AGP Executive Report

Public Health & Food Safety: Florida is tracking a growing cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to contaminated produce, with cases reported across 40+ states and Florida among the hardest hit—health officials are urging caution as investigations continue. State Health Policy: Florida’s Department of Health issued new guidance discouraging psychotropic medication for most children ages 5–17 for conditions like depression and anxiety, echoing the MAHA push. Local Food & Community: Fort Myers marked National Day of Joy with a Food Truck Day that brought families and seniors together, while Sanibel-Captiva’s FISH selected a design firm for a Resiliency Hub that will include a food pantry and community resources. Industry & Retail: Ellianos Coffee signed a development deal to expand into Troy, Michigan, signaling continued growth beyond Florida. Elections & Governance: A judge ruled Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback can stay on Florida’s ballot after a residency challenge, shaping the primary and governor’s race. Business Travel: Royal Caribbean reported strong Caribbean demand and higher pricing, suggesting fewer deep discounts for travelers.

FDA & Food Safety: Florida-linked Cyclospora cases are rising as investigators point to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico; Walmart sold some recalled Marketside-brand products, and Taco Bell temporarily pulled certain ingredients in select spots. Retail & Pricing: Dollar Tree is rolling out new price scanners as it moves beyond its old $1 model, signaling more multi-price changes for shoppers. Health Policy & Pharmacy: An FDA expert panel backed compounding six peptides, a move that could expand telehealth and pharmacy access—though the agency still needs rulemaking and safety concerns remain central. Food Industry Business: Flo Rida is taking an equity partner role in Beyond Juicery + Eatery, aiming to use his South Florida footprint to drive regional and national expansion. Local Food & Community: Sunshine Ace Hardware’s Miracle Bucket Sale (Aug. 7-9) in Southwest Florida will raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network. Culture & Heritage: UF students unearthed a nearly 400-year-old, intact clay pot at a 17th-century Spanish mission site near Gainesville, adding a rare artifact to Florida’s food-and-culture history.

New Restaurant Opening (Viera): Turning Point has opened a new daytime dining spot at 1995 Viera Blvd., serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch daily from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., with vegetarian and vegan options plus espresso drinks and fresh juices. Agri/Finance Watch (Alico): Florida agribusiness Alico, Inc. says it will release third-quarter 2026 results on Monday, Aug. 10, with a conference call the next day. Food Safety (Vibrio): Florida confirmed its first 2026 death from Vibrio vulnificus, reporting 11 cases across eight counties this year and urging coastal summer precautions. Food Safety (Cyclospora): The national cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to contaminated lettuce continues, with CDC reporting more than 4,000 cases and tracking thousands more; Georgia’s confirmed count is rising. Local Retail/Real Estate (Cracker Barrel): Cracker Barrel completed a sale-leaseback of 26 company-owned locations, including two in Northeast Florida, generating about $77 million in net proceeds. Trade & Produce (Port Canaveral): Port Canaveral launched a bi-monthly container service to Mexico and the U.S. Northeast, with expected shipments including fresh produce and refrigerated goods. Health Tech (Mayo/Jacksonville): Vivos Inc. says FDA approval lets it start a first-in-human feasibility study at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville for non-resectable papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Food Safety & Recalls: A recall of nearly 1.6 million eggs (white- and brown-shell, cage-free) was issued over possible Salmonella contamination, with no illnesses reported as of the notice. E. coli Lawsuit: A Jupiter couple sued Publix over GreenWise Organic Frozen Blueberries, alleging an E. coli O145 illness that led to a monthslong medical ordeal. Cyclospora Litigation: More lawsuits were filed in Michigan against Taco Bell and Taylor Farms tied to the Cyclospora outbreak, accusing negligence and seeking medical and other damages. New Openings: Sarasota’s University Town Center is set to welcome BrickTop’s in spring 2027, with the chain also expanding to Delray Beach this fall. Local Agriculture & Imports: A Maitland man was arrested for allegedly bringing Texas sheep and goats into Florida without required screwworm health paperwork, after being denied entry earlier. Community Food Support: FPL and Miami-Dade partnered on Summer Savings Kits and free groceries aimed at helping families cut energy costs during peak heat. Wildlife & Tourism: Florida Everglades python hunting is getting more attention via the streaming release of “The Python Hunt,” while local coverage also highlights ongoing alligator safety concerns.

Food Safety: A Jupiter couple is suing Publix after they say GreenWise Organic Frozen Blueberries made them seriously ill with a rare E. coli strain; the FDA/CDC previously traced the contamination to the product. Recall Watch: Amy’s Kitchen recalled more than 184,000 cans of lentil soup due to a pull-tab packaging defect that can raise spoilage risk, with distribution including Florida. Public Health: Eggs are also in the spotlight—nearly 1.6 million eggs were recalled over potential salmonella contamination. Local Dining Growth: Sarasota’s University Town Center is set to welcome BrickTop’s (steaks, sushi, burgers) in spring 2027, with another Florida opening planned in Delray Beach. Community & Food Access: Orlando’s Feed-A-Palooza at Lake Eola Park distributed food and supplies while connecting families to ongoing local resources to fight hunger. Environment & Tourism: Florida manatee migration is boosting sightings along South Carolina’s coast, and officials urge viewing from a distance and never feeding or offering fresh water.

