AGP Executive Report

Real Estate & Luxury Lodging: A 100-story Waldorf Astoria condo-hotel is on track to become Florida’s tallest building when it opens in 2028, rising to 1,049 feet in Miami with condo units starting around $3.15 million and deposits already placed on 90% of units. Family Fun & Attractions: Launch Family Entertainment is preparing a new 31,400-square-foot fun center in Pensacola, set to open Oct. 16 at Ferry Pass Plaza, bringing attractions, dining, and family activities under one roof. Film & Local Economy: St. Petersburg has started production on the sci-fi feature “The Last Earthling,” using virtual production with a large LED wall to build big digital sets in fewer filming days. Travel Safety & Courts: Golf legend Tiger Woods is scheduled to appear in Martin County court Wednesday to change his not-guilty plea in a Florida DUI case tied to a March rollover crash near Jupiter Island. Coastal Conditions: Labor Day beach plans may be affected by Gulf weather after Tropical Storm Edouard, with guidance focused on rip currents and changing conditions along Gulf Coast beaches. Tourism Demand Watch: A new report highlights how Canadian travel to Florida is dropping amid tariff tensions, signaling pressure on winter and shoulder-season demand.

Birth Tourism Crackdown: A Miami doctor tied to “Have My Baby in Miami” invoked the Fifth during a House hearing, escalating federal scrutiny of birth-tourism services. Privacy vs. Policing: Florida ordered removal of Flock-style license plate reader cameras from state roads within 30 days, while Miami Beach’s mayor warns of public-safety fallout. Local Travel & Leisure: Ryman Hospitality closed its acquisition of Grande Lakes Orlando Resort, adding major meeting space and two flagship hotels. New Attractions: Launch Family Entertainment announced a Pensacola opening for Oct. 16, bringing trampolines, bowling, and an arcade plus KRAVE. Air Service Growth: Allegiant added new Flint, Mich. routes from Fort Myers, Sarasota, and St. Pete-Clearwater starting in February. Outdoor Savings: Florida’s four-month hunting, fishing and camping sales tax holiday begins Sept. 1, with big-ticket firearms and gear included. Family Fun on the Water: St. Johns Rivership Company launches a Jane Austen “Sense and Sensibility” high-tea cruise in Sanford every Tuesday in September. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Edouard made landfall near the Texas-Louisiana border; Florida may see rough surf and rip currents, especially the Panhandle.

Air Travel & Routes: Allegiant is adding two new year-round nonstop routes from Flint to Orlando and Southwest Florida, with limited-time one-way fares starting at $69, plus extra flights to Sarasota and St. Pete-Clearwater. Space & Tourism Tech: NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launched from Kennedy Space Center on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy, with BAE Systems hardware now in flight—another Florida win for space-industry visibility. Public Health: Dengue is rising in Florida, with Hillsborough County reporting dengue cases doubling to 30 in the latest update as mosquito surveillance pools increase. Local Hospitality & Workforce: Sandals Grande Antigua honored six managers with hospitality leadership diplomas through a program with Florida International University. Family Travel Safety: Florida officials say Operation Statewide Shield recovered 163 missing children across multiple hubs in a five-day statewide effort. Travel Risk & Weather: Tropical conditions are in the mix as Tropical Storm Edouard forms in the Gulf, with impacts expected before any potential landfall. Consumer Travel Tips: A new study finds many vacationers buy jewelry—often wearing it home—while investigations in popular destinations warn travelers to vet jewelers to avoid overcharges.

Surveillance Crackdown: Gov. Ron DeSantis and FDOT move to rein in automated license plate readers, ordering Florida agencies to pull Flock cameras from state roads within 30 days over privacy and misuse concerns. Space Coast Spotlight: NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launched from Kennedy Space Center on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy mission to map the universe and probe dark matter/dark energy—another big draw for Space Coast visitors and launch-watchers. Labor Day Travel: AAA lists Orlando among top Labor Day destinations, while Daytona Beach-area forecasts point to possible showers and thunderstorms during the long weekend. Road & Safety Updates: A Verizon van fire snarled traffic on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, and Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly I-95 crash involving an alligator and a hit-and-run. Health Care for Travelers: Health First expands in Brevard with Brevard’s first freestanding ER in Rockledge plus upgrades and recognition for Viera Hospital. Local Growth & Deals: Checkers & Rally’s adds two new concession stands at Raymond James Stadium, and Florida’s outdoor gear sales tax holiday kicks off Sept. 1.

