AGP Executive Report

Holiday Safety Push: Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, YMCA of South Florida and the Florida Panthers are urging families to prevent drownings as Florida nears a grim record—62 drownings statewide so far this year, with 12 child drownings in the tri-county area in six months. What’s Open/Closed: Sarasota and Manatee shoppers get a quick guide to July 4 hours and closures, plus federal office and mail delivery shutdowns. Fourth of July Weather: Southwest Florida is bracing for scattered showers and thunderstorms through the weekend, with rain chances staying elevated into July 4 and lightning the main risk. Travel Costs: AAA reports most holiday travelers are driving (85%) and Florida gas is averaging about $3.80, up sharply from last year—pushing some families toward shorter trips. Fireworks Planning: Tampa Bay roundup highlights major July 4 shows and where to watch around the region. Beach Safety: Jacksonville Beach Ocean Rescue reminds visitors to watch lifeguards, keep kids close, and check ocean conditions before getting in the water. Local Events: FC Naples kicks off the holiday with “Stars, Stripes & Soccer” plus a World Cup watch party. Road Closures: Cape Coral Bridge and nearby roads shut for the Freedom 5K and “Red, White & Boom,” with reroutes in place.

Fourth of July Travel & Safety: Florida wildlife officials are urging beachgoers to skip personal fireworks and follow nesting-area rules, warning that bright lights and noise can disorient sea turtles and nesting shorebirds; officials also stress proper cleanup and keeping pets leashed. Holiday Travel Outlook: AAA says Independence Day travel demand remains strong nationwide, with many families driving and looking for ways to offset higher costs. Local Travel Infrastructure: Tampa International Airport shared major progress on its new Airside D terminal, a $1.5B expansion that will add 16 gates and modernize passenger flow. Family & Community Events: Palm Beach’s United Way Turkey Trot 5K registration is already moving fast for Nov. 26, with the event expected to sell out. Culture for Visitors: Wynwood’s Museum of Graffiti launched “The Art of Futbol,” an interactive soccer-and-street-art exhibit timed for the World Cup crowd in Miami. Health Watch: A parasite causing “explosive” diarrhea is spreading across multiple states, with public health agencies tracking cases ahead of the holiday weekend.

Fourth of July Travel Surge: AAA says 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home for the July 4 holiday (June 27–July 5), with Orlando and Miami among the top Florida draws. Road & Weather Watch: AAA and INRIX point to heavy driving demand and worse delays on peak routes, while South Florida braces for another wet, stormy afternoon that could bring localized flooding. Boating Safety: Miami-Dade officials urged boaters to stay sober, wear life jackets, respect no-wake zones, and hydrate ahead of the holiday weekend. Food Safety Alert: CDC is tracking cyclosporiasis (“explosive” watery diarrhea) tied to an outbreak across 17 states, including Florida. Local Hospitality: Hilton opened the Hilton Key West Resort & Marina on Stock Island, adding 175 rooms, marina access, and multiple pools for summer visitors. On-the-Ground Florida: A St. Petersburg hotel death investigation is underway after a woman was found wrapped in a blanket; authorities say an altercation preceded the incident. Community & Culture: Sanibel’s America 250 Fourth includes a parade, pancake breakfast, water balloon battle, and fireworks over the bay.

Fourth of July travel & safety: Florida’s holiday plans are getting a heat-and-fire reality check, with a major heat dome expected across the central/eastern U.S. and Florida Fish and Wildlife urging beachgoers to keep fireworks professional to protect nesting sea turtles and waterbirds. Local attractions for visitors: Monroe County is offering free access for locals on Sunday, July 5, including Key West Museum of Art & History and the Key West Lighthouse. Space Coast fireworks guide: A new roundup maps big Independence Day events across Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne and more, including Friday, July 3 waterfront fireworks and drone shows. Air travel update: Breeze Airways launched a new nonstop from Salisbury to Fort Lauderdale, adding more South Florida options for holiday travelers. Cruise change: Royal Caribbean shortened an Allure of the Seas sailing from five nights to four, dropping Nassau and keeping Cozumel only. Tourism business buzz: Tiki Docks Bar & Grill is under construction in Viera, targeting an early-2027 opening with waterfront dining and up to 125 jobs. Community & culture: Key West’s rainbow arch public art project is paused after legal review tied to new state rules.

