AGP Executive Report

Space Tech in Florida: Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket exploded during a Cape Canaveral static “hotfire” test, with Bezos saying all personnel were safe and the company will rebuild—raising new questions about its NASA Artemis-linked lunar plans and its role in Amazon’s Starlink rival, Space Tech in Florida: the blast also threatens the timing of Amazon’s planned Leo satellite launches. Medical Innovation: The FDA approved Afrezza inhaled insulin for pediatric patients (ages 6+) with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, positioning needle-free mealtime dosing as a new option for kids and teens. Health Tech Partnerships: Massive Bio announced AI-powered clinical trial matching will be integrated into TOUCH and Navigating Trials platforms to expand access to cancer studies. Local Education & Oversight: Florida lawmakers set aside more than $4.5B for the Family Empowerment Scholarship despite an audit finding oversight failures that led to overspent funds. Defense Tech: Quantum Cyber outlined plans for a U.S. defense-manufacturing complex aimed at scaling autonomous and counter-drone systems production. STEM & Industry: Quantum Cyber’s manufacturing push and the Army’s Orlando-based NGC product leadership change both point to continued investment in next-gen training and autonomy systems.

Space Tech in Florida: Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket exploded during a hot-fire static test at Cape Canaveral’s Space Launch Complex 36, sending a huge fireball over the Space Coast; Blue Origin says all personnel are accounted for and is investigating an “anomaly,” while the U.S. Space Force and local officials confirm the incident and keep the Eastern Range mission-capable. AI & Big Tech: Anthropic says it raised $65B and is now valued at about $965B, leapfrogging OpenAI in market buzz. Local Tech Talent: Florida Tech’s Marco Carvalho was elected to the Academy of Science, Engineering & Medicine of Florida, recognized for work spanning AI, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure protection. Food Tech & Innovation Culture: Michelin expanded statewide in Florida, naming Tampa’s Fat Beet Farm Kitchen and Bakery a Green Star and adding Pensacola’s A Mano Panino as a Bib Gourmand. STEM in Education: Miami-Dade County Public Schools reported the highest FAFSA completion rate in Florida for 2025-26, crediting CAP advisors and student services support.

Civil Engineering Careers: Tampa, Florida topped ASCE’s 2026 “Best Places to Be a Civil Engineer” list, citing strong pay and a relatively lower cost of living. Public Health Tech: Sarasota Memorial enrolled five sisters with a family history of pancreatic cancer in a study using LINFU (low-intensity non-focused ultrasound) as an earlier screening option. Emergency Communications: Okeechobee County launched text-to-911 so residents can reach dispatchers when calling isn’t safe or possible. Local Tech & Safety Policy: A Broward judge’s red-light camera dismissal is being debated, but lawyers say school-zone speed enforcement tech remains legally supported statewide. STEM in Action: Lyman High School students built electric go-karts for a one-charge-lap challenge at Homestead-Miami Speedway, backed by FPL. Cybersecurity & AI Governance: EC-Council rolled out an ADG AI framework plus a free AI readiness self-assessment tool to help organizations govern AI at scale. Drones & Defense Tech: Red Cat’s Blue Ops moved its Variant 7 uncrewed surface vessel into full-rate production for defense missions. Grid Resilience: FPL outlined major 2026 upgrades in Miami-Dade and Broward, including more undergrounding, smart switches, and strengthened lines for faster storm recovery.

Space & Defense Finance: Sidus Space priced a roughly $100M registered direct offering of about 19.7M shares at $5.08, with proceeds earmarked for working capital and general corporate use. AI Backlash in Florida: A commencement crowd booed an AI “next Industrial Revolution” pitch, echoing wider Gen Z anxiety about job loss and power-hungry data centers. Public Safety Tech: Pinellas County arrested a suspect in a 1998 armed sexual battery cold case using advanced DNA/genetic genealogy. Marine Tech for Property Protection: Fix Mold Miami rolled out expanded boat mold removal with specialized inspection tech aimed at reducing damage risk for vessels and waterfront assets. Space Coast Watch: SpaceX’s next Florida rocket activity is in the spotlight as investors and regulators debate what comes next for major space IPOs. Healthcare Fraud Focus: CMS is pushing stronger Medicaid fraud detection and best-practice tools for states as scrutiny ramps up. Local Water Search Tech: Ocoee police partnered with a sonar team using underwater drones and infrared cameras in the Lake Apopka search for Tracy Ocasio.