Space Coast Spotlight: NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launched successfully from Kennedy Space Center on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy, beginning a three-month trip to its final orbit about one million miles out to map dark matter/dark energy and hunt exoplanets. Airport Upgrade: Punta Gorda Airport’s nearly $44M terminal renovation is nearing completion, with a new $22M TSA-designed inline baggage screening system now operating to boost throughput and speed up security. Road & Travel Disruption: A deadly crash shut down an eastbound stretch of Colonial Drive (SR-50) in east Orlando near Sherman Street, with Lake Pickett Road listed as a detour. Local Culture & Tourism: St. Andrews Bay’s oyster history is getting fresh attention, tying shellfish to Indigenous mounds, seafood traditions, and ongoing conservation. Safety & Public Trust: A Florida tourism-relevant reminder: BBB Scam Tracker shows Bell tied for 165th among Florida cities for July scam reports, with fraud losses still climbing nationwide. Community Remembrance: Jacksonville held a candlelight vigil marking five years since the Abbey Gate attack, keeping the focus on service members’ names and sacrifice.

Space Coast Spotlight: NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launched from Cape Canaveral on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy mission to map the universe, probing dark matter/dark energy and hunting exoplanets, with first images expected in early 2027. Airport Tech & Travel Experience: U.S. airports are expanding face-scan processing for international arrivals, with opt-out rules varying by program and citizenship—Orlando is cited as a key early adopter. Local Aviation Funding: Palm Beach County is seeking the remaining $2.75 million from the state for airport renaming upgrades tied to the Trump name change, after lawmakers approved only half the requested amount. Road Safety: Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly Orange County crash on International Drive involving a DUI suspect who ran a red light and fled the scene on foot. Airline/Travel Perks Reality Check: A Delta passenger from West Palm Beach says she paid about $800 for a basic ticket but was denied lounge access tied to an Amex Platinum perk. Family Travel & Events: Miss America 2027 is coming to West Palm Beach, with opening ceremonies Aug. 29 and the finale Sept. 6 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Tourism & Mobility: Allegiant is adding nine new routes from Orlando Sanford International in September, including Key West and several Midwest and Northeast destinations. Gas Watch: Premium and E15 prices are easing in parts of Florida, with GasBuddy reporting some of the lowest E15 and premium figures in select counties.

Tourism Brand Milestone: VISIT FLORIDA says Florida’s tourism brand hit a record $162 billion value in 2026, even as state data shows visitor numbers dipped in the first half of the year. Sports & Travel Dollars: Tampa Bay Rays’ $2.3B fixed-roof stadium cleared final steps, with more than $300M tied to Hillsborough “bed tax” tourism revenue. Space Coast Buzz: NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is set for launch Sunday from Kennedy Space Center aboard SpaceX Falcon Heavy, with liftoff targeted for 7:26 a.m. ET. Theme-Park Planning: Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights 35 returns Aug. 28–Nov. 1 with 10 haunted houses plus new themed food, drinks, and merchandise. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Dolly’s remnants are expected to bring periods of enhanced rainfall and rough surf across Florida, with flash-flood risk possible in parts of the peninsula. Safety on the Water: Beachgoers are being warned after multiple white shark sightings, as experts note the spike may be driven by conditions and more people looking. Local Scams: New Port Richey logged 14 BBB Scam Tracker reports in July, with counterfeit product the most common scam type.

Miss America in West Palm Beach: The pageant’s first Florida stop in years kicks off with 52 contestants arriving for a week of events ahead of the Sept. 6 finale, with organizers touting major tourism draw. Beach tourism spotlight: Clearwater Beach is ranked No. 2 in the U.S. for 2026 by TripAdvisor, and lifeguards report 86 water rescues so far this year—on pace for a record—highlighting both demand and safety needs. Local events for visitors: Englewood Beach Waterfest hosts a Pirate Poker Run Sept. 12 with seven stops by boat, car or motorcycle, plus a costume contest and live music. Scam watch: Venice is among the Florida cities with the most BBB Scam Tracker reports in July, including a phishing scheme tied to trademark “attorney” payments. Public safety & travel planning: Tarpon Springs moves to require riders to walk bikes/e-bikes in crowded downtown areas; forecasters also flag possible tropical development near Florida and the Gulf around Labor Day. Space tourism tie-in: NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is set to launch from Kennedy Space Center Aug. 30, a big draw for Space Coast visitors.