Fourth of July travel prep: Florida’s CFO Blaise Ingoglia urged residents to handle fireworks safely and dispose of them properly ahead of the holiday, praising firefighters as fire incidents typically rise. Holiday planning for families: Florida state parks will waive admission fees from July 3–5, with 175 parks statewide (most included). Road-safety focus: FDOT and Florida Highway Patrol warned that millions are expected to hit state roads over the long weekend, urging speed-limit compliance and extra attention around pedestrians and crosswalks. South Florida sports tourism: Reports say 50,000 Argentina fans could descend on Miami for Messi’s World Cup knockout match Friday, adding to already heavy event-week travel demand. Gulf Coast spotlight: Sarasota was named CNN’s No. 1 “Best Town to Visit in 2026,” highlighting arts, history, and beaches—another boost for Florida’s tourism calendar. Local hospitality growth: Naples Bay Resort & Marina in Naples joined Pyramid Global Hospitality’s independent portfolio, expanding management and operations for the resort and marina.

Air Travel & Airports: Allegiant says it’s shifting Punta Gorda Airport base operations to Avflight, stressing employees aren’t being terminated—just moved under the partner. Theme Parks & Family Travel: Disney World is adding new security barriers ahead of July 4, while Universal Orlando rolls out Fourth of July entertainment and fireworks. Holiday Travel Demand: Florida braces for a record July 4 travel surge, with many road trips expected and higher costs. Local Tourism & Events: Daytona Beach Area CVB earned a Florida Sports Foundation award for helping promote the NCA/NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship. Short-Term Rentals: Airbnb is deploying anti-party AI to block unauthorized Fourth of July bashes, with Osceola County enforcement coordinated with the company. New Visitor Experiences: Greater Orlando was selected as the first launch market for Bluberd’s mobile digital billboard advertising platform. Retail for Travelers: Buc-ee’s announced four new Florida travel center locations, expanding beyond Daytona Beach and St. Augustine. Aviation Growth: Avelo plans nonstop service from McKinney National Airport to four Florida destinations (Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando, Tampa) starting in November.

Avelo expands Florida-to-Texas flying: Avelo Airlines will launch nonstop service from Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa to North Dallas McKinney (DTX) starting in November, with introductory one-way fares from $99 and the first checked bag free for bookings made through July. Disney Cruise boost for Puerto Rico: Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, Disney Destiny, made its first call in San Juan, with seven transit stops expected to drive spending for local tour operators and businesses through next year. Travel safety for the holiday crowd: AAA expects a record Independence Day travel surge (72.2 million Americans traveling 50+ miles), while New York’s “Shark Smart” push reminds beachgoers that shark sightings are seasonal and interactions are rare—follow lifeguards and avoid risky conditions. Florida travel planning, weather and costs: A Florida study finds spring break brings higher traffic fatality risk than other holiday periods, and South Florida forecasts point to hot, humid days with scattered showers and storms. State parks get a lift: Florida State Parks Foundation celebrates a $44.5M allocation for park improvements ahead of peak visitor season. America 250 on the move: Delaware North is rolling out America’s 250th anniversary activations across its Florida-linked portfolio, from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to other historic guest experiences.

Air Travel Disruption: Orlando International Airport passengers on a Virgin Atlantic flight reported 5+ hours of checked-bag delays, with staff warning travelers not to leave the baggage hall or face arrest. Cruise Family Fun: Royal Caribbean is rolling out human-sized “cruise duck” characters on its Icon-class ship Legend of the Seas, with a ducky-go-round carousel featuring 10 themed ducks. Holiday Safety & Enforcement: Osceola County is cracking down on illegal vacation rental parties ahead of the holiday weekend, working with Airbnb’s anti-party tools after prior deadly incidents. Local 4th of July Moments: Memorial Hospital West in Pembroke Pines dressed newborns as tiny Uncle Sams for Independence Day. Budget & Tourism Context: Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s $117.6B budget, touting tax relief and spending cuts—an item travel operators will watch for impacts on infrastructure and public services. Travel Planning Watch: With July 4 traffic and heat building, Florida’s hurricane-risk messaging is emphasizing that dangerous hazards can hit well before the storm’s center arrives. New Routes: BermudAir is adding five new nonstop flight gateways to Belize City from Florida and other U.S. cities starting in December. Art for Visitors: “America 250” is on display at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport through August, featuring local artists and QR codes for purchases. Wildlife Alerts: FWC reports multiple alligator attacks in Central Florida over the past week, including a fatal incident.

