AGP Executive Report

Restaurant Fee Transparency: Florida’s new law starting July 1 forces restaurants to clearly disclose required service charges—like automatic gratuities, delivery fees, and credit card surcharges—before customers pay, including itemized amounts on receipts. Holiday Cost Pressure: A new American Farm Bureau survey puts the average July 4 cookout for 10 people at $84.36 nationwide, with Florida costing more than the national average—yet farmers aren’t necessarily seeing higher profits. Whole Foods Expansion: Whole Foods opened its first Doral location, a 43,000-square-foot store featuring more than 550 items from 125 Florida suppliers, plus local beer, wine, and seafood. Food Safety Watch: Health officials are investigating a fast-growing “explosive diarrhea” parasite outbreak (cyclosporiasis) with a major spike in Michigan and cases across multiple states. Local Dining Oversight: Nassau County’s June restaurant inspections showed a mixed bag—18 passed on first inspection, while 21 needed follow-up action. Consumer Recall: Utz Quality Foods recalled certain Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips due to a possible salmonella risk tied to a seasoning ingredient.

Holiday Inflation at the Grill: The American Farm Bureau Federation says a classic Fourth of July cookout for 10 now costs $73.82, up 4% from last year, with families feeling the pinch on staples like burgers, lemonade, strawberries and cookies. Food Safety Watch: The CDC is tracking a parasite that causes “explosive” diarrhea, with cases reported across 17 states and a sharp surge in Michigan as officials investigate contaminated produce. Egg Price-Fixing Fallout: DOJ and 17 state AGs reached settlements with major egg producers over alleged collusion to inflate egg prices; the deals include $3.3 million in payments and 53 million eggs donated. Lottery Fraud: A Florida Lottery investigation led to the arrest of a Bay County retailer employee accused of mishandling a $1,000 scratch-off compliance ticket and later selling the prize claim. Local Access to Food: In Polk County, We Care of Central Florida is expanding free Uber rides to grocery stores and food pantries for residents who can’t reliably get to meals. Wildlife Warning for Fireworks: Audubon Florida urges beach communities to rethink July 4 fireworks, saying noise can frighten nesting shorebirds and harm chicks.

Fourth of July Food & Drink: Restaurants and bars are rolling out America 250-themed deals and drink promos for the holiday weekend, with many offers tied to loyalty programs and delivery apps. Public Health & Safety: Florida doctors are warning that heat, alcohol, and improperly stored perishable food are common causes of ER visits over July 4, urging hydration and safe refrigeration. Foodborne Illness Watch: The CDC is investigating cyclosporiasis, an “explosive” diarrhea parasite linked to contaminated food, with cases reported in Florida and 16 other states. Produce Quality: A new study finds big variation in produce shelf life across major grocery chains, with many strawberries, salad mixes, and romaine hearts spoiling earlier than expected. Local Community Relief: Central Florida’s Venezuelan community is collecting nonperishable food, medical supplies, and hygiene items via Bravo Supermarkets drop-offs and online fundraising after the earthquakes. Dining Spotlight: A Miami roundup highlights 11 standout burger spots, including places known for fresh-cut fries.

Food Safety Watch: A Cyclospora outbreak linked to contaminated food has sickened at least 145 people across 17 states, with Florida among those reporting cases—health officials urge caution with produce and hygiene. Restaurant & Consumer Policy: Florida’s new law cracking down on hidden restaurant fees takes effect, requiring diners to see charges upfront before ordering. Antitrust & Grocery Costs: DOJ and multiple states reached settlements with major egg producers over alleged price-fixing; companies will pay $3.3M and donate tens of millions of eggs—another pressure point for Florida shoppers. Local Openings: A new Tiki Docks Bar & Grill is planned for Viera, bringing tropical food and rum cocktails to the dining district. Community & Food Relief: South Florida volunteers continue shipping earthquake aid to Venezuela, including food and family necessity kits. Immigration Oversight: Advocates demand inspections of a Miramar ICE office after reports of crowded, unsanitary conditions.