Space Coast & Tourism: NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is set for a Florida launch this weekend on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy, with the mission aiming to map dark matter/dark energy and hunt “Earth twins,” adding another high-profile draw for visitors watching launches from the region. Major Local Economy: The Tampa Bay Rays’ $2.3 billion fixed-roof stadium cleared final approvals in Tampa and Hillsborough, locking in the team’s 2029 move and boosting the area’s sports-and-tourism pipeline. Family Travel Ideas: A new roundup highlights US trips that feel international—no passport needed—pointing travelers toward destinations like Solvang for a “foreign” experience without the flight cost. Travel Disruption Watch: Frontier is seeking approval for new Orlando-to-Colombia routes, signaling more options for Florida-based travelers heading to Latin America. Safety & Preparedness: Florida’s unemployment rate dipped to 4.6% in July, while a hurricane-season preparedness reminder urges residents to review evacuation plans and stock supplies for at least seven days.

Vacation Rentals & Lodging: Home Team Luxury Rentals (St. Petersburg) jumped 70% in active listings year-over-year and earned the No. 4 spot for fastest-growing U.S. vacation rental managers in AirDNA’s 2026 rankings, with guest ratings improving alongside growth. Tourism & Travel Demand: With Trump’s Canada tariff fight reshaping travel, U.S. destinations are leaning on discounts and exchange-rate offers to win back Canadians, after 2025 saw a 22% drop in Canadian visits to the U.S. and 7% fewer to Florida. Local Rules for Visitors: Pensacola Beach is weighing tighter short-term rental rules, including a registry and a 24/7 contact for complaints about noise, trash, and parking. Attractions & Experiences: Southwest Florida’s free “Nature Navigators” program is wrapping up, offering a digital pass with partner offers, quizzes, and prizes for families exploring beaches and wildlife. Theme Parks & Space Coast Buzz: NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is set to launch from Kennedy Space Center on Aug. 30, drawing more space-tourism attention to Florida’s launch schedule. Sports Tourism: The Tampa Bay Rays cleared final approval for a new $2.3B stadium in Tampa, targeting a 2029 opening and a long-term stay in the city.

Space & Launch: NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is nearing launch from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center (Aug. 30), with teams sealing it inside SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy fairing—aimed at mapping dark energy/dark matter and imaging exoplanets with a wide, infrared view. Roads & Travel Disruption: FDOT is holding open houses for a major 21-mile I-75 widening in Lee and Collier counties (six to 10 lanes in parts), with residents already raising concerns about traffic, noise, and safety. Tourism & Environment: Sargassum is again piling onto Caribbean and Gulf beaches, turning water brown and creating strong odors—another reminder for Florida travelers to watch local advisories during peak seaweed season. Local Events & Community: Gulfport’s weekly police activity report highlights ongoing public safety work, while Englewood’s Pioneer Days 2026 edition spotlights the town’s 70th anniversary parade and festival history. Travel-Adjacent Lifestyle: A week on 30A in Seagrove Beach offers a family-focused look at the area’s bike-friendly coastal communities and clear, turquoise water.

Theme Parks & Events: Halloween Horror Nights 2026 kicks off at Universal Orlando this weekend, with Premium Scream Night starting tonight and live updates from inside Universal Studios Florida. Theme Parks & Events: Universal’s HHN also debuts an Ozzy Osbourne tribute house, with creators promising an “aggressive” gothic experience tied to Osbourne’s music and iconography. Air Travel & Routes: Breeze Airways cuts Daytona Beach International flights by about 60% this September, shrinking nonstop options to just Raleigh-Durham and Providence. Local Transit: WeDriveU won the contract to run Collier Area Transit services starting Oct. 1, with operations based in Naples. Road Safety: A pedestrian was killed while crossing U.S. 1 in Palm Bay, according to Florida Highway Patrol. Tourism Business: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort names Frank Radosti corporate executive chef, overseeing resort dining, events, and culinary operations across its courses and marina. Family Travel: Hyatt Vacation Club launches Villa Bites, delivering kid-friendly meals and snacks to villas ahead of arrival. Tech & Privacy: DeSantis and other local governments push back on Flock license-plate cameras as lawmakers open investigations and cities cancel contracts. Sports Tourism: The NHL releases its 2026-27 national broadcast schedule, with the Florida Panthers opening the season on Sept. 29.

