AGP Executive Report

Digital Advertising Crackdown: Florida’s AG Brenna Bird says she won a major fight to restore competition and free speech in digital ads, targeting “Big Six” agencies over alleged “brand safety” rules that allegedly throttled certain publishers’ revenue. Local Publishing & Community Media: HotSpots Magazine marks “The New Era of HotSpots,” with its new publisher pledging to spotlight LGBTQ+ culture and community wins in South Florida. Black Press Loss: The Black Press mourns Rosetta Miller-Perry, founder and publisher of the Tennessee Tribune, remembered for decades of fearless journalism and leadership in the NNPA. Books & History for America 250: A Florida-focused book spotlight highlights “Spirits of ’76,” a cocktail cookbook mapping a signature drink to each state, while another history piece argues the U.S. Declaration of Independence has deeper Canada roots than standard textbooks cover. Tech, Kids, and Reading: A Florida-linked report notes a TikTok settlement in a teen addiction lawsuit, adding pressure to how platforms are designed for young users. Florida Publishing Business: A Florida Print Shop owner discusses how collecting maps and rare books turned into a thriving antique prints and rare books storefront.

Textbook Pricing Fight: Florida AG James Uthmeier is appealing a ruling that backed McGraw Hill and Savvas Learning in a dispute over whether publishers must offer Florida school districts the “best price” available nationwide under a 1939 law. Local Governance & Development: St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch is reportedly set to pick Blake Investment Partners’ “The Burg Bid” to redevelop the Historic Gas Plant District, a decision that could reshape the city’s political fight heading into the next election. Community & Publishing: The Florida Aquarium debuted striped skunk sisters Ginger and Juniper as new animal ambassadors for its “Sea to Shining Sea” weekend. Local Journalism & Growth: Adirondack Explorer was selected for the Google News Initiative Growth Catalyst Program, aiming to expand into more communities. Public Safety & Preparedness: A Hurricane Prep Rally and Senior Fair is scheduled for July 17 in Viera, with emergency resources for pets, evacuations, shelters, and special needs. Culture & Books: The Dalí Museum in St. Petersburg opened “Dalí In America,” arguing the artist’s biggest U.S. impact has been overlooked.

Local Publishing & Community News: The Boca Raton Tribune published its 775th edition, spotlighting Florida Atlantic University’s approved 2031 strategic plan, a new Miami-Dade Vibrio vulnificus case, local obits, and community partnerships. Books & Authors: South Florida-based Jewish author Dara Levan promoted her second novel, Shaken to the Core, with major media buzz and praise from fellow writers. Education & Learning: Florida’s school-choice expansion is putting real money into families’ hands, with reporting that many scholarships can be used for private tutoring. Real Estate & Development: St. Petersburg’s mayor is expected to move forward with “The Burg Bid” for the Tropicana Field redevelopment area, aiming for major housing and economic development. Weather Readiness: A Viera-area Hurricane Prep Rally and Senior Fair is set for July 17 with free resources for storms, pets, evacuations, and special needs. Tech & Risk: Miami-Dade roof-aging analysis flags tens of thousands of older roofs as higher replacement-risk for the 2026 hurricane season.

Digital Education & Testing: The SAT’s full digital rollout is now a year in, and Florida readers will notice the headline mismatch: participation jumped (97% digital for the class of 2025), but average scores kept sliding in the digital era. Music & Copyright: Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment won dismissal of an “Alien Superstar” sample lawsuit after a standing/filing flaw, a reminder that publishing rights fights can turn on procedural details. Florida Politics & Labor: SEIU Florida endorsed St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch for re-election, praising his support for working families, frontline workers, and safer workplaces. Local Governance & Campaigns: Charlie Crist is lining up Democratic endorsements in the St. Petersburg mayoral race as he challenges Welch’s base. Publishing/Media Industry Signal: Orlando ranked No. 2 for freelancer business growth since 2019, with gains in media and internet publishing categories—good news for Florida’s independent creative economy. Sports/Books Crossover: A Miami-based poker player earned a WSOP $100k seat via satellites, a story that’s already the kind of “unlikely path” publishing loves.