Holiday Travel Prep: AAA says gas prices are down for the fifth straight week ahead of July 4, with the national average at $3.918 (down from $3.999 a week ago), and 85% of Americans plan to drive. Weather & Safety: Florida is under a heat dome with feels-like temps up to 112, and Central Florida’s July 4 weekend looks hot and humid with daily scattered storms; officials also note NHC is watching a low off the Carolinas. Air Travel Growth: Breeze Airways is rolling out 19 new/returning routes July 1–3, adding more nonstop options for leisure travelers. Local Tourism & Hospitality: Bill Fuller bought Fort Lauderdale’s Jungle Queen and Tropical Isle, a longtime riverboat attraction. Visitor Tips: An insurance expert urges boaters to review coverage before the holiday weekend. Family Fun: Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach is hosting Olaf’s Summer Bash (free, no ticket needed) on select dates in June and July. Boating/Beach Caution: FWC reports multiple recent alligator attacks, including a fatal incident and injuries. Public Spending: Gov. DeSantis signed Florida’s $114.5B budget, including education and infrastructure investments.

Holiday Travel Pressure: AAA says 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel for the July 4 week, and higher airfare is nudging more families toward road trips—Florida’s average gas is about $3.79. Aviation & Space Coast Buzz: A massive Antonov AN-124 made a rare landing at Melbourne Orlando International Airport, drawing plane spotters. Theme Park Updates: Walt Disney World confirmed 6 major attractions are permanently removed from the parks’ 2026 lineup, and guests narrowly avoided an EPCOT “Living with the Land” incident when a branch fell into the water. Local Tourism Wins: Riviera Beach earned a 2026 All-America City Award, and St. Augustine is highlighted as a top “most walkable” destination. Safety on the Road & Water: FHP reports an impaired driver crash involving a Pinellas Park police car, plus a fatal hit-and-run on US 27 in Hendry County; separately, alligator bite incidents keep reminding visitors to treat waterways with caution. Community & Events: Warrick Dunn hosted a free Tallahassee wellness event, and Riviera Beach is partnering with Live Like Jake Foundation for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson.

Restaurant Fee Crackdown: Florida signed a new “operations charge” transparency law requiring restaurants to list mandatory extra charges (service fees, gratuities, credit surcharges, delivery fees) before customers order, with clear amounts and itemized receipts starting July 1, 2026. Road Safety: Florida Highway Patrol is seeking the driver in a fatal hit-and-run on U.S. 27 in Hendry County; an older-model white pickup struck a pedestrian crossing the road and fled. Theme Park & Travel: Universal Orlando is removing six major attractions permanently as it ends an era, while Disney continues rolling out 2026 holiday changes and deals. Local Tourism & Events: Miami-Dade is planning America 250 Fourth of July celebrations with major free events and fireworks, including Tropical Park and Bayfront Park. Hospitality & Dining: A St. Augustine “Caddyshack”-themed restaurant at World Golf Village, Murray Bros. Caddyshack, is permanently closing after 25 years. Travel Weather Watch: The Atlantic is monitoring multiple tropical systems, including Tropical Storm Fred, with potential impacts on Florida’s Panhandle and Big Bend. Cruise Safety: A Royal Caribbean guest died during a snorkeling excursion in St. Maarten after a medical emergency.

Juneteenth in Key West: The City of Key West will host a Juneteenth celebration Friday, June 19 at 9 a.m. at the African Memorial Cemetery at Higgs Beach, with dance, poetry, singing and a talk by Monroe County Historian Corey Malcolm. Road safety & e-bike crash: A 17-year-old Port Charlotte teen is in critical condition after being struck by an SUV while riding an e-bike; the driver was arrested for leaving the scene of a serious injury crash. World Cup travel reality check: A World Cup travel guide looks at how knockout-stage travel and fatigue stack up—plus a reminder that guns are prohibited in stadiums and that host-city rules vary. Ticket value watch: World Cup ticket prices are shifting fast, with Kansas City highlighted as a comparatively better-value option for access and overall trip costs. Hotel prices easing: New hotel-rate data shows summer travelers may be seeing falling prices in some popular destinations, as booking strategies get more value-focused. Wildlife & community: Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda is moving ahead with a new education center opening in October, after Hurricane Milton damaged its prior site. Marina deal: Key Colony Beach Marina in the Florida Keys is listed for $15 million, including retail and a turnkey waterfront restaurant.