Food Recall Watch: Amy’s Kitchen recalled more than 184,000 cans of lentil soup nationwide after a pull-tab defect raised spoilage risk, including Florida distribution. Public Health: CDC and FDA updates say the Cyclospora outbreak is broader than first thought, with Florida cases reported as rising. Local Food & Community: Orlando’s Feed-A-Palooza at Lake Eola Park handed out food and supplies while connecting families to services through Second Harvest Food Bank. New Openings: Shanghai Dumpling House opened near USF, spotlighting made-to-order xiao long bao and boba. Dining Events: Slow & Low BBQ in Viera hosted a “Yappy Hour” fundraiser for Mid Florida Sheltie Rescue, with pet food donations and raffles. Invasive Species & Food Webs: Florida officials say Burmese pythons are now established in western Charlotte County, expanding pressure on native wildlife. Business/Legal: Alex Saab pleaded not guilty in federal court in Miami to money-laundering charges tied to Venezuela’s subsidized food program.

Food Safety Recalls: FDA says Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup (Light in Sodium) is recalled in 27 states, including Florida, due to a pull-tab manufacturing defect that could cause spoilage; the FDA also flagged a separate nationwide soup recall and continues to track the broader Cyclospora situation. Cyclospora Watch: CDC/FDA updates keep pointing to a wider outbreak footprint, with Florida cases rising as investigators work to understand how contamination reached the food supply. Local Dining Uncertainty: Cape Coral’s oldest restaurant, Siam Hut, faces a one-year lease with conditions that could force the family to downsize or relocate. Invasive Species & Tourism: Florida’s Burmese python population is surging near a major tourist area, prompting higher conservation presence and renewed public attention. Outdoor Safety: Florida alligator attacks are spiking this summer, and wildlife officials urge visitors to treat any water as potentially dangerous.

Cyclospora Watch: CDC/FDA say Florida’s Cyclospora cases are climbing again (state totals now at 168, with county-by-county updates), as officials track multiple outbreaks tied to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce and related restaurant exposure. Food Safety & Recalls: Taylor Farms issued another statement amid the investigation, saying it’s paused central Mexico iceberg lettuce sourcing/production and expanded precautions while the recall remains in effect. School Food Policy: GOP gubernatorial front-runner Byron Donalds unveiled a “Healthy Florida Healthy Families” plan to remove ultra-processed foods and harmful additives from school meals and require public menu/ingredient posting plus lead and contamination testing. Community Food Relief: Midwest Food Bank Florida and local partners in Venice report rising demand for food assistance as SNAP purchasing power tightens, with volunteers distributing tens of thousands of pounds statewide. Local Dining & Drink Trends: Maitland roaster Kos Coffee highlights “cofermenting” (coffee fermented with wine yeast and fruit) as a way to create new flavors without added calories.

Food Safety Watch: CDC expanded its cyclosporiasis outbreak probe to 9 states, adding Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania; Florida is among the affected states tied to recalled Taylor Farms de Mexico/Taylor Fresh Foods iceberg lettuce, with officials stressing “cases with Taco Bell exposure.” Recall Alert: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,000+ cans of Organic Lentil Soup (pull-tab defect) distributed across multiple states including Florida; consumers are urged to check lot 60D0924, best-by April 2027. Local Health Update: Florida’s cyclosporiasis total climbed to 168 confirmed/suspected cases through mid-July, with Lee County leading at 18. Restaurant & Retail Moves: BrickTop’s is targeting a 2027 Sarasota opening at University Town Center. Community Food & Drink: Tampa’s Bolts Brew Fest returns July 25 with Crooked Thumb Brewery’s “Rule #7” IPA. Wildlife & Agriculture: Florida Agriculture Commissioner announced an arrest tied to alleged livestock smuggling past screwworm inspections; scientists also warn about the spread risk of an invasive yellow-legged hornet that preys on honeybees.

Food Safety Fallout (Florida): Florida’s cyclosporiasis tally climbed to 168 confirmed and probable cases as health officials investigate a growing outbreak tied to produce, with Miami-Dade leading (36) and Lee County next (18). Retail/Restaurant Response: Taco Bell is working to rebuild customer trust after the outbreak was linked to shredded lettuce served at some U.S. locations, removing affected supplies and rolling out lettuce-free promotions. Local Dining Openings: Sip n’ Smash is set to open in Jacksonville, pairing made-to-order burgers and fries with mini donuts from The Mini Bar. Health Tech & Legal Debate: OpenAI rolled out ChatGPT Health for all U.S. adults, letting users connect Apple Health and medical records—sparking renewed concerns amid medical-advice lawsuits. Food Assistance Pressure: SNAP participation in Florida fell 23% year over year, with fewer residents receiving federal food benefits as state data show enrollment and funding declines. Food Recall Watch: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,200 cans of lentil soup due to a pull-tab defect that can compromise the seal.

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.