AGP Executive Report

Surveillance & Privacy: A U.S. Senate subcommittee hearing put Flock Safety’s license-plate camera network under national scrutiny, with lawmakers citing nationwide data access and due-process concerns after reports of wrongful links. AI Safety Push: Florida AG Letitia James and other attorneys general urged Congress to require expert-led AI safety testing and transparent investigations, arguing self-regulation isn’t enough. Local Tech in Action: Aiken’s Feasters Foods is rolling out all-electric delivery vans to cut fuel costs and emissions, using a weekly charging routine. Space & Mobility: Jacksonville’s historic automated Skyway train system is set to stop running in 2026, ending a rare downtown transit experiment. STEM & Community: Florida Southern College reopened its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed planetarium after a $1.7M restoration, adding public shows again. Health Tech: Kyverna Therapeutics reported positive one-year durability data for miv-cel in stiff person syndrome and longer-term follow-up in generalized myasthenia gravis. Cybersecurity Research: IIT Gandhinagar students unveiled “TrustGate,” an AI system combining network traffic and sensor data to help protect critical facilities from cyber attacks.

Surveillance Scrutiny: A Senate Judiciary hearing put Florida-linked automated license plate readers under a national spotlight after testimony from a Central Florida woman wrongfully jailed for 13 days, while lawmakers pressed for answers on privacy risks, data access, and cybersecurity flaws tied to Flock cameras. Tech Industry Accountability: The same hearing drew criticism after major surveillance tech CEOs skipped the session, leaving witnesses to detail how these systems can capture far more than plates. Space & Policy: States including Florida are jockeying to host Trump’s new Space Academy, with Florida lawmakers pitching the Space Coast as the “nexus” for space operations. Local Tech & Education: Florida Southern College reopened its Frank Lloyd Wright planetarium with upgraded immersive video, audio, and acoustics—bringing the historic Wright design into a modern show experience. AI/Manufacturing Momentum: IMTS 2026 highlighted faster adoption of AI-driven manufacturing tools, with strong student participation and broad industry turnout. Autonomous Mobility: Waymo launched public driverless rides in Tampa Bay, expanding beyond earlier employee-only access. Wildfire Tech: A UAE company’s solar-powered high-altitude platform began wildfire monitoring in Spain, sending live sensor imagery to help track fires. Research Funding: NSF backed small-business deep tech with a $20M two-year pilot, with UCF positioned to help translate research into market-ready products. FSU Science Grants: FSU chemistry faculty won over $2M in NSF materials research grants spanning quantum computing, energy, data storage, water purification, and medical devices. Community & Safety Tech: Fort White’s $10.4M FY27 budget approval is headed for a do-over after missing financial data and procedural irregularities.

AI in Higher Ed: Provosts say they’re using AI weekly for productivity and admin work, but only a small share report a centralized campus AI strategy. Workforce & Training: Florida is rolling out Workforce Pell for short-term credentials that can be earned in as little as eight weeks, aiming to feed in-demand jobs. Healthcare Pipeline: Florida’s Linking Industry to Nursing Education fund got $6 million approved for 2026-27, targeting nearly 1,000 more nursing students and thousands of scholarships. Autonomous Transit: Freebee and Beep are merging—Freebee keeps the microtransit brand while Beep’s autonomous tech runs the combined operation. Public Safety Tech Backlash: Florida DOT ordered removal of Flock and other license-plate cameras from state road rights-of-way by end of September, citing privacy concerns and misuse reports. Logistics Decarbonization: FedEx expanded sustainable aviation fuel purchases to more than 20 million gallons through 2027, including Florida. Tech Policy in Schools: Florida’s classroom AI rules push parental permission/controls, as the national “edtech backlash” grows. Space & Aviation: Embraer says GPS instability reports are being monitored for its E2 jets, with no safety impact expected.