Egg Price-Fixing Settlement: The DOJ and 17 states reached agreements with major egg producers Cal-Maine, Versova and Hickman’s over alleged collusion to rig egg price quotations, with $3.3M in payments and about 53 million eggs headed to food banks and nonprofits. Public Health Watch: The CDC says a diarrhea-causing parasite (cyclosporiasis) is rising in the U.S., with cases reported after people ate food locally—prompting reminders to watch for symptoms and follow food safety guidance. Restaurant & Grocery Consumer Impact: Consumer Reports tested rotisserie chickens and ranked top picks available in Florida, adding another data point for shoppers trying to balance taste, nutrition and sodium. Local Food Culture & Events: Island SPACE Caribbean Museum’s Mango Festival in Pembroke Pines drew about 1,200 attendees and is quickly becoming a Broward-area food-and-culture draw. Tourism & Hospitality: Pyramid Global Hospitality added Naples Bay Resort & Marina to its Benchmark collection, bringing more on-site dining and event options to the Naples market. Policy & Budget: Gov. DeSantis vetoed funding tied to food insecurity and senior health initiatives in the FY 2026-27 budget.

Egg Price-Fixing Fallout: The DOJ and 17 states reached settlements with Cal-Maine Foods, Versova and Hickman’s Egg Ranch over alleged collusion to inflate egg price benchmarks from 2022 to 2025. The deal totals $3.3M and 53 million eggs donated to food banks and nonprofits, with Florida among the receiving states. Local Infrastructure & Coastal Dining: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a permit for Lee County to rebuild the Fort Myers Beach pier—a 1,000-foot concrete project estimated at $11.8M—a move that could boost waterfront foot traffic for local food and beverage businesses. South Florida Hospitality Investment: Lost Boy Hospitality launched a public investment campaign to expand its Downtown Miami neighborhood bar concept Lost Boy Dry Goods across South Florida, targeting new openings in 2027–2028. Retail & Food Access: Buc-ee’s announced four new Florida travel centers (including near Fort Pierce and Ocala), bringing more fuel-and-food stop options for road trippers. Tomatoflation Watch: Florida’s tomato crop took a hit from winter freezes, helping push national tomato prices to record highs—an ongoing pressure point for grocery shoppers and restaurant menus. Hurricane Readiness: A Florida Chamber safety panel urged businesses to test hurricane plans now, not later, to protect operations and reduce losses.

Egg Price-Fixing Fallout: A multistate deal tied to DOJ claims of coordinated egg price manipulation will send 53 million eggs and $3.3 million in penalties nationwide, with Florida included in the settlement. Local Business Watch: Popeyes franchisee Sailormen Inc. is closing nearly 20 more Florida locations after a bankruptcy auction left stores unsold, adding to earlier shutdowns. New Miami Bakery Buzz: Paris Baguette opened its first Miami café in Wynwood, bringing a Korean-style self-serve pastry lineup with Lavazza coffee. Public Safety—Alligator Attacks: Central Florida saw another deadly alligator incident, with officials noting attacks are rare but rising concerns persist after multiple bites in a week. Food Policy—Restaurant Fees: Florida’s new rules requiring clearer restaurant fee disclosures are set to reshape how diners see charges at checkout. Relief Efforts: South Florida pro teams, including Inter Miami and the Marlins, are collecting supplies for Venezuela earthquake victims.

Food & Nutrition: A new report asks “how much shrimp is too much,” weighing shrimp’s protein and micronutrients against cholesterol concerns and who should be more cautious. Community Dining: In Gainesville, a mother-daughter team behind “Have a Heart Kitchen” is serving free hot meals about three days a week, funded by donations and their own money. Policy & Prices: New York AG Letitia James secured a settlement tied to an illegal egg-pricing scheme, with millions of eggs headed to food banks—another reminder of how grocery staples can get politicized. Restaurant Rules: Florida is set to require transparency in restaurant service charges, a move that could change how diners see the final bill. Wildlife & Safety: Florida’s Burmese python challenge returns this July with an emphasis on awareness and responsible pet ownership, not total eradication. Local Business: A new Italian restaurant, Colletta, just opened at The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa in Avon, adding another dining option for visitors and locals. Travel & Convenience: Buc-ee’s expansion plans keep shifting, including a confirmed Ocala timeline update—watch for more Florida-area convenience competition.

