AGP Executive Report

Zoning Bottleneck for Growth: Sarasota County economic development leaders are pushing an initiative to amend the county’s business park zone code after local manufacturers like Handcrafted Iron Doors hit a wall finding appropriately zoned industrial space to expand. Tourism Grants: Brevard County’s Tourism Development Office opened its FY 2026-2027 Marketing Support Program, with $640,000 available to help sports and cultural events market and cover eligible costs—applications due June 22. Local Business Spotlight: Ancira Salsa is set to appear on Fox Business’s “Get Down to Business,” with a two-day production trip planned in Florida as the brand aims for national exposure. Workforce & Education: Lee County and the University of Florida are expanding dual enrollment for high school juniors and seniors this fall, giving students access to UF courses at no additional cost. Small-Business Tech: Hollywood-based WebtrixPro says AI agents (not just chatbots) can cut operational bottlenecks for mid-size firms by 30% to 60%, freeing staff hours for other work. Election Watch: Florida’s qualifying week wrapped up with multiple contested races, including U.S. House and Senate contests that could shape policy affecting SMBs.

Tourism & Grants: Brevard County’s Tourism Development Office opened its FY 2026-2027 Marketing Support Program, with $640,000 available to help local sports and cultural events market and offset eligible costs; applications are due June 22. Local Business Spotlight: Ancira Salsa is getting national attention, landing on Fox Business’s “Get Down to Business with Kevin Harrington,” with a Florida-based production trip planned for the founder. Housing & Investment: South Florida hosted the “From Deed to Key” housing and investment conference for the Jamaican diaspora, focusing on land ownership, financing, and rebuilding after recent storms. Education Partnerships: Lee County Schools and the University of Florida launched a dual-enrollment option for high school juniors and seniors starting this fall. Capital Access: Wells Fargo Foundation backed Ascendus with a $1 million grant to fund BRIDGE Broward—$900,000 in loans plus coaching for dozens of Broward entrepreneurs. Policy Fight in Courts: A lawsuit challenges Florida’s proposed property tax amendment ballot language as misleading/biased, arguing the summary reads like advocacy. Workforce & Tech: WebtrixPro says AI agents (not just chatbots) can cut operational bottlenecks for mid-size firms, freeing hours for staff. Small Business Climate: Reports of multiple restaurant closures in Riverside and possible next steps in St. Augustine highlight ongoing pressure on local operators.

Capital Access Boost: Wells Fargo Foundation put $1 million into Ascendus’ BRIDGE Broward, sending $900,000 in loans plus hands-on coaching to about 36 Broward entrepreneurs and aiming to create/retain roughly 160 jobs. Local Business Pressure: Two Riverside restaurants in Jacksonville are closing (Clarke Bros. June 20; Prospect Five Points June 9), with another St. Augustine spot, Amici, flagged as a possible next casualty—owners cite a tough economic climate for small businesses. Workforce Support: Palm Bay opened a no-cost FSBDC at UCF office at City Hall, led by Tina Lange, to expand consulting, training, and market research for local entrepreneurs. Property Tax Fight in Court: Two former mayors and a nonprofit sued over Florida’s November homestead property tax cut ballot wording, arguing it’s biased and misleading; the case targets the summary language, not removal of the measure. Small Business Tech Trend: WebtrixPro says AI agents—not chatbots—are cutting operational bottlenecks for mid-size firms by 30% to 60%, freeing up 20 to 35 hours weekly.

Property Tax Fight in Court: Two former Florida mayors and a nonprofit are suing over the ballot language for the November homestead property tax relief amendment, arguing the title and summary read like campaign slogans and could mislead voters about “core services,” “small businesses,” and how much exemptions would actually provide. The lawsuit asks a judge to order Attorney General James Uthmeier to rewrite the wording before the vote. Workforce & Childcare: A new workforce piece flags the “benefits cliff” in Miami-Dade, where childcare support can drop as wages rise—hurting parents’ ability to stay employed and limiting talent for businesses. Education Pipeline: Florida SouthWestern State College is running July teen camps in AI, drones, health care, and game design, with hands-on skills plus SAT and branding support. Banking Access Upgrade: Power Financial Credit Union selected NCR Atleos Allpoint networks to expand surcharge-free ATM access and cash deposits. Local Business Spotlight: Sarasota’s Suncoast Local launched hand-coded websites built for Google and AI search recommendations, offering a free 48-hour audit. Community Events: Delray Beach’s “Sounds of The Set” returns with free music and local vendor markets in June and August. Restaurant Expansion: Juici Patties opened its first Georgia location in Atlanta, extending the Jamaican chain beyond Florida and New York.

