. SNAP Pressure in Florida: A No Kid Hungry Florida poll says 4 in 5 Floridians are struggling to afford food, with many families forced to choose between groceries and essentials like gas or rent. Dining & Growth: Mr. Beef of Naples is opening a Chicago-style menu in Southwest Florida, while Chicken Salad Chick is set to expand in Palm Coast. Workplace Organizing: A new report estimates $1.7B a year is spent on “union avoidance,” with some consultants tied to Central Florida. Cuba/Policy: Marco Rubio pushed back on claims that U.S. oil “blockade” is the cause of Cuba’s 22-hour blackouts, as the broader Cuba squeeze continues.