Convenience Expansion: ExtraMile opened its first Florida convenience store in Gainesville, signaling a push for more than 250 locations over five years. Food-Industry Rules: Florida’s new “hidden fee” law (SB 606) takes effect July 1, requiring restaurants to clearly list mandatory operations charges—like gratuities and service fees—before diners pay. Local Dining Moves: Miami taqueria Taquiza is closing its North Beach spot at month’s end and relocating to Little River, keeping its nixtamalized blue corn tortillas in the spotlight. Burger Buzz: USA TODAY highlighted 13 Florida burger joints worth the drive, from smash patties to bigger grill favorites. Public Safety: FWC reports a deadly alligator attack in Central Florida and warns against feeding alligators, urging people to report “nuisance” animals that associate with humans. Relief Efforts: South Florida volunteers and businesses are organizing donations for Venezuela after two deadly earthquakes, including food, hygiene items, and medical supplies.

Food Prices & Summer Cookouts: A new Farm Bureau survey says a Fourth of July cookout for 10 now costs $73.82—up 4% year over year—driven by higher strawberries and beef. Local Dining & Community: Clearwater’s Frankie’s Deli keeps its NY-style pressed-sandwich identity while leaning on long-running neighborhood ties. Food Safety Recalls: USDA flagged multiple food safety actions, urging shoppers to check products. Brewing & Agriculture Education: First Magnitude Brewing’s Pollinator Palooza drew more than 200 buzzes, spotlighting pollinators’ role in Florida crops. Alligator Safety Near Water: FWC reported multiple Central Florida bites in days, including a juvenile fishing incident and a woman attacked while swimming—reminding residents to keep distance and never feed gators. Disaster Prep for Families: DeSoto County urged people with disabilities or special needs to register for the Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry ahead of hurricane season. Humanitarian Relief for Venezuela: Donations and supplies continue to flow from Florida and beyond for earthquake victims, including drives in Melbourne and Doral.

Food Safety Watch: Utz Quality Foods issued a voluntary recall of certain limited varieties of Zapp’s and Dirty Potato Chips after a seasoning ingredient may contain Salmonella, urging shoppers to check batch codes. Restaurant Transparency: Florida’s new “hidden fee” crackdown—requiring restaurants to list mandatory extra charges before ordering and itemize them on bills—kicks in July 1. Local Dining News: Murray Bros. Caddyshack in World Golf Village (St. Augustine area) is permanently closing after 25 years, with no clear reason given. Alligator Safety: FWC confirmed two Central Florida alligator bite incidents in a week, including a juvenile bitten while fishing at Nelson’s Outdoor Resort in Umatilla; officials stress distance and never feeding alligators. Public Health & Food Aid: A USDA FSIS day saw multiple actions, including a Listeria alert and allergen-related issues tied to specific products—consumers should review recent labels. Community Relief: A Melbourne-area drive is collecting nonperishable food and medical supplies for Venezuela earthquake victims, with shipments routed through South Florida.

Local Food Business Spotlight: A South Florida restaurateur, Ai Lien Luong Phung, turns a refugee story into a kosher restaurant empire, showing how food can carry identity across generations. Disaster Relief & Community Feeding: After Venezuela’s deadly earthquakes, U.S. search teams rescued an infant, while South Florida groups in Doral and Miami-Dade organized donations of water, diapers, canned goods, hygiene items, and medical supplies. Food Safety Recall: Reser’s Fine Foods recalled “Molly’s Kitchen California Style Pasta Salad” after it was mislabeled and may actually be chicken salad with undeclared egg and milk allergens, with distribution including Florida. SNAP & Public Health Policy: Arkansas begins a July 1 SNAP waiver that blocks benefits for soda and certain “unhealthy” items, joining similar restrictions already in Florida and other states. Florida Agriculture & Livestock: Florida beefed up emergency rules for dairy cattle imports after H5N1 detections in Idaho, citing testing and movement requirements. Wildlife & Animal Care: Peace River Wildlife Center is moving ahead with a new education center opening in October, expanding space for native animal rehabilitation and public programs.

