AGP Executive Report

Food Access & Community Support: The Salvation Army in Osceola County says demand is rising fast for its Mobile Food Pantry, with preregistrations up 68% for September as families feel squeezed by inflation and gas costs. Local Dining & Culture: Jacksonville’s Austin’s Soul Food and Catering reopened after a two-year closure, keeping a 20-year family legacy alive with classic Southern plates. Agriculture & Animal Health: Georgia’s ABAC and UGA veterinary school signed a deal to build a rural, food-animal vet pipeline through a new incentive program aimed at shortages. Consumer Health & Nutrition: A Florida-area clinical trial reports daily blueberry intake improved blood vessel function and lowered blood pressure in postmenopausal women with hypertension. Theme Parks & Alcohol Rules: Disney’s EPCOT Food & Wine visitors are running into ID issues at alcohol purchases, with some denied service when they don’t bring valid identification. Aquaculture & Seafood Future: A Gulf open-water fish farming experiment in Alabama is testing whether small-scale aquaculture can be both ecologically and economically viable. Business/Travel Costs: Rising gas prices are cutting into earnings for Florida delivery drivers, with AAA and oil-price pressures cited.

Health & Food Science: A new Florida-linked study says one cup of blueberries daily for eight weeks improved blood vessel function and lowered systolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women with early hypertension, pointing to anthocyanins as the likely driver. Gulf Seafood & Farming: Louisiana-focused reporting highlights a Gulf open-water fish-farming experiment raising redfish, raising big questions about whether aquaculture can be both eco-sound and economically viable. Florida Citrus: Federal figures show Florida citrus acreage keeps shrinking, with USDA preliminary counts putting the state at 165,359 acres for 2026-27—down sharply from recent years—blamed on storms, disease, and development. Community Food Relief: Miami-Dade announced a free Farm Share food distribution in Doral for families on Sept. 15, no income paperwork required. Record-Breaking Food Fundraiser: Palm City’s Old Havana Cafe and House of Hope teamed up to build a 400-foot Cuban sandwich to spotlight food insecurity, with donations matched up to $15,000. Food Safety: The CDC declared a multistate Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce over after 12,883 illnesses across 21 states, with the implicated product tied to Taylor Farms de Mexico.

Food Safety Recall Watch: The FDA expanded a Walmart recall of Great Value frozen berries over possible E. coli O145 contamination, now listing distribution to more Florida stores and additional states/territories. Public Health Update: The CDC says a major Cyclospora outbreak tied to processed iceberg lettuce is over, after thousands of illnesses across dozens of states. Local Food & Drink Business: Donut Kingdom opened a long-delayed Tallahassee shop in Mahan Square, a win for local dessert fans after permitting and contracting delays. Supply Chain & Retail: Aldi announced nine new store openings this month, including multiple Florida locations, signaling more competition for grocery budgets. Community & Culture: The Tallahassee Beer Society turns 9 with an all-local beer-and-food party supporting the Leon County Humane Society. Hospitality Operations: Universal Studios Florida will run a reduced ride lineup during select fall nights, with several attractions and dining options temporarily unavailable.

Food Safety Watch: The CDC says a Cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce is officially over, though the FDA will keep investigating; in Florida, Charlotte County reported six cases as the probe winds down. Recall Alert: Walmart expanded a Great Value frozen berries recall over possible E. coli O145 contamination, with Florida among the affected states—check your freezer and batch details. Local Dining Update: Brownsville’s Quickly (formerly Yummy Deli) is temporarily closed for maintenance, with an unclear reopening date. Food Access & Community: Suncoast Credit Union is matching donations to the Harry Chapin Food Bank through Sept. 30, and VyStar opened a volunteer resource center at Feeding Northeast Florida to boost year-round hunger relief. Campus Meals: After UF ended a 55-year lunch deal with the Hare Krishna group, Krishna-To-Go launched for preorder vegetarian meals for pickup on campus. Health & Nutrition: A Florida-linked clinical trial highlights blueberries’ potential to lower blood pressure and arterial stiffness.