Local Business & Community: Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Orlando is again serving as a Colombian presidential runoff voting site June 21, underscoring how entertainment venues can double as community hubs. Restaurant Expansion: Juici Patties opened its first Georgia location in Atlanta on June 1, expanding the Jamaican chain beyond Florida and New York with franchise operators Kevin and Murine. Small-Business Growth: Palafox Market is adding Wednesday Summer Pop-Ups in July at Plaza Ferdinand, giving local makers and growers more selling days downtown. Workforce & Capital: Equivu Capital announced a majority investment in Leading Edge Aviation Services, aiming to scale aircraft detailing while keeping its long-tenure, customer-first culture. Legal & Trademarks: Barakat + Bossa is representing Stinger Golf in federal trademark litigation over LIV Golf’s alleged unauthorized “STINGER” branding. Cybersecurity for SMBs: A Fort Lauderdale marine business says a spoofed vendor email led to a $71,000 loss after hackers accessed its email account. Policy & Costs: A proposed Florida constitutional amendment could cut Collier County revenue by $62.9M in year one, raising concerns about impacts to services. Healthcare Access: A report argues the Trump administration’s push for more doctors conflicts with immigration restrictions that reduce the supply of foreign-born physicians.

Federal Court Ruling: A Florida federal judge said the FDA likely acted illegally by imposing costly new testing rules on synthetic nicotine pouch maker ZEO Universe, a potential win for small businesses facing compliance costs. Local Tax Pressure: Collier County could lose $62.9M in year one (and nearly $121.5M in year two) if a November constitutional amendment expands homestead exemptions and cuts non-homestead tax caps, raising fears of service cuts. SMB Workforce & Training: Florida Tech’s weVENTURE Women’s Business Center won a $100,000 Truist Foundation grant to expand coaching and education for entrepreneurs on the Space and Treasure coasts. AI Entrepreneurship: Veteran Delray Beach entrepreneur Marc Weiss launched an AI business education initiative aimed at home-based, recurring-revenue opportunities. Healthcare Cannabis: The DOJ’s medical marijuana reclassification may unlock some federal tax benefits for Florida operators, even as the federal-state split remains. Business Growth & Deals: Dalfen Industrial expanded in Broward with a nine-building, 419K-sq-ft logistics portfolio acquisition. Local Business Community: Lauderhill’s “Kingston 21” will host a GO Bond supplier matchmaker to connect city buyers with minority- and women-owned firms. Tourism Economy Divide: Fort Myers Beach recovery is uneven, with big resorts rebounding while historic mom-and-pop lodging struggles.

Local Health & Community Fundraiser: Orlando entrepreneur “The Podcast Doctor” Phil Byrd is seeking a living kidney donor as friends and business leaders rally for the “Kidney for Phil Benefit Soirée” on July 11, aiming to raise money for medical costs and boost awareness of living organ donation. Political Backing for Workforce/Education Leader: U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan endorsed Belinda Keiser for Florida’s CD 22, adding to early GOP support as Keiser launches her qualifying-period push with backing from four Florida House members. Property Tax Shockwave: Florida’s proposed homestead property tax cuts head to the November ballot, with local governments warning of revenue hits and service reductions, while analysts estimate major losses for top metro school districts. South Florida Industrial Expansion: Dalfen Industrial bought a 419,253-square-foot Broward logistics portfolio, 83% leased, strengthening its infill footprint near I-95, the Turnpike, Port Everglades, and Fort Lauderdale airport. Workforce/HR Tech in Orlando: Opensity Solutions’ CHRO Kathleen Pearson will speak at SHRM26 in Orlando on using AI to manage the “digital workforce” and operationalize generative/agentic tools. Medical Services Growth via Partnership: Vivos Therapeutics launched “Reporting Pro” for radiology reporting and announced a Florida collaboration to expand integrated care for sleep apnea/insomnia tied to cardiovascular patients. Consumer Spend Insight: A new analysis says Florida ranked No. 4 for OnlyFans spending in 2025, with Orlando and Miami among the top cities by per-capita spend.

Healthcare Partnership: Baptist Health South Florida and Amazon One Medical are teaming up to expand coordinated primary and specialty care across Miami-Dade and beyond, with the new relationship starting Aug. 1, 2026. Small-Business Funding: Sen. Ashley Moody is urging Florida businesses to enter the SBA Patriot Pitch Competition, offering up to $1 million, with semifinalists named this summer and finalists competing in Washington, D.C. Local Business Growth: DeployAIBots opened a Miami headquarters to expand agentic AI automation for sales and operations, aiming to help growing companies scale without matching headcount. Retail Expansion: Alabama entrepreneur Dr. Ashley Hunt-Poole’s alcohol-free HELLO MAMÁ wine brand is expanding into Walmart and Sam’s Club after building demand through social media. Entrepreneur Spotlight: Emily Jones launched For The Boys Beef Jerky in Orlando, targeting Gen Z and Millennial snack buyers with creator-led branding. Workforce & Training: Lauderdale Lakes will host a free Financial Literacy & Business Resource Fair June 20, with workshops and one-on-one help for entrepreneurs. Business Services: Be Secure Locksmith in Gainesville says it has surpassed 1,313 five-star Google reviews, highlighting its mobile service model. Tech & Automation: AC Panda Mechanical Contractors launched Panda PULSE 360, an HVAC diagnostic service for Jacksonville homes and businesses. Franchising Push: A.J. Chocolate House is rolling out a franchising campaign, starting with Florida and the Southeast after strong growth from its Winter Park and New Smyrna Beach locations. Crypto Watch: Bitcoin has slid sharply since last fall, with more than $1.2 trillion in value erased over eight months—an ongoing stress test for investors and small-business-adjacent fintech.

