AGP Executive Report

School Safety: Okaloosa County deputies arrested a 12-year-old after officials say a social media post threatened school violence, with tips funneled through Fortify Florida. Youth Violence Case: Alachua County deputies arrested an 11-year-old accused of threatening children with a handgun at a neighborhood playground. Higher Ed Leadership: Pensacola State College named J. Alex Kelly as the sole finalist for president, with forums planned after Ed Meadows’ December retirement. College Costs: Florida State University is seeking approval for out-of-state undergraduate tuition and local fee increases that could take effect in fall 2027. Campus Public Safety: University of Florida police reported a 51-year-old man died after stepping off a ledge inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium; investigators say he was not affiliated with UF. Policy Watch: FDOT revoked permits for automated license plate readers on state roads and ordered local agencies to remove devices within 30 days. Workforce Pipeline: Be Pro Be Proud’s mobile workshop model is expanding in Florida and other states to expose students to skilled technical careers. College Admissions Strategy: A guide highlights how early decision and early action can boost odds, but stresses strong preparation and plan-B options.

Higher Ed Funding Debate: A new response to Kevin Carey’s $10,000-per-student proposal argues it could boost research and expand access by tying aid to tuition-free enrollment for lower-income families. International Student Impact: A study says the U.S. is set to lose 111,000 international students this school year, costing about $3.4 billion and nearly 40,000 jobs, with downstream losses lasting years. Local Enrollment Snapshot: Manatee County school enrollment rose year over year, with multiple schools showing gains in student counts. Student Innovation Spotlight: Florida Atlantic University High School highlights a 16-year-old entrepreneur running an education nonprofit and building AI/medical software while still taking college-level classes. Community & Food Insecurity: Southwest Florida’s Sizzle Dining returns for its 10th year, with proceeds supporting weekend meals for elementary students through Blessings in a Backpack. STEM Research: FAU Harbor Branch researchers report coastal dolphins use different sound patterns for socializing versus hunting along Florida’s Atlantic coast.

Student Access & Aid: Martin County School District won the MVP Trophy in the 2025–26 Florida FAFSA Challenge, boosting FAFSA completion by 4.8 points through a district–foundation partnership that helped students and families clear barriers. Health & School Policy: Florida’s attorney general is pressing Catholic schools to honor religious exemptions from vaccination requirements tied to state scholarship eligibility, escalating a dispute with bishops over how exemptions should work. Higher Ed & Careers: Florida Polytechnic says its STEM majors align with the nation’s highest-paying undergraduate fields, citing top earnings for computer engineering and computer science. STEM in Action: NASA launched the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope from Kennedy Space Center, with University of Hawai‘i researchers contributing technology and science planning—another Florida win for research and education. Campus Safety: A bomb threat prompted an evacuation at College of Central Florida, where students later spoke out about the incident. Community Learning: Edward Waters University kicked off its football season with a home win, spotlighting student life and campus events.

Coaching Pay & Contracts: Todd Golden’s latest deal keeps rolling—Florida signed him to a one-year extension worth $49.5 million total, lifting his next-season salary to $7.5 million and running through 2031-32, with a steep buyout and mostly guaranteed terms. College Football Season Opener: Florida State opened 2026 with a 34-17 win over New Mexico State, with Ashton Daniels flashing in his debut (202 yards, TD, rushing TD) while the offensive line and third-down defense still need work. FAMU Football: Florida A&M beat Albany State 20-7 in its first game under Quinn Fordham Gray Sr., led by a defense that recorded 10 sacks and special teams that blocked two kicks. Local School Staffing: Genesis Classical Academy welcomed eight new teachers for 2026-27, including a new headmaster and new preschool through upper elementary roles. Higher Ed Curriculum Pressure: A new wave of cuts is hitting Black studies programs nationwide, with multiple universities reducing or eliminating African American studies majors, courses, and staff. Student Learning Abroad: State College of Florida students took a summer study trip to France, Switzerland and the Riviera, using museum and site visits to connect coursework to real-world history and culture.