Space Tech & Policy: NASA laid out a phased plan for a permanent moon base, with uncrewed missions delivering equipment in 2026 and fleets of rovers and drones mapping landing sites before astronauts return. Launch Watch (Florida): SpaceX and ULA are set for a rare doubleheader from Cape Canaveral, pending weather, with Starlink and competing Amazon internet satellites. AI in Florida Business: A Kissimmee resort is rolling out an AI digital concierge to boost direct bookings, aiming to bring more “human-led hospitality” into the mix. Public Safety & Health: Pinellas Park schools partnered with CFY’s Fred Fisher Water Safety Program to deliver free in-school swim and water survival lessons for young kids. Workplace Tech & Law: A federal judge approved a settlement in a Bank of America wage-and-hour case tied to unpaid time spent preparing digital workstations before and after shifts. Cyber/Crime: Argentine police arrested two Chilean suspects tied to burglaries targeting high-profile athletes’ homes, with extradition steps requested by the U.S. STEM/Coastal Innovation: Southern Miss’ Gulf Blue Navigator cohort wrapped with a Demo Day showcasing companies building blue-economy solutions for coastal resilience.

Budget Finish Line: Florida lawmakers are set to vote Friday on a final, roughly $114.5B budget for DeSantis’s last stretch, with AI funding aimed at practical uses like helping determine SNAP eligibility. Court Clerks Cash Boost: A new law lets Florida court clerks keep more of the “cumulative revenue excess,” expands their share of civil traffic fines, and adds a bigger role in photo-enforced school bus programs—sending millions more to local offices. Local Governance vs. Data Centers: Citrus County approved a one-year moratorium on new AI data center rezoning requests and permits after residents raised alarms about water and power. Tech & Policy: Pam Bondi is back in the AI spotlight, appointed to a Trump advisory council on AI policy. Sports Spotlight: The Howard Frankland Bridge express lanes and a pedestrian path are expected to open this week, while NCAA baseball regionals kick off Friday.

UF–Texas Tech Softball Fallout: Jason Williams says he won’t set foot on UF’s campus again unless his daughter, Mia Williams, plays there—after a tense Gainesville Super Regional that included allegations of a fan throwing objects. State Budget & Ethics Questions: Florida House budget talks include a sudden $6 million line tied to a data-integration company connected to the husband of Rep. Fiona McFarland, raising conflict-of-interest scrutiny as lawmakers finalize the nearly $115B plan. Public Safety & Defense: Two Florida defense contractors were charged in a Hawaii Army tech-lab bribery and fraud scheme involving inflated contract costs. Cybersecurity: A report says Iran-linked hackers used data-wiping attacks against Los Angeles transit systems and South Florida’s connected-vehicle tech. AI & Kids Online: Connecticut AG William Tong announced an investigation into Roblox over alleged child harm. Local Tech/Health: FAU received a $2.2M grant for AI research, while Santa Fe College launched a radiation therapy certificate program.

NCAA Baseball Bracket Buzz: UCLA is the No. 1 overall seed for the 2026 tournament, with Georgia Tech at No. 2 and Florida slotted as the No. 8 national seed—setting up a fast start to regionals Friday and a crowded road to Omaha. Powerball: Memorial Day-weekend excitement is building as the jackpot climbs to an estimated $141 million for Monday’s drawing. Florida Politics & Water: Florida lawmakers wrapped a nearly $115B budget deal, including $514M for Everglades restoration, with a Friday vote set to send it to Gov. DeSantis. Local Business & Health: Fix Mold expanded mold testing and removal services in Boca Raton and Princeton, while Fix Mold Miami rolled out eco-friendly air vent cleaning to tackle indoor air quality concerns. Community & Culture: Longwood Elementary got a surprise Teacher Appreciation Week mural, and Seminole State’s Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium launches a summer season with music, history, and immersive dome shows. Sports Off-Court Drama: An ESPN softball broadcast was interrupted by an obscene hot-mic moment—another reminder that tournament chaos isn’t just on the field.