Higher Ed & HBCUs: Qatar Foundation signed new partnerships with three U.S. HBCUs during NAFSA 2026 in Florida, aiming to expand student exchange into Education City. Disaster Recovery: All Hands & Hearts shared ongoing hurricane rebuilding work in Florida, including repairs after severe flooding in Ridge Manor. Local Politics & Small Business: Palm Beach County Mayor Sara Baxter says she won’t seek reelection and will run for Florida’s newly drawn 22nd Congressional District, pitching a platform of cutting red tape and supporting farmers and the economy. Entrepreneurship & Training: Marketplace for Kids moved into a new Dickinson office and continues free Education Days that teach kids entrepreneurship and pitching. LLC Taxes: A practical guide breaks down how LLC tax treatment varies by single- vs multi-member status and what to watch for at the federal and state level. Real Estate Ops: GS Property LLC announced expansion of project execution across Florida and Texas as demand grows for renovation and repositioning work. Healthcare Leadership: Lee Health selected Ben Spence as its next president and CEO, effective Oct. 1, 2026. Fraud Case: An Orlando man was charged in a federal mortgage and COVID-19 relief fraud scheme involving false income and overstated loan applications.

Reputation & Branding: Scott Keever, founder of Reputation Pros, explains how the ultra-wealthy react when a Google search doesn’t match their self-image—an angle that hits the heart of modern small-business reputation management. Political Boost for Business Leaders: Belinda Keiser’s CD 22 campaign adds endorsements from four GOP members of Florida’s congressional delegation as qualifying week begins. Entrepreneur Recognition: Crown Paving co-founder Jessica Blackburn named an EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 Southeast finalist, spotlighting Florida-area growth and job creation. Local Growth & Services: Bay Clinic of Chiropractic in Panama City says summer heat and activity are driving more patients with headaches, dizziness, and chronic pain flares. Community & Small Business Ecosystems: Republic Bank hosts its sixth annual Juneteenth celebration with local Black and women-owned vendors. Tech in Education: Hillsborough County Public Schools partners with MagicSchool to bring AI tools to 14,000 educators, building on a pilot that reported major time savings. Healthcare Marketing Push: Rocket Doctor AI signs a national marketing partnership tied to major U.S. sports events to expand patient acquisition. Business Expansion: Inter opens a U.S. branch in Miami, positioning it as a regulated hub for cross-border clients.

SBA Disaster Relief: The SBA opened low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans for drought losses starting Dec. 15, 2025, covering 151 Georgia counties and also including parts of Florida, with funds aimed at working capital, payroll, and bills. Veteran Entrepreneurship: Florida State University’s Jim Moran College, with Veterans Florida, just graduated the first Leon County cohort from its Veteran Entrepreneurship Certificate Program, pairing training and mentorship to help veterans launch or grow businesses. Policy Watch: Florida lawmakers passed a special-session measure to place a gradual homestead property tax elimination on the November ballot—an issue that could shift costs between homeowners and renters. Local Business & Community: A St. Augustine Beach police department used social media and real-time intelligence to stop a planned “teen takeover” at an ocean pier. Business Growth: James Baker & Associates expanded U.S. business formation and tax strategy support for international founders, focusing on getting companies bank- and payment-ready after formation. Real Estate Spotlight: Cyndee Haydon earned a RealTrends Verified ranking as a top Florida real estate agent, specializing in waterfront and short-term rental investments. Deals & Finance: Rumble announced it secured 85.2% of Northern Data shares in its exchange offer, with closing expected mid-June.

Property Tax Ballot Fight: Florida’s homestead property tax phaseout is headed to the November ballot after a special session push, with Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward warning it could squeeze renters and small businesses by shifting costs and straining local services like public safety and roads. Small Business Relief: The SBA opened low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans for Georgia drought losses, including eligible small businesses and private nonprofits across dozens of counties, with funds aimed at working capital and bills tied to the downturn. Local Growth & Deals: A Fort Myers retail outparcel sold to a burger chain developer, setting up a new Culver’s location. Community-First Business: United Way’s Gifts in Kind program is helping South Florida retailers turn carpet remnants into support for families still recovering from Hurricane Ian. Workforce & Entrepreneurship: Florida State University’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship graduated its first Leon County cohort from a Veteran Entrepreneurship Certificate Program with Veterans Florida, pairing training and mentorship to help veterans launch or grow ventures. Tourism & Small Operators: Florida dive operators are pushing back on a federal shark-feeding ban in offshore waters, arguing it targets conservation-minded small businesses while not addressing safety risks. Local Spotlight: Gainesville’s Afternoon became the first local restaurant added to the Michelin Guide, a win for the city’s small dining scene.

Local Business Spotlight: Gainesville’s Afternoon earned a spot in the Michelin Guide, becoming the first Gainesville restaurant on the list—an “anonymous” nod based on quality and freshness, not pay-to-play. New SBA Relief: The SBA opened low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans for drought-impacted small businesses and private nonprofits across Georgia, with Florida included in the declaration footprint. Workforce & Entrepreneurship: Florida State University’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship wrapped the first Leon County cohort of its Veteran Entrepreneurship Certificate Program, pairing veterans with training and mentorship to launch or grow businesses. Community Networks Theory: Tampa-area entrepreneur Hiten H. Bhuta unveiled a five-pillar “Closed-Loop Community Theory” aimed at explaining how trust-based networks can drive long-term entrepreneurial clustering. Property Tax Fight: Florida lawmakers advanced a homestead property tax phaseout to the November ballot, and Gainesville Mayor Harvey Ward warned it could shift costs to renters and small businesses. Small Business Advocacy: Sen. Rick Scott introduced the DUMP Red Tape Act to create a more direct channel for small business owners to flag federal regulatory burdens. Tourism & Safety Clash: Florida dive operators are pushing back on a proposed federal ban on shark feeding, arguing it targets conservation-focused small businesses while leaving fishing practices alone. AI for SMBs: Boca Raton’s Secure Clicks AI says it’s expanding AI chatbot and automation tools plus virtual education events for small businesses and agencies. Real Estate Recognition: Pinellas Gulf Beaches STR specialist Cyndee Haydon was named among RealTrends Verified’s 2026 Best Real Estate Agents in the U.S.

Community Impact: Taylor Carpet One partnered with United Way of Lee, Hendry & Glades to donate carpet remnants through the Gifts in Kind program, helping families still recovering from Hurricane Ian while cutting waste. Small-Business Growth & Recognition: RealTrends Verified named Pinellas Gulf Beaches STR specialist Cyndee Haydon (Future Home Realty) among the top 1.5% of Florida Realtors, ranking #723 statewide. Veteran Entrepreneurship: Florida State University’s Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship and Veterans Florida graduated the first Leon County cohort of a Veteran Entrepreneurship Certificate Program, training 14 veterans with modeling, mentorship and tools to launch or grow businesses. Local Tourism & Jobs: Gainesville’s Afternoon became the first city restaurant in the Michelin Guide this year, a boost for a long-running local brunch spot. Policy Watch (Property Taxes): Florida’s November ballot property tax amendment is drawing pushback from local leaders, who warn it could reduce funding for public safety, roads and parks and shift burdens to renters and small businesses. Regulatory Relief Push: Sen. Rick Scott backed a bill aimed at cutting “small business red tape” by creating a more direct channel to Washington for regulatory complaints. Disaster Loans: The SBA opened low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans for drought-impacted small businesses and private nonprofits across 151 Georgia counties, with eligibility also extending to parts of Florida. AI for SMBs: Boca Raton’s Secure Clicks AI says it’s expanding AI chatbot and workflow automation for businesses of all sizes, with plans for virtual education events.

Property Tax Fight: Florida’s proposed homestead property tax cuts are drawing backlash from local officials and Democrats, who warn the revenue drop could jeopardize bond payments and force higher fees or service cuts—while supporters say the amendment is needed to lower costs for homeowners. Small Business Red Tape: U.S. Sen. Rick Scott is backing the DUMP Red Tape Act, aiming to give small business owners a more direct path to challenge federal regulations. Local Tourism & Conservation: Florida shark dive operators are pushing back on a federal bill that would ban shark feeding in waters off the state, arguing it targets conservation-focused small businesses and won’t address safety risks from fishing practices. AI for SMBs: Boca Raton’s Secure Clicks AI says it’s expanding access to AI chatbots and automation for customer support, scheduling, and lead gen, plus virtual education for business owners. Business Finance Stress: Boca Raton debt firm Value Capital Funding reports 87% of callers seeking help are juggling multiple merchant cash advances, warning of a cash-flow debt trap. Growth & Recognition: Gainesville’s Afternoon became the first local restaurant added to the Michelin Guide, a win for a long-running small team.