Florida Publishing & Media: A federal judge dismissed Beyoncé’s Parkwood Entertainment copyright suit over the “Alien Superstar” sample because the plaintiff company (Hirose Enterprises LLC) wasn’t legally formed when it sued—another reminder that rights clearance and proper standing both matter in music publishing. Local Libraries & Reading: Lee County libraries are rolling out summer programs plus free e-books, digital magazines, Wi‑Fi, and cultural passes for cardholders—an easy win for families looking for low-cost enrichment. Books & Book Culture: A new cookbook for America’s 250th birthday, “Spirits of ’76,” maps one classic cocktail and one modern state original for all 50 states, including a Florida Key Lime Daiquiri—showing how publishing keeps turning milestones into collectible reads. Publishing Industry & Policy: A new national spotlight is growing on AI tools used in schools and the surge in academic misconduct accusations, raising pressure on universities to tighten fair processes for students facing discipline. Florida Newsroom: David Dunn-Rankin was inducted into the Florida Newspaper Hall of Fame, honoring decades of service tied to Central Florida papers.

Publishing & Books in Florida: A Florida Newspaper Hall of Fame honor went to David Dunn-Rankin, president of Sun Coast Media Group, recognized for decades of service to Florida journalism. Rare Books & Collecting: Christie’s June 30 sale in London includes a rare first edition of Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights” (three-volume set), with estimates that could push into the low seven figures. Legal & Press Freedom: The U.S. Supreme Court declined Alan Dershowitz’s $300M defamation bid against CNN, keeping the public-figure standard that requires proof of knowing falsity; Justices Thomas and Gorsuch dissented. Local Media & Community: United Way Miami highlights early literacy after a national reading report ranked Florida last among participating states, pointing to early childhood classroom support as the fix. Tech, AI & Trust: WordPress VIP reports an “AI backlash” in marketing—most consumers say AI messaging turns them off and they don’t fully trust it, still seeking original sources. Florida Business & Retail: Barneys New York is reportedly opening its first stand-alone store in Naples, with a planned 10,000-square-foot location at Bayfront. Scams & Consumer Protection: A Florida couple lost $141,000 to a Publishers Clearing House prize scam, underscoring how fraud schemes keep targeting residents.

Florida Press Honors: David Dunn-Rankin, president of Sun Coast Media Group (now part of Adams MultiMedia), was inducted into the Florida Newspaper Hall of Fame at the Florida Media Conference in Orlando, joining family and longtime Venice Gondolier leadership. Broward Legal Fight: Broward School Board member Adam Cervera sued political consultant Michael Worley for defamation, alleging false claims that Cervera used taxpayer money for a partisan ad. Publishing/Books & Local Culture: Todd Mezrah announced his second book, Follow-Up Freak, aimed at business readers; Miami Dade College also celebrated 12 alumni inducted into its Alumni Hall of Fame, including historian Dr. Paul S. George, author of South Florida history works. Community & Safety: United Way Miami highlighted early education after Florida’s reading declines; Miami-Dade Fire Rescue staged a rip current rescue demo at Haulover Beach. Sports Media Tie-In: Rockstar/Take-Two opened GTA VI preorders with a Nov. 19 release and $79.99 base price, continuing the game’s publishing buzz.

Great American State Fair: Freedom 250’s Great American State Fair opened on the National Mall with a big Ferris wheel and lots of empty space, raising questions about how the event fits the planned America250 anniversary. World Cup Economy: Miami’s World Cup crowd chase is fueling a parallel “road-trip” spending boom, even as some host-market bookings lag expectations. World Cup Bracket Talk: FIFA’s knockout-stage matchups are set, and fans are already debating which “regions” look tougher based on live rankings. Florida Publishing/Media: Jacksonville Daily Record publisher Angela Campbell, 49, died June 25 after decades in local news leadership. Local Books & Community: A new autism picture book, Picture Day With Nicholas, is being shared by Gifted One Publishing, aiming to help families handle sensory overload and school photo stress. Zoo Miami: Laurel and Libby, 16-year-old black bear sisters, returned to their habitats after wellness exams and treatment for age-related issues. Tech & Travel: Virgin Atlantic’s Starlink Wi‑Fi test during live World Cup viewing highlights how connectivity is changing long-haul travel. Healthcare Deal: Baptist Health South Florida and Amazon One Medical are partnering to expand coordinated primary and specialty care starting Aug. 1.