Food Safety Watch: The FDA says the multi-state cyclospora outbreak is over, with 12,883 illnesses in 21 states tied to contaminated iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico; all recalled lettuce is off the market, though investigations continue. Recall Alert: The FDA also ordered a recall of 1,093 ready-to-eat sandwiches in Georgia and Florida after eggs were improperly declared on FreshPoint of Orlando’s Created Fresh! Cranberry Chicken Salad Wedges. Local Food & Community: Palm Beach County Food Bank is inviting volunteers to pack 300,000 meals at the Kravis Center’s “Pack to Give Back” event Sept. 15. Dining & Business: Grain & Berry, a Tampa healthy-cafe chain, opens its first Maryland location in Harbor Point this weekend. Public Health & Nutrition: A new study highlights blueberries’ potential to help lower blood pressure, with one cup daily linked to improved vessel function in a clinical trial. Food Industry & Labor: Worker-rights group WeCount staged a multi-state action targeting Costa Farms, including a Florida stop, pushing for heat protections for nursery workers. Retail/Consumer: A DoorDash driver in Palm Beach pulled a gun during a dispute over a missing drink, underscoring how delivery mishaps can turn dangerous.

Health & Food Research: A new clinical trial highlights blueberries as a daily, produce-aisle “hypertension helper,” with one cup a day for eight weeks linked to lower systolic blood pressure and improved blood vessel function in postmenopausal women. Local Dining Deals: Englewood’s “Let’s Eat, Englewood” returns Sept. 10–24 with fixed-price menus—$22 for lunch (two courses) and $42 for dinner (three courses)—aimed at boosting local restaurants during the slow season. Restaurant Growth: Chickpea House is planning a third Pensacola-area spot on University Parkway, expanding from its 2025 opening and a newer to-go-only location. Food Access in Florida: Midwest Food Bank helped load and distribute more than 30,000 pounds of food through Immokalee-area nonprofits, reaching 12 agencies. Food Safety Recall Watch: FDA-linked reporting says a seed supplier behind a sprouts outbreak may have been named in an enforcement report, underscoring ongoing recall scrutiny. Industry & Checkoff: The Cattlemen’s Beef Board approved about $39.5M in fiscal 2027 Checkoff spending for beef promotion, research, and consumer info. Community Food Events: Marco Island’s JW Marriott hosts the Island Chef: Pantry Challenge on Sept. 12 to benefit Our Daily Bread Food Pantry.

Food Safety Alerts: FDA says Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend sold at Walmart in 16 states, including Florida, may be contaminated with E. coli; consumers should discard or return for a refund. Health & Nutrition: A new study highlights blueberries’ potential to help lower blood pressure, pointing to daily intake benefits tied to anthocyanins and improved blood vessel function. Community Food Relief: Feeding South Florida kicks off Hunger Action Month with “Go Orange” events, fundraisers, and matched donations to fight food insecurity across Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe. Local Dining & Growth: Pura Vida Miami opens its first Tampa Bay location at Water Street, bringing its clean-eating, vegan and gluten-free menu to the region. Business & Food Industry: Florida’s tariff burden is estimated at $12B since Jan. 2025, with food and beverages among the most hit imports. Restaurant News: Havana Harry’s in Coral Gables announces a fall reopening after more than a year closed, with a renovated space and its classic Cuban comfort-food menu.

New Restaurant Openings: Opal Sol’s Clearwater Beach Walk is adding three public-friendly spots—Lolita’s Coastal Cocina, Float Malt Shop & Creamery, and Beach Market grab-and-go—bringing a Mexico-meets-Florida menu and locally sourced seafood to the shoreline. Food Safety: FreshPoint of Orlando recalled 1,093 Created Fresh! Cranberry Chicken Salad Wedge sandwiches in Georgia and Florida because egg was listed but missing from the allergen warning; no illnesses reported. Public Health Alert: Florida saw a fourth death tied to Vibrio vulnificus, a flesh-eating bacteria linked to raw seafood; health officials urge caution with oysters and wound exposure. Supply Chain Costs: Diesel prices near record highs are squeezing Florida food delivery and truck fleets, with Feeding South Florida citing sharply higher fuel bills for deliveries to food banks. Consumer Watch: AAA reports Florida gas near $4 while diesel hits record levels, raising worries that higher transport costs could push up everyday prices. Business Brief: Nanox Health IT and related imaging software updates showed revenue growth but a large impairment charge in its latest earnings call.