NCAA Baseball Bracket Drops: UCLA locked in the No. 1 seed for the NCAA Tournament after a dominant season, with Georgia Tech right behind as the No. 2 seed—setting up a big Road to Omaha that starts Friday with 16 regional sites and runs through the College World Series in Omaha on June 12. Local Sports Drama: In Florida’s Gainesville Super Regional, Texas Tech beat UF 16-7 and the weekend’s headlines kept swirling—starting with a first-pitch hit-by-pitch involving transfer Mia Williams and ending with Florida coach Tim Walton’s ejection. Florida Politics: Florida lawmakers reached a budget deal near $115 billion, with votes set for Friday and education provisions included. Space Coast Watch: SpaceX kicked off Memorial Day with a Falcon 9 Starlink launch from Cape Canaveral, and more launches are on the calendar. Tech & Utilities: NextEra and Dominion are moving toward a mega-merger, aiming to meet long-term electricity demand. Public Health: WHO says hantavirus is “stable for now” after cases tied to a Dutch cruise ship.

NCAA Softball Shockwave: Texas Tech run-ruled Florida 16-7 in Game 3, ending the Gators’ season and handing UF its first-ever NCAA postseason run-rule loss at home—after a weekend that also included a heated moment when Florida and Texas Tech skipped the traditional postgame handshake. WCWS Field Locks In: Mississippi State punched its first-ever Women’s College World Series berth by shutting out Oklahoma 6-0, while Texas and Tennessee also advanced, setting up Oklahoma City matchups starting Thursday. Florida Politics: Florida lawmakers wrapped budget negotiations with a final deal, with approval set for Friday before it heads to Gov. Ron DeSantis. Coral Reef Science: Nova Southeastern University was named NOAA’s Atlantic Reef Research Coordination hub, bringing more funding and coordination for restoration across Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Space Economy Buzz: Investors are watching SpaceX’s upcoming IPO as Florida keeps its eye on Starship and Falcon launches from the Space Coast.

NCAA Softball Showdown: Florida and Texas Tech are set for a winner-take-all Game 3 in Gainesville at noon ET, after Florida blasted Texas Tech 10-2 in Saturday’s Super Regional to force the decisive finale. Sports Spotlight: The rest of Sunday’s Super Regional slate is also do-or-die—Texas vs. Arizona State, Oklahoma vs. Mississippi State, and UNC vs. Georgia Tech—each with a ticket to the Women’s College World Series on the line. Tech & Health: NASA is using AI to spot harmful algae blooms earlier, aiming to help Florida coastal communities move from “too late” to “in time.” Local Governance: Leon County launched an online election-audit dashboard so voters can view post-election audit data and redacted ballot images. Policy & Platforms: Texas AG Ken Paxton sued Discord over security claims and alleged risks to kids, joining other states taking action against the app. Big Money in Medicine: Mayo Clinic Jacksonville received a $75 million gift for expansion, including a new Lee Ringhaver Tower.

NCAA Softball Spotlight: Florida’s Jocelyn Erickson went 3-for-5 with a homer and three RBIs, and Keagan Rothrock fired a complete game as the Gators beat Texas Tech 10-2 to force a winner-take-all Game 3 after a Friday opener loss. Game-Day Drama: The series was also hit by weather—rain delayed Saturday’s start and even fan entry at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium. What’s Next (Florida): Florida and Texas Tech now meet Sunday for the Super Regional spot in Oklahoma City’s Women’s College World Series. Sports Beyond Florida: Elsewhere in the bracket, defending champion Texas is on the brink after losing to Arizona State, while Oklahoma survived a scare from Mississippi State. Tech & Policy: Texas sued Meta/WhatsApp over claims about end-to-end encryption, and Pavel Durov piled on publicly. Business/Local Tech: QuestingHound Technology Partners earned a national “top MSP” ranking from Clutch.

