AGP Executive Report

Local Books & Retail: College of Central Florida’s Ocala bookstore reopened under new management with BibliU, pairing a smaller physical textbook selection with “MyCF Books,” a digital-first program that bundles required course materials into one flat student rate. Community Reading Spaces: Altamonte Springs’ new cat café, Fables & Fur, blends a bookstore and coffee shop with an adoption lounge, spotlighting local authors and rescue partners. Publishing & Media Industry: Greenspace Health launched “Momentum,” a new behavioral health industry publication focused on measurement-based care, with research and implementation case studies. Book Culture & Events: The Lake Placid Caladium Festival’s floral contest crowned Missy Phelps (Flora & Fauna) first, Gayle Wilkins (Weekend Getaway) second, and Jan Vedernjak (Orange Julius) third. Legal/Press Watch: A federal judge in Florida let President Trump amend his $15B defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, keeping the dispute alive for another round. PR for Authors: The PR Group says it has topped 100,000 earned media placements since 1993, spanning broadcast, print, digital, and wire coverage.

Defamation in Florida courts: A federal judge in Florida let Donald Trump amend his $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, extending the fight over reporting and a book tied to Trump’s business reputation. Local publishing & bookselling: College of Central Florida’s Ocala bookstore reopened under new management with a digital-first textbook program aimed at lowering costs and smoothing access for students. Book