Florida Minimum Wage: Florida’s minimum wage is rising to $15 an hour by month’s end, with workers and economists split on whether it meaningfully boosts purchasing power. Food Safety & Water: A boil water notice was issued for parts of the Nassau-Amelia Water System on Amelia Island after maintenance caused a temporary water interruption. Restaurant & Retail Openings: Brevard County saw more than 30 new restaurants, coffee shops, and bakeries open in 2026, adding fresh options from fast-casual chains to local concepts. Local Dining Buzz: OpenTable highlighted Central Florida “neighborhood gem” restaurants, spotlighting standout pizza, Indian cuisine, and woodfired Italian. Theme Park Perks for Educators: SeaWorld Orlando is offering eligible Florida K-12 teachers free admission through Sept. 2, 2027, with Aquatica add-ons available. Industry Insurance: Cuisine Coverage launched as a nationwide restaurant insurance agency aimed at closing the coverage gap for operators without business insurance. Southwest Florida Dining/Entertainment: Alamo Drafthouse Naples is closing Sept. 9, with the theater continuing under Paragon Theaters. Food & Beverage Economy: Florida cattle ranchers are urging federal help as beef import moves raise concerns about affordability and domestic producer impact.

Food Safety Alert: USDA issued a Class I recall of 1,513 pounds of ready-to-eat Italian pork guanciale (pork jowl) after Listeria monocytogenes was found in a routine import test; products were distributed by Prime Line Distributors (Ft. Lauderdale) and Ferrarini USA, with best-if-used-by May 16, 2027 and lot 263311US. Local Dining Buzz: Downtown Miami welcomed Pho Nam, a Vietnamese noodle shop from chef Tam Pham and sommelier Harrison Ramhofer, leaning into slow-simmered broths, Vietnamese coffee, and classic dishes like pho, bánh xèo, and bánh tráng nướng. Community & Hunger: A new report ranks Vermont No. 1 for school meals in 2026, highlighting how states reach students with lunch and breakfast access. Events in Florida: Big Taste returns to Martin County Oct. 6 with tastings from 20+ local restaurants and beverage partners to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. Retail Watch: Costco plans additional warehouse openings across the U.S. and Canada, including new locations in the coming months.

Food Safety Alerts: USDA ordered a recall of 1,500+ pounds of ready-to-eat Italian pork guanciale/jowl products after routine testing found possible Listeria contamination; the affected items were distributed by Prime Line Distributors (Fort Lauderdale) and Ferrarini USA (Hoboken) and were shipped to multiple states, with Florida included. More Recall News: FDA also reported an expanded Walmart frozen-berry recall tied to an ongoing E. coli outbreak; Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend bags in 16 states (including Florida) are affected, with no illnesses linked to the specific added lot yet. Local Hunger Relief: Florida’s Palm Beach County Food Bank and the Kravis Center are teaming up for a Sept. 15 “Pack to Give Back” drive aiming to pack 300,000 meals for food-insecure residents. Business & Industry: Whataburger confirmed 17 new openings this fall, including two Florida locations in Fort Myers and Estero. Community & Food Access: Attorney General Jeff Jackson’s antitrust settlement with major egg producers is sending 270,000 eggs to a North Carolina food bank—another reminder of how legal actions can quickly translate into groceries for families.

Food Safety Alert: USDA issued a Class I recall for about 1,513 pounds of imported Italian ready-to-eat pork guanciale after a lab test found possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination; Prime Line Distributors (Fort Lauderdale, FL) and Ferrarini USA (Hoboken, NJ) are pulling specific lot 263311US items with best if used by 05.16.27, shipped to multiple states including Florida. Local Dining & Community: In Ruskin, The Local Brew Company is opening a compact neighborhood concept that blends on-site craft brewing and coffee with an automated kitchen and a community-first vibe. Restaurant Scene: On Fort Myers Beach, Lani Kai Island Resort remodeled its sixth-floor Island View into the Island View Sports Bar, pairing Gulf views with game-day food and big-screen sports. Charity Food Event: Lakeland’s Academy Prep Center is gearing up for Cookin’ for Kids on Sept. 12, a Rotary vs. Kiwanis cooking showdown benefiting student scholarships. Consumer Watch: A Florida creator says she found a spider baked into a Pizza Hut pizza crust, prompting an inspection.