Emergency Management Education: Gov. Ron DeSantis announced FIU-led training for college students through the “Coalition for Operational Readiness and Education” (CORE), a hands-on emergency management program with 11 state colleges already set to adopt it. School Health Policy: Florida is moving to remove four vaccines from public school requirements, including Hepatitis B and chickenpox, as officials cite policy changes and legal challenges continue. Campus Safety: College of Central Florida in Ocala was evacuated after a bomb threat; police cleared the scene with no devices found. Higher Ed Housing: Florida Tech cut the ribbon on “Crimson Crossing,” a new 556-bed dorm project expanding campus housing by 27%. Student Life & Athletics: Florida women’s soccer kept rolling with a 6-0 win over Jacksonville, while FGCU played FIU in a hard-fought match. Community Spotlight: West Palm Beach welcomed 52 Miss America contestants for the pageant’s new home, with education and service highlighted during opening ceremonies.

Student Housing Push: South Florida State College trustees say they’re ready to commit to new student housing after years of stalled planning, with a proposed new focus group and funding from multiple sources. Campus Safety Tech: Brown University plans to plug into Providence’s Real Time Crime Center with activation-based sharing rules after reviews found fast police response but disconnected camera systems. School Rules: Westerly Public Schools adds a new ban on personal electronic devices during school hours, alongside new principals and a new State Street Elementary opening. Local Sports as Community News: Week 2 high school football delivered big moments across Florida, from Tate’s 24-21 win over Milton to Raines’ 52-14 rout of Baldwin and multiple Friday-night score roundups. Student Life at USF: USF Student Government held its 2026–2027 inauguration to swear in new leaders and emphasize listening to students first. Workforce Context: Florida’s unemployment rate dipped to 4.6% in July, with job gains in health care, hospitality, manufacturing and construction.

College Football & Coaching Pay: Todd Golden keeps Florida’s men’s basketball momentum with a new six-year deal worth $49.5 million, averaging $8.25 million annually through 2031-32, plus a $1.5M raise and hefty buyout terms. HBCU Football: Bethune-Cookman named Florida A&M transfer Tyler Jefferson as its starting quarterback for the season opener. Campus Safety: College of Central Florida in Ocala was evacuated after a bomb threat; police said no threat was substantiated and students were directed to a pickup location. Higher Ed Policy/Legal: A federal judge blocked FIU’s ban on expressive activities inside university buildings, keeping student speech protections in play. Student Support & Community: Sunshine Pride House in South Florida is helping LGBTQ young adults stabilize and prepare for independence through transitional housing and wraparound support. Tech & Education Access: Florida’s public hospitals face major funding risk if Amendment 3 passes, according to a new report. Local Education Pulse: Florida high school football continues with 251 games on Aug. 28, with top matchups drawing statewide attention.

Higher Ed Leadership: University of North Georgia President Michael Shannon is the lone finalist to become UNF’s next president, with campus forums set for Sept. 9-10. Admissions Policy: A FairTest analysis finds only 161 colleges (7%) require test scores for the 2026-27 cycle, while most are test optional or test free—showing testing hasn’t fully bounced back. AI Rules in Schools: Florida’s Board of Governors and Board of Education are moving toward AI disclosure and safety policy requirements for universities and K-12/charters, with district adoption targeted for 2027. School District Enrollment Shifts: Citrus County and Okaloosa County both reported enrollment declines in 2024-25, adding to a broader pattern of students leaving traditional districts. Special Education & Civil Rights: A Winter Haven family alleges a lack of a dedicated paraprofessional led to repeated removals, suspensions, and police calls for a student with autism and ADHD, prompting an Office for Civil Rights complaint. Healthcare Funding at Risk: A Florida Policy Institute report warns Amendment 3 could cut public hospital district funding by about $323 million over three years.