Healthcare Partnership: Baptist Health South Florida is teaming up with Amazon One Medical to expand coordinated primary and specialty care across the region starting Aug. 1. Local Publishing & Community Memory: Jacksonville Daily Record publisher Angela Campbell, 49, died June 25; colleagues remembered her decades-long leadership as the paper’s first woman publisher. Florida Book Scene: St. Petersburg Press released “Vintage St. Pete and Vintage Pinellas Volume 4,” with a June 29 event at Tombolo Books. Media & Publishing Cautionary Tale: A Florida-based publishing service dispute is prompting warnings after an Alberta author says a book deal cost him more than $40,000. Public Records & Press: A Florida-related legal fight over how booking photos are handled is drawing attention to the tension between privacy, law enforcement, and online reputation. Zoo Miami: Zoo Miami’s black bears Laurel and Libby got wellness exams, including radiographs, ultrasound, dental care, and vaccines.

Publishing & Local Media: Jacksonville Daily Record publisher Angela Campbell, 49, died June 25; colleagues praised her decades-long rise to the paper’s first woman publisher and fifth publisher role. Community Business & Media: North Port Area Chamber of Commerce announced nominees for its 2026-2027 board, including Sun News Media’s Jordan Davis and Glen Nickerson. Books & Florida Culture: St. Petersburg Press released “Vintage St. Pete and Vintage Pinellas Volume 4,” with a June 29 talk at Tombolo Books. Author Cautionary Tale: An Alberta writer says a Florida-based publishing service deal cost him more than $40,000, warning others to vet offers carefully. AI & Writing: A new report says AI text detectors can flag polished human writing as AI, adding pressure for authors and publishers. Florida Readers & Bookselling: Zoo Miami hatched a Caribbean flamingo chick named “Florida,” while local library and bookstore events continue to drive community reading and volunteer opportunities. Politics & Publishing Climate: A Florida-related dispute over ectopic pregnancy coverage by Rep. Kat Cammack keeps attention on how media narratives intersect with state law.

Local News: A diver reported missing near Fort Pierce Inlet was found dead after a multi-agency search involving the U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Publishing & Books: St. Petersburg Press released “Vintage St. Pete and Vintage Pinellas Volume 4,” a new collection by journalist Bill DeYoung, with a June 29 launch event at Tombolo Books. Community Reading: Ocala’s Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses is running “Reading With Horses,” a free weekly summer literacy program through July 9 at Midtown Station, pairing books with themed therapy-horse visits. Publishing Cautionary Tale: An Alberta author warns other writers after a Florida-based publishing service deal cost him more than $40,000, raising questions about what buyers actually receive. Media Industry: Jacksonville Daily Record publisher Angie Campbell, who rose from receptionist to publisher, has died at 49. Elections & Civic Life: Miami-Dade early voting for the Aug. 18 primary runs Aug. 3–16, with multiple ballot locations listed. Arts Funding: The Deering Estate opened applications for its 2027 Artist-in-Residence program, due Aug. 31.

Local Publishing & Community Books: A Florida couple says a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes scam cost them their home and nearly everything after they were tricked into paying $141,000 in “taxes” and “fees” to claim a fake $4 million prize. Author-Owned Bookstores: A national roundup highlights Judy Blume’s Books & Books in Key West, showing how author-run shops are carving out a niche as brick-and-mortar rebounds. Media & Tech in Courts: A Connecticut federal decision (now stayed) says AI prompts used by an expert witness can be discoverable, a big deal for publishers and litigation teams. Library & Arts Events: Charlotte County libraries seek volunteers to tutor adults learning English, while North Port and Port Charlotte host community arts and veterans workshops tied to local galleries and library programs. Local Journalism Loss: Jacksonville Daily Record publisher Angie Campbell, who rose through the newsroom over 25 years, has died at 49.