AI Data Centers in Florida Politics: Democrats are pushing back on GOP gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds’ pro–data center stance, pointing to the “Iron Mountain” AI-ready facility in Miami-Dade and arguing the real issue is who benefits and who pays. Public Safety Tech: Riviera Beach police say Flock cameras and license-plate readers helped arrest three teens in a fatal “gun sale” robbery case. Healthcare AI in Practice: UTMB is integrating OpenEvidence into its electronic health record so clinicians can ask questions in plain language and get cited answers inside normal workflows. Medicare Digital Care Expansion: CMS is expanding the ACCESS Model for chronic conditions like COPD and heart failure, using remote monitoring and connected devices with outcome-based payments. Florida Classroom AI Rules: Florida’s new K-12 AI policies require parental permission and aim to control student access to tools. Local Tech Policy: Charlotte County is revising e-bike rules, removing parts already covered by state law while focusing on rider safety. Space & Defense Tech: A Florida fishing charter reportedly recovered a delta-wing drone resembling the military’s LUCAS system near Eglin Air Force Base.

AI & Markets: Stocks surged as the “AI euphoria” narrative returned, with tech and chip shares leading gains while oil prices slid. Banking Tech: SmartBank selected Kobalt Labs to modernize third-party risk, marketing compliance, and enterprise risk across its multistate footprint. Aviation Innovation: Florida’s Air Museum highlighted electric vertical takeoff and landing tech and the FAA’s push for new rules to keep emerging aircraft safe. Public Health: Orange County issued a dengue “alert” after locally acquired cases rose, with mosquito-control teams ramping up targeted spraying and neighborhood response. Marine Science: A new underwater research habitat, Vanguard, was anchored off the Florida Keys to support reef and deeper-water studies. Workforce & Training: The new Foundry School initiative aims to connect universities with manufacturing leaders, while Florida expands Workforce Pell for short-term training in high-demand fields. AI in Education: University of Miami researchers secured funding to use generative AI as a “teachable agent” in middle school math. Cyber & Privacy: Florida lawmakers and sheriffs continue negotiating around Flock camera surveillance as privacy concerns grow.

AI & Policy: Florida’s AI classroom rules are back in the spotlight as state guidance tightens how students and teachers can use tools, including parental permission requirements. Surveillance Tech: Florida lawmakers and sheriffs are trying to find middle ground on Flock-style license-plate cameras after permit revocations and retention debates. Space Science: NASA Curiosity data helped scientists identify seven organic molecules in ancient Martian clay—fresh clues about whether Mars could make life’s basic building blocks. Medical Tech: Stratasys and UCF’s Limbitless are expanding their 3D-printed prosthetics partnership, aiming to boost access for children nationwide. Public Safety & Weather: MIT researchers are pushing better tools for predicting flood, cyclones, and humid heat extremes—aimed at helping communities plan with up-to-date modeling. Local Tech Economy: A Florida Tech Today reader’s-eye view of how data centers are reshaping Florida politics and neighborhoods continues to grow, with candidates and voters weighing costs, power, and consent.

Marine & Maritime Education: The EYC Foundation awarded 12 scholarships for 2026 to students pursuing marine and maritime careers, including five new recipients and seven returning scholars, with Florida Tech listed among the returning group. Campus Tech & Policy: A report highlights how FIU students protested a deal that deputized campus police as ICE agents under a 287(g) partnership, underscoring the tech-and-policy overlap in campus security. Aviation Maintenance Expansion: Willis Lease Finance plans a new Willis Engine Repair Center in Malaysia, adding to its Florida and Wales footprint as it expands global aftermarket services. EdTech Recognition: Full Sail University was named an Apple Distinguished School (2026–2029), citing hands-on work with Apple Vision Pro and spatial computing labs. Florida Tech & Data Privacy Backlash: WIRED reports Flock Safety is offering voluntary buyouts amid growing public anger over license-plate surveillance, with employee morale taking a hit. Wildlife Conservation Tech: Researchers at Florida Atlantic University digitized a rare vaquita skeleton into public 3D models to preserve anatomy as the species nears extinction.