Food Safety Recall: USDA issued a Class I recall for about 1,500 pounds of imported ready-to-eat Italian pork guanciale (pork jowl) after Listeria monocytogenes was found in a routine lab test; the product was distributed to Florida and seven other states, with lot 263311US and a best-if-used-by date of 05.16.27. Health Insurance & Breast Care: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reversed course on coverage for synthetic surgical mesh used in breast reconstruction, now calling certain meshes “medically necessary” after additional studies—following a year-long investigation into denials. Local Enforcement: Florida DBPR inspectors found major sanitation problems at multiple South Florida eateries, including rodent droppings, roaches, flies landing on food, unsafe holding temperatures, and handwashing failures; several were ordered shut for cleanup before reopening. Community Food Support: Community Cooperative launched “Saucy September,” asking for shelf-stable sauces, spices, and condiments to boost emergency meal options for Southwest Florida families.

Food Safety Recall: Prime Line Distributors and Ferrarini USA are recalling 1,513 pounds of ready-to-eat Italian pork jowls (guanciale) due to possible Listeria contamination, with specific lot and “best if use by” dates tied to the affected packages. Produce & Outbreak Watch: Florida health officials are tracking a Cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce, with more than 400 cases reported in the state. E. coli Alerts: Walmart frozen berries are again in the spotlight as an E. coli-related recall expands to Great Value organic triple berry blend in 16 states, including Florida, as a precaution. Local Dining & Community: Fort Myers Beach launched its first Labor Day tradition, Bash on the Bay, bringing live music, food, drinks, and vendors to Matanzas on the Bay. Hospitality & Travel Disruption: A Miami International Airport cargo plane crash diverted flights to Fort Myers, leaving travelers facing major schedule and lodging decisions. Workforce & Health Care: A Supreme Court shift threatens work authorization for thousands of Haitian health care workers in Florida, raising alarms about staffing shortages for seniors.

Food Safety Alerts: Florida health officials say more than 400 people have been diagnosed with Cyclospora, tied to recalled iceberg lettuce, with guidance urging consumers to check for removed products. Recall Watch: Walmart frozen berries are back in the spotlight as an E. coli O145 outbreak recall expands to Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend sold in 16 states, including Florida; the FDA notes no illnesses linked to this specific product so far, but warns items may still be in freezers. Local Food Security: Gainesville’s Bread of the Mighty received 33,800 pounds of shelf-stable food from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, highlighting ongoing food insecurity in Alachua County. Campus Dining Policy: A Florida judge’s ruling and UF’s handling of Krishna lunches are driving fresh debate over on-campus food operations and safety decisions. Community Dining Resilience: A Tallahassee-area cafe reopens in Havana after lease troubles, adding soul and comfort food for a rallying local crowd.

New Openings & Local Dining: Four fast-casual spots opened in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, adding to a busy Southwest Florida dining stretch. Restaurant Spotlight: Mervis’ Cafe and Grille in Fort Pierce keeps Cuban tradition alive with decades-old recipes, plus a small on-site U.S. Post Office for customers. Food Safety & Inspections: Palmer Legends Country Club in The Villages faced a follow-up health inspection after 16 violations, including unsafe cold-holding temperatures and raw scallops stored above cheese. Policy & Hemp Retail: A federal continuing resolution delays most upcoming hemp restrictions, giving Florida retailers a short-term reprieve on THC products. Hospitality & Travel: Disney World’s Food and Wine Classic adds a new James Beard chef tasting event with limited tickets, while Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay debuts its Great Tides Waterpark. Community Events: Jacksonville’s Third Thursday Sip & Stroll returns Sept. 17 with food trucks, live music, and a temporary Riverwalk footprint shift.