Cruise & Ports: Disney Cruise Line says Disney Wish will homeport in New York City starting Sept. 2027, with transatlantic sailings and new Panama calls—marking the line’s first NYC departures in four years. Keys Events: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo will host a free America 250 Paddle Day on Sept. 12, with kayak/paddleboard parades, snorkeling, boat tours, food and live music. Aviation & Business Travel: Million Air Florida Keys is building a new fixed-base operator facility at Marathon International Airport, aiming to finish by year-end with a full-service restaurant and flight-planning space. Airport Retail Upgrade: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) approved a new concessions deal with SSP America to bring more local dining and shops, including grab-and-go options, as passenger volumes surge. Local Governance & Tourism Economy: Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry plans to take a state audit’s findings to residents publicly after the city’s review of spending and permit revenues. Safety & Mobility: A Pinellas County teen credited an e-bike helmet with saving his life after a crash, as doctors warn of rising serious injuries among young riders.

Healthcare & Access: Lee Health says it will drop UnitedHealthcare coverage for many plans starting Jan. 1, 2027, raising fears that patients may lose in-network doctors and have to travel for care. Tourism Watch: Florida tourism is down for a second straight quarter, with experts pointing to weaker Canadian demand and shifting travel patterns. Air Travel: Porter Airlines adds new seasonal direct flights from London, Ontario to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, plus Cancun and Montego Bay—boosting Florida winter travel options. Retail & Visitor Economy: Wayfair opens its 10th store in the Orlando area (Altamonte Springs), signaling continued growth in in-person shopping. Outdoor Savings: Florida’s four-month hunting, fishing and camping sales tax holiday starts Sept. 1, running through Dec. 31. Public Health: Dengue updates show cases across multiple counties, with officials urging mosquito bite prevention and awareness. Local Events: Miami Beach’s oldest dive bar, Mac’s Club Deuce, marks 100 years with a big block party Sept. 5. Space Tourism Buzz: NASA targets Aug. 30 for the Roman Space Telescope launch from Kennedy Space Center, with live coverage planned.

Wildlife & Fishing Policy: Florida wildlife officials are considering the first-ever harvest limits for cownose rays, with a proposal of two per vessel for recreational fishers and 20 per vessel for commercial harvesters, as concerns grow about possible population declines. Holiday Travel Buzz: Winter Garden is a Hallmark Channel 2026 Merriest Christmas Town finalist, and could become a Hallmark filming location if it wins public voting through Sept. 4. Air Travel Tips: Flight attendants say disinfectant wipes belong in every carry-on, citing how often hands touch shared plane surfaces. Hotels & Tourism Growth: Tampa Bay is seeing a new wave of hotel openings and renovations, including Pendry Tampa (Riverwalk, 2027) and a Curio Collection by Hilton property (late 2026), plus a new boutique in Ybor City. Space & Visitor Interest: NASA’s Roman Space Telescope is set to launch from Kennedy Space Center on Aug. 30 on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy, adding another major Florida space moment for travelers. Weather Safety: A lightning strike in Margate killed a Florida father’s wife and their 2-year-old twin daughter, underscoring storm risks for beach and outdoor plans. Local Hospitality/Community: Chabad Naples’ “Kitchen of Kindness” invites residents to cook and deliver fresh kosher meals on Aug. 30.

Health & Costs: Florida feels the squeeze as Obamacare plan drop-offs leave residents like a St. Cloud chef facing unaffordable care, with the state seeing the biggest ACA coverage losses in the country. Immigration & Travel Risk: A report says the Trump administration could revoke up to 200,000 business and tourist visas tied to later asylum filings, creating uncertainty for families and travelers. Public Safety: Florida’s “Operation Statewide Shield” recovered 163 missing children across multiple regions and made arrests, underscoring ongoing trafficking enforcement. Cruises & Port News: Disney Cruise Line releases fall 2027 and spring 2028 itineraries, including a return to New York City and new Panama calls, while Carnival Paradise swaps Princess Cays for RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay on a Tampa sailing. Local Tourism & Events: Winter Garden is a Hallmark “Merriest Christmas Town” finalist, and Clearwater Beach approved a major hotel redevelopment that preserves the historic Crabby’s Beachside restaurant. Business & Hospitality: Ryman Hospitality completes $700M senior notes to fund Orlando’s Grande Lakes acquisition, and Buc-ee’s CEO signals expansion focused on conservative, business-friendly states.