AI & Data Centers in Florida: A new Florida readers poll finds 91% worry AI data centers will strain local resources, as the debate over power and water use keeps heating up. Surveillance Backlash: Flock Safety faces mounting pressure after Americans vandalize its license plate reader cameras from Florida to California, with cities canceling contracts over privacy concerns and alleged misuse. Public Safety Tech: Port Orange is stepping up enforcement for pedestrian and bicycle safety using Florida DOT’s High Visibility Enforcement Program, targeting speeding, crosswalk violations, and distracted driving. Space & STEM: NASA and SpaceX continue Crew-13 prep for an early October launch to the ISS, with preflight quarantine and suit checks at Cape Canaveral. Local Science Events: Melbourne Square hosted a free hands-on science day for kids, including optical illusions and “spy science” activities. Environment & Water: Florida drought coverage highlights severe conditions affecting millions, with Sarasota County among the hardest hit. Florida Tech Sports: Florida Tech women’s soccer beat Saint Leo 1-0, earning a clean sheet and keeping the Panthers rolling.

AI Policy & Oversight: President Trump says he’ll create an “AI Force” and appoint an AI “czar,” aiming to monitor AI without new regulations—arriving as fears grow over out-of-control agents and as tech leaders push back on slowdowns. Data Privacy & Consumer Protection: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Netflix, alleging the company collected and monetized minors’ sensitive data without proper parental consent, violating state deceptive practices and digital rights laws. Surveillance Backlash: Flock Safety is offering voluntary severance buyouts to reduce staff as cities drop its license-plate camera tech amid misuse and privacy concerns. STEM Career Pipeline (Space Coast): Sheltair at Orlando Melbourne International hosted record-attendance Girls in Aviation Day, with 900+ attendees exploring aircraft, STEM activities, and aviation careers. Defense Tech: Perseus Defense tested a low-cost drone-killing interceptor at Yuma Proving Ground, using a kinetic “hit-to-kill” approach to avoid expensive missile tradeoffs. Sports Tech & Finance: A new investor survey finds fewer young Americans investing despite frictionless, app-driven trading—highlighting how social media and options/meme stocks shape risk.

Florida Tech & Policy: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Netflix, alleging the streaming giant collected and monetized minors’ sensitive data without prior, verifiable parental consent, and is seeking penalties and an injunction. AI Regulation Clash: A new federal antitrust lawsuit targets Anthropic, OpenAI, Google and SpaceXAI, claiming leaders’ public calls to slow AI development amount to an illegal competitor pact. Autonomous Farming: Fendt says its OutRun retrofit can bring “Level 4” autonomy to tractors for tasks like grain-cart runs, with operators requesting missions from the cab. Construction Tech: A Texas family’s concrete 3D-printed home reportedly came in around $200K—far less than a comparable build—though foundations, roofs and plumbing still drive most costs. Open Government: Leon County advocates say Hope Florida court records remain trapped in a “black box” despite a leaked grand jury report. Solar in Florida: A report finds Trump-supporting states—including Florida—are leading solar buildout, with Texas and Florida ranking among the top movers.

AI & Consumer Data: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Netflix, alleging the streaming giant monetized minors’ personal data without verifiable parental consent, contradicting claims that kids’ profiles are ad-free and safe. Public Health Tech: Orange County issued a dengue alert after two new locally acquired cases in Apopka, citing targeted mosquito control and enhanced surveillance. AI Infrastructure & Power Costs: Florida’s AI debate keeps heating up as lawmakers push the Ratepayer Protection Act to stop families and small businesses from subsidizing data-center electricity upgrades. Surveillance Cameras: Lawmakers are pressing Flock Safety over alleged “history” of inaccurate automated license plate reader claims, while Florida continues to wrestle with privacy and public-safety fallout. Workforce & Learning Platforms: Florida won a $6.6M federal grant to expand work-based learning via Xello, aiming to boost career planning and training access statewide. AI Safety Debate: Congress and industry are again circling the idea of an AI “kill switch,” with new proposals seeking the ability to suspend harmful actions.

AI & Consumer Protection: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Netflix, alleging the company collected and sold minors’ sensitive data without verifiable parental consent, contradicting claims that kids’ profiles are ad-free and safe. Public Safety Tech: The FAA says its radar replacement program is slipping two-plus months to September 2028, citing supply-chain and tariff/import issues; meanwhile, RTX is ramping radar production in Largo, Florida. Florida Schools & AI: Florida adopted binding classroom AI rules requiring parental permission and safeguards for K-12 and public colleges. Healthcare & Privacy: A Port St. Lucie MRI technician was arrested on felony sexual battery charges involving a sedated patient, highlighting risks around medical imaging access and oversight. Agriculture Innovation: Florida citrus growers are planting EPA-approved gene-edited trees aimed at fighting citrus greening, as the state’s production has collapsed from hundreds of millions of boxes to about 15 million. Local Infrastructure: A Jacksonville crossing guard says drivers repeatedly nearly hit her at Oceanway Middle School, with complaints about speeding and a pedestrian signal that may not trigger.