Independence Day travel: AAA expects 4.62 million Floridians to travel at least 50 miles for July 4, with most driving (4.08 million) as families look for ways to offset higher costs. Everglades wildlife: The Florida Python Challenge returns July 10-19 with $25,000 in prizes, targeting invasive Burmese pythons that threaten native species. South Florida anti-trafficking push: Florida AG James Uthmeier is teaming with law enforcement and community partners to prevent human trafficking as World Cup crowds swell in Miami. Key West tourism debate: A Key West editorial argues the Southernmost Point buoy needs a real plaza, while noting local pushback has delayed parts of a proposed project. Cruise dining buzz: Royal Caribbean is debuting “Royal Railway” dining on Legend of the Seas ahead of July 4. Walkability win: St. Augustine ranked No. 3 on USA TODAY’s 10Best “Most Walkable City to Visit” list. Tech for flyers: Airlines are rolling out faster, gate-to-gate inflight Wi-Fi via Starlink, helping travelers skip older onboard entertainment habits.

Hurricane & Fire Safety: Florida is not imposing a statewide fireworks ban for July 4, but Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson is urging “responsible” use as drought-linked burn bans remain in eight counties, including Charlotte/Sarasota/DeSoto and Lee’s ban lifted for residents from North Fort Myers to Bonita Springs. Local Tourism & Travel Ops: Visit Florida Keys named David Burke as chief administrative officer to strengthen compliance and operational coordination. Keys Visitor Economy: Key West International Airport reported a busiest February on record, with passenger traffic up 9.4% year over year, while local leaders push “intentional” tourism to protect infrastructure. Travel Disruption Watch: United said a drone nearly hit a United jet landing at Newark carrying passengers from Key West; the flight landed safely. Dining Spotlight (SWFL): Wine Spectator’s 2026 Restaurant Awards recognized Southwest Florida wine programs, including Fort Myers favorites Mastello Ristorante and Terra Nostra. Sports Tourism: The NHL offseason kicked off with a blockbuster trade sending Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers, a reminder of how Florida’s pro sports draw fans and visitors.

Fourth of July Travel Pulse: AAA expects record holiday demand, and new flight-search data shows big jumps for several states during the July 4 week—highlighting how quickly Florida-bound plans can tighten. AI & Luxury Travel Visibility: A new study from Americas Great Resorts finds AI platforms often omit independent luxury hotels when users search broad “best” categories, even when the properties appear accurately by name—an issue for travelers and hoteliers alike. Weather & Outdoor Plans: Saharan dust is forecast to move over the Gulf, bringing drier air and reduced air quality across Southwest Florida, while heat advisories and drought conditions keep summer conditions harsh. Fireworks Rules: Long-running burn bans in parts of Southwest Florida mean residents can’t use fireworks or sparklers at home; enforcement and fines vary by county. Local Visitor Life: Key West is leaning into America 250 with major events and a full July calendar, including the Key Lime Festival and other community celebrations. Travel Safety Watch: A St. Petersburg hotel death led to a second-degree murder charge, underscoring the need for vigilance while traveling. Air Access: Delta is adding seasonal nonstop service to Florida from New York LaGuardia and Austin, boosting winter weekend options for leisure travelers.

Air Service & Routes: Allegiant is ending its seasonal Fort Lauderdale flights from Traverse City (TVC) after this winter, though other TVC Florida routes remain. Caribbean Connectivity: JetBlue is adding more summer flights from Fort Lauderdale to Aruba, St. Maarten and Santo Domingo, boosting options for Caribbean travelers. New Airline Growth: Breeze Airways will launch multiple new routes tied to Florida, including Vero Beach service from Baltimore (Oct. 1) and Fort Myers/Fort Lauderdale additions from Dayton. Local Visitor Economy: Lake Wales becomes Polk County’s first city to create an Arts, Culture and Entertainment District, allowing to-go alcohol in a designated downtown area. Theme Parks & Attractions: Arcade Time is expanding in the Mall at Wellington Green with a bigger 13,000-square-foot arcade opening June 27. Travel Safety & Disruptions: A fatal three-vehicle crash shut down U.S. 231 near Lindsey Crossing in Panama City area. Policy Impact on Travelers: The U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way to end TPS for Haitians and Syrians, with major implications for people planning travel and immigration status. Family Fun: Fun Spot America will permanently close its Atlanta-area park in Fayetteville on Aug. 2, while Orlando and Kissimmee locations stay open.