NCAA Softball: Texas Tech stunned Florida 10–8 in Game 1 of the Gainesville Super Regional, with NiJaree Canady and Mia Williams driving the damage; Florida answered with a big sixth to tie it 8–8, but Williams’ two-run homer in the seventh proved decisive—now the Red Raiders are one win from the Women’s College World Series. U.S.-Cuba Talks: A South Florida attorney says the negotiations are getting lost in “noise,” with the U.S. pressing for the release of 1,000+ political prisoners, property compensation, and lifting the embargo. Healthcare Philanthropy: A St. Augustine couple is donating $75 million to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, naming the expanded tower the Lee Ringhaver Tower. Disney/Universal: Disney’s Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run gets a Mandalorian-and-Grogu update, while Universal confirms Fast & Furious: Supercharged is closing in 2027. Public Safety: Brevard deputies captured a violent carjacking suspect after a 115 mph chase on I-95. Tech & Policy: School districts are leaning into AI cameras and other monitoring tools as campus safety tech spending grows.

NCAA Softball Shockwave: Texas Tech stunned Florida 10-8 in Game 1 of the Super Regional, with NiJaree Canady and Mia Williams delivering the late punch—Florida still had chances in the seventh, but the Red Raiders took a 1-0 series lead and move one win from Oklahoma City. ACC Tournament Momentum: North Carolina survived Virginia Tech 10-4 to advance to the ACC semis, setting up a rematch with Pitt. Sports TV & Live Action: The NCAA women’s golf championship is underway with Stanford atop the field and USC close behind after Friday’s opening rounds. AI + Power Moves: Google and Blackstone are teaming up on a massive AI cloud venture to meet surging chip demand, while Florida’s EV and tech ecosystem keeps expanding—from certified collision guidance for Taycans to STEM EV Electrathon races at Homestead. Public Safety Debate: Florida’s growing use of speed cameras and license plate readers in school zones is drawing fresh privacy and oversight questions.

JUCO Spotlight: Salt Lake Community College is set to defend its title at the JUCO World Series after a West District crown, with coach David Nelson saying the Bruins now have “a target on our backs.” NCAA Softball: Tennessee is one win from the Women’s College World Series, leading Georgia 3-1 after Game 1 of the Knoxville Super Regional, with Game 2 Friday on ESPN2. Local Business Watch: Cape Coral families want faster, clearer communication from boat lift contractors—because delays can cost a whole week on the water. Logistics & Growth: Roadway Moving is adding 85 vehicles ahead of peak summer demand. Defense Tech: Red Cat’s Blue Ops launched the Variant 7 autonomous USV, aiming to scale fast for military customers. Crypto & Politics: Trump Media moved another 2,650 Bitcoin, fueling speculation about a potential sale as losses reportedly top $455 million. Health Care Moves: Lee Health agreed to acquire Florida Heart Associates, folding its cardiology practice and ASC into its Heart Institute. Courts & AI: Miami-Dade and Broward courts issued unified rules requiring verification of AI-generated filings.

SpaceX Starship Drama: SpaceX scrubbed its planned Starship V3 launch at the last minute after a tower-arm pin failed to retract, pushing the next attempt to Friday—an especially high-stakes test as the rocket is central to NASA moon plans and SpaceX faces extra scrutiny ahead of its IPO. Big 12 Baseball: Oklahoma State surged late to beat UCF 12-6 in the Big 12 semifinals and set up a Friday matchup. Weather Disrupts Softball: Game 1 of the OSU-Nebraska Lincoln Super Regional was suspended after rain hit in the first inning, with the restart now set for Friday. Florida Softball Spotlight: Florida opens its Super Regional weekend vs. Texas Tech, with the Gators aiming for a third straight Women’s College World Series trip. Cost-of-Living Pressure: Kroger’s new CEO says price cuts are coming on thousands of products as shoppers “lighten baskets,” while Memorial Day travel demand is shifting as fuel prices stay high. Public Safety & Tech: The FBI shut down an India-based tech support call center tied to scams targeting elderly Americans.