Enrollment Drop: Palm Beach County Public Schools says it has lost about 7,000 students this year—more than double expectations—after similar losses last year, with standard public schools down ~6,000 and charters down just under 1,000; the district is also pausing hiring after cutting 76 media clerk roles tied to a teacher pay increase and enrollment-linked state funding. School Safety & Guns: A Lee County deputy report says a 19-year-old was arrested at Coronado High School after a handgun and ammunition were found in his car; officials say they have not confirmed how he got the weapon or whether threats were made. AI and Lawsuits: A Florida State University shooting survivor is suing OpenAI, alleging the gunman used ChatGPT to help plan the attack; it’s the second such case tied to the 2025 shooting. Tech, Privacy, Surveillance: Florida AG James Uthmeier says the state will keep fighting Meta after the company’s $18B teen-safety settlement, while DeSantis again criticized Flock-style automated license plate cameras as “out of control.” Higher Ed & Workforce: DeSantis and FIU announced new emergency-management education efforts, and Florida’s CORE program is rolling out to train the next generation for disaster response.

Florida school safety & surveillance debate: Sarasota County Schools is using surveillance through its district police, but questions remain about how AI tools and sensitive data (like driver’s license info) are protected and governed. School choice & student access: Florida students and families are weighing new admission and enrollment rules, including concerns raised by students about how policies could affect who gets in and who gets served. K-12 vaccine fight: Florida is moving to drop required vaccines (including chickenpox and Hep B), prompting parents and doctors to weigh health risks and religious exemptions. Meta child-safety settlement: A Florida mother says Meta’s payout is “not enough” after her son’s 2019 suicide, while Florida continues to reject the settlement and pursue its own case. Higher ed AI rules: Florida is considering new AI policies for public colleges, as campuses prepare for compliance and student impacts. Campus life & mental health: FSU research highlights how viral dorm room personalization can boost comfort for some students but also worsen stress when housing disparities feel like status gaps. Community support for students: Midtown Community Development Corp. welcomed Bethune-Cookman students back with supplies, screenings, and support services.

Emergency Management Pipeline: Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the first rollout of Florida’s Coalition for Operational Readiness in Education (CORE) at Florida International University, aiming to connect colleges and universities with disaster-response workforce training through partnerships with the Division of Emergency Management, education and workforce agencies, and private-sector groups. AI Rules in Higher Ed: The Florida Department of Education proposed a rule requiring all Florida College System institutions to adopt campus policies for artificial intelligence use, including limits tied to academic integrity and course work, with the State Board set to consider it Sept. 16. Free Speech at FIU: A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking FIU from enforcing its expressive-activity rules against students disciplined for a silent anti-ICE protest, citing likely First Amendment violations. School Safety Warning: Florida law enforcement warned high school seniors about the viral “senior assassin” game, saying toy “weapons” can still lead to criminal charges and discipline. Enrollment Pressure in Broward: Broward County school leaders floated closing or repurposing up to 10 additional schools amid continued enrollment declines. College Affordability Shift: Florida’s foreign student aid changes are forcing some international students to rethink plans after linkage scholarships were discontinued.

Campus Free Speech: A federal judge temporarily blocked Florida International University from enforcing its indoor protest ban, ruling the policy likely violates the First Amendment and halting discipline against students tied to silent anti-ICE demonstrations. School Safety & Operations: Pasco County parents at Angeline Academy of Innovation say dismissal traffic is creating hours-long car lines; the district says it’s improving. Student Health Services: Bay District Schools approved a two-year athletic training partnership with Southern Orthopedic Specialists after HCA withdrew, adding five trainers to cover each high school. Arts Engagement: A Miami-Dade case study finds a multicultural arts approach at Leisure City K-8 boosted student engagement and school climate after expanding from STEM to STEAM. Back-to-School Policy Fight: Florida’s push to roll back required school vaccines continues amid debate over which shots should remain for entry. Higher Ed Leadership: Broward College reached a mutual separation agreement with its president, setting up leadership changes.