Food Recall Watch: USDA warned Florida shoppers that certain 5-lb tubs of Molly’s Kitchen California Style Pasta Salad (use-by July 16, 2026; code P-00874) may be mislabeled and could contain undeclared egg and milk allergens, with the recall affecting Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Local Grants & Schools: Miami-Dade County Public Schools received $70,000 in EPA-backed “Go Green” grants—$45,000 for indoor air quality/building efficiency and $25,000 to expand recycling infrastructure for participating schools. Disaster Relief via Restaurants: South Florida’s Venezuelan community is turning restaurants into donation hubs for earthquake survivors, with Doral-based Global Empowerment Mission coordinating shipments alongside local partners. Dining Innovation: Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas debuts Royal Railway—an immersive dinner-theater concept bringing vintage train-style dining to the Icon-class ship. Community Food Access: Operation Hope is collecting backpacks and school supplies for 500 students ahead of an Aug. 1 distribution. Policy & Permits: Monroe County is holding public workshops on proposed food truck regulations for vendors operating at fixed locations in unincorporated areas for more than six months.

Food Safety & Public Health: Charlotte County issued a rabies advisory after a confirmed case in a raccoon near Jarvis Street in Port Charlotte, prompting a 180-day quarantine for a nearby dog and urging residents to avoid wildlife contact. Agriculture & Biosecurity: The new world screwworm fly has reappeared in the U.S., with officials racing to eradicate the flesh-eating parasite after new cases were reported in Texas and beyond—raising stakes for the $113B cattle industry. Hurricane Season Prep: Sun Coast Media is hosting a free Home & Hurricane Expo in Englewood with local experts, emergency response teams, and food available from vendors. SNAP & Food Access: Florida’s SNAP program faces major risk tied to high error rates, with analysts warning penalties could threaten funding and access for vulnerable residents. Dining & Wine: Southwest Florida restaurants earned Wine Spectator 2026 awards, including a Grand Award for Bleu Provence in Naples. Community Relief: South Florida’s Venezuelan community is organizing food and supply drives at El Arepazo in Doral as aid efforts ramp up after deadly earthquakes.

Convenience & travel retail: Love’s Travel Stops is pushing more Florida-ready upgrades, including a remodeled Gretna-area stop and broader 2026 work across its network, while Royal Farms opened a new 24/7 store in Harwood, Md., with made-to-order chicken and fresh food. Food assistance scrutiny: Florida’s SNAP payment error rate fell to 12.97% in 2025, still above the federal 10% threshold, putting the state on track for nearly a $1 billion penalty and a corrective action plan. Humanitarian relief logistics: CBS Miami and Neighbors 4 Neighbors launched “Hope 4 Venezuela,” collecting nonperishable food, hygiene items, baby supplies and clothing at GEM’s Doral warehouse. Immigration detention fallout: “Alligator Alcatraz” is being dismantled, but environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe say the fight over Everglades damage and remediation isn’t over. Local food culture: In Sam Eats Local, Boise Pie Co. gets a spotlight for its sweet-and-savory pies and a breakfast sandwich packed with textures and flavor. Sushi market momentum: Hissho Sushi says sushi remains resilient as consumers seek “accessible premium” meals, with growth showing up in retail sales.

Food Safety Recall: Morrisons issued an urgent recall of Coronation Chicken Pasta (230g packs, batch GBB 584 031, use-by June 30, 2026) after “Florida Salad” with undeclared milk was found inside—anyone with a milk allergy or intolerance is told not to eat it and to return it for a refund. Community Food Access: Community Cooperative released its July 2026 Mobile Food Pantry schedule across Southwest Florida, bringing emergency groceries to neighborhoods like Cape Coral and Fort Myers. Local Hospitality & Dining: World Cup crowds are boosting Palm Beach County bars and restaurants, with staff reporting heavy drink and food demand as fans pack venues. Relief Efforts (Food & Supplies): Inter Miami CF Foundation and the City of Doral are collecting non-perishable food and key supplies for Venezuela earthquake victims at Nu Stadium through July 3. Animal & Food-Adjacent News: An Ocala family is preparing for an emotional reunion after their missing dog was found months later in New York—identified via microchip. Public Health/Environment: Collier County keeps its July 4th home fireworks burn ban in place due to drought conditions, with public displays still operating.