Privacy Fight: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Netflix, alleging the company collected and sold minors’ sensitive data without verifiable parental consent, seeking penalties and an injunction. School Safety Tech: Manatee County became the first district to link wearable panic-button alerts with a cloud video system so responders can pull nearby camera feeds during crises. AI + Energy Policy: The U.S. House passed the Ratepayer Protection Act to curb electricity bill spikes tied to nearby AI data centers, sending it to the Senate. Surveillance Scrutiny: A new report says police misuse Flock automated license plate reader tools, with officers allegedly entering joke-like justifications. Space Milestone: NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Telescope reached “first light,” activating its wide-field infrared camera for early starlight images. Local Workforce: DeSantis expanded Pell Grants for Florida workforce training programs, including trades like HVAC, welding, CNC, and aerospace tech. Business Innovation: West Palm Beach’s Bennisson Industries says it’s building AI-backed trust infrastructure for luxury watch authentication and custody.

AI in Florida Classrooms: Florida’s Board of Education approved statewide guardrails for AI use in K-12 and colleges, including parental consent/opt-outs and limits on AI for graded work. Consumer Tech & Privacy: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Netflix, alleging the company collected and monetized minors’ sensitive data without verifiable parental consent. Energy Costs & Grid Modernization: Bank of America reports utility bills rose faster than inflation this summer, with heat, grid upgrades, and data-center build-outs cited as drivers. Sports Tech & Infrastructure: New Smyrna Beach raised Sports Complex fees amid a deficit, while the city also updated its approach to Flock cameras and data-center legislation. Space Design: A Florida startup’s “Thunderbird Space Station” concept explores how to make every surface usable in a habitat with no conventional floor or ceiling. Turf Research: OSU and Mississippi State are testing “bluemuda” turfgrass to keep greener lawns year-round in transition-zone climates while cutting irrigation. Healthcare Law & AI: Michigan State Law launched an interdisciplinary Health and Life Sciences Law program, including work on AI in public health governance.

AI in Schools: Florida’s Board of Education approved statewide rules for how K-12 schools and colleges can use AI, requiring district policies, parent notice, and data-safety guardrails. Privacy Fight: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Netflix over claims the company collected and monetized minors’ data without verifiable parental consent. Defense Tech: Tampa-based XTEND AI Robotics was named a top performer in the U.S. Drone Dominance Program, after delivering 120 STRIKER systems for close-quarters testing. Public Safety Tech: Melbourne police will join a state enforcement push targeting speeding and unsafe behavior involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Biosecurity in Florida: UF researchers are testing robotic “rabbits” to lure Burmese pythons in the Everglades, aiming to speed up detection and capture. Local Tech & Jobs: Polk County appointed Jim Tully as the next Utilities Division Director, overseeing a $538.9M budget. Health Workforce: Health First announced layoffs of 214 workers, including management and clerical roles.

Privacy & Consumer Protection: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued Netflix, alleging the streamer collected and monetized minors’ sensitive data without verifiable parental consent, then sold it to ad and data-broker partners—seeking penalties and an injunction. AI Safety & Training: OpenAI and AARP launched a 10-city road tour to teach older Americans how to use AI safely to spot scams, partnering with Senior Planet’s “Digital Discovery Lab.” Local Tech Governance: St. Petersburg kicked off public webinars for a sidewalk master plan using GIS and aerial imagery to map gaps, with residents prioritizing missing sidewalks near schools. Education & Science Literacy: Florida’s climate-change textbook controversy is back in the spotlight, with claims that publishers are minimizing human-caused climate coverage for Florida classrooms. Health Tech Access: Sunshine Behavioral Health Services expanded ABA therapy availability across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe, offering BCBA-supervised in-home, school-based, and telehealth care.