Higher Ed Leadership Shakeup: Broward College trustees dismissed President Torey Alston after mediation produced a mutual exit agreement, following complaints tied to enrollment computer errors and low nursing exam results. Public Health & Schools: Florida is moving to drop four childhood vaccine requirements (hepatitis B, chickenpox, Hib, and pneumococcal conjugate) via state rulemaking, while also considering changes to exemptions; the move comes as measles cases surge nationally and Florida reports 155 cases as of Aug. 8, including an outbreak at Ave Maria University. Religious Exemptions Fight: Florida Catholic bishops rejected the attorney general’s push for religious vaccine exemptions in diocesan schools, saying the state can’t review theology and warning families that exemptions won’t be honored in their schools. Enrollment Milestone: New College of Florida reported record growth, topping 1,000 students for 2026-27 after the conservative takeover, though critics raised concerns about housing and whether enrollment should be the top priority. Student Safety: Highlands County deputies warned students about “Senior Assassin,” stressing that toy “weapon” games can lead to arrests and expulsion.

FIU Free Speech Fight: A federal judge ordered Florida International University to pause enforcement of an indoor “expressive activities” policy after students in the ICEBreakers case said it violated their First Amendment rights, blocking discipline while the lawsuit continues. Vaccine Mandates Push: Florida health officials are moving to remove four school-entry vaccine requirements—hepatitis B, chickenpox, Hib, and pneumococcal—while also expanding non-medical exemptions and changing how records are handled. Cyber Skills in Schools: Florida Polytechnic’s FL-18 Cyber Capture the Flag is set for Oct. 28, inviting middle and high school students to solve hands-on cybersecurity challenges at the university. Student Opportunity Pipeline: Florida Poly senior Naibys Alzugaray turned an EA internship into a full-time software engineering offer through EA’s Software Engineer Academy. Campus Safety/Health: A required heart screening for a Clearwater-area student-athlete uncovered an undiagnosed congenital defect, leading to surgery plans. School Transportation Enforcement: Polk County is cracking down on drivers passing stopped school buses, issuing citations using stop-arm cameras.

Vaccine Policy Shift: Florida health officials are moving to remove four immunizations (Hepatitis B, chicken pox, Hib, and pneumococcal conjugate) from PreK-12 school entry requirements, expanding religious exemptions to moral/ethical beliefs and allowing opt-outs from the state vaccine database. Campus Free Speech Fight: A federal judge blocked FIU from enforcing a rule limiting indoor student protests, saying it likely violates the First Amendment after students were disciplined for a silent demonstration tied to immigration enforcement. State Education Funding Snapshot: UF Lab Schools enrollment rose to 1,363 students in 2024-25, up 1.7%, and Florida’s 2026-27 K-12 funding totals about $30 billion, with per-student funding at roughly $9,338. Local School Board Politics: Sarasota’s school board election flipped control after a culture-war flashpoint, with panel discussion focused on what the shift means for partisanship and groups like Moms for Liberty. Student Support Spotlight: A Sarasota boy with leukemia received a camper through Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, part of a broader push to support kids during long treatment stays.

School Safety Tech: CNN reports drones are increasingly being marketed and deployed to stop school shootings, part of a fast-growing multi-billion-dollar security industry. Public Records Fight: Florida Phoenix says the state Department of Juvenile Justice still hasn’t fulfilled a records request nearly two years after an earlier similar request was completed—renewing pressure for open government. Surveillance Backlash: A report on Flock Safety use highlights how camera networks can be used for investigations but also sparks concerns after unauthorized access claims. Early Childhood Leadership: An opinion argues Florida and other states need more professionally trained early childhood education leaders to turn policy into systems that actually work. College Access & Growth: FSU Panama City held convocation for its incoming class as applications rise, with classes starting Monday. Campus Life & Learning: University of West Florida students helped uncover ancient artifacts during work tied to a new stadium. Student Support: A Florida educator, longtime Martin County High School choral teacher Ronald L. Corbin, died at 77.