Author-Owned Bookstores: AP takes readers on a virtual tour of stores run by authors, spotlighting Judy Blume’s Books & Books in Key West and other author-led shops nationwide. Local Publishing & Community: A Florida satire book claiming “Biblical Proof that Trump Will Save America” went viral for its intentionally blank pages, turning self-publishing into a punchline bestseller. Legal & Ballot Language: A Leon County judge is fast-tracking a lawsuit over wording in Gov. DeSantis’ property tax ballot amendment, with a July 29 hearing aimed at protecting what voters see before ballots print. Local Business Recognition: North Port’s Sun Coast Media honored local winners at its Best of North Port awards event, with record vote totals and dozens of plaques for community businesses. Public Safety & Courts: A Martin County woman was sentenced to just over 29 years for the 2024 hit-and-run death of a cyclist on the 10-Cent Bridge, after fleeing and DUI manslaughter convictions.

Book & Author Events: Jeremy Atherton Lin brings his memoir “Deep House” to Vroman’s for a conversation and signing, tying personal love stories to the marriage equality and immigration fight. Local Arts & Community: MOCA North Miami marks its 30th anniversary with Spring 2026 exhibitions and public art through Oct. 4, spotlighting South Florida artists and the museum’s evolving collection. Publishing Industry Recognition: Orange County Press Club honors local journalism at its Excellence in Journalism Awards, including the “Dave McQuay Award for Best Columnist.” Print/Finishing Trade: Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) names winners in its 33rd Gold Leaf Awards, celebrating top print embellishment and finishing work. Florida Politics & Ballots: A Leon County judge fast-tracks a challenge to Florida’s property tax ballot language, with a July 29 hearing aimed at clarifying what voters will see. State Policy: Gov. DeSantis signs bills tightening local property tax rules and boosting online budget transparency. Food Consumer Law: Florida’s “operations charge” menu transparency law takes effect July 1, requiring clearer upfront disclosure of mandatory fees. Gaming (Florida-linked): Take-Two prices “Grand Theft Auto VI” at $79.99 and confirms Nov. 19 release; the game is set in a dramatized Miami/Florida-inspired world.

Publishing & Books: A new Florida-linked op-ed spotlights Jill Abramson’s take on Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump, a bestseller by New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, arguing the book offers a clear through-line on Trump’s second-term conduct. Local Arts & Culture: MOCA North Miami marks its 30th anniversary with Spring 2026 exhibitions and public art through Oct. 4, including Anchors of Light drawn from the museum’s permanent collection. Theme Parks & Entertainment: Level99 is set to open June 29 at Disney Springs, bringing 60+ interactive challenge rooms and original art to the Orlando-area audience. Florida Consumer Law: DeSantis signed SB 606, requiring restaurants to disclose mandatory “operations charges” (like automatic gratuities and service fees) before diners get the bill, starting July 1. Gaming & Media: Take-Two priced Grand Theft Auto VI at $79.99 for the standard edition (Ultimate at $99.99) with a Nov. 19 launch, and pre-orders are now open—no physical disc at launch. Education Policy: Florida is bringing cursive back to classrooms via a new law requiring third through fifth graders to be proficient.

Gaming & Publishing Economics: Rockstar/Take-Two opened Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders for a Nov. 19 launch, pricing the base game at $79.99 and an Ultimate Edition at $99.99; physical boxes will include a download code (no disc), with pre-load set for Nov. 12—a major test for how far blockbuster pricing can stretch. Local Government & Property Taxes: Gov. DeSantis signed two Bradenton bills aimed at making it harder for cities and counties to raise property taxes and boosting budget transparency, as the November homestead amendment debate heats up. Education Policy: Cursive is returning to Florida classrooms for 3rd–5th graders, ending a requirement gap since 2010. Florida Community Media: The Boca Raton Tribune published its 774th edition, spotlighting local book clubs, community growth, and area authors. Cruise & Digital Safety: U.S. Customs searched a Princess Cruises passenger’s phone at Port Everglades and DHS arrested him after alleged child abuse videos were found. Books & Culture: UM’s new gallery show “Ode to the 305” explores Miami beyond the postcard fantasy, with local artists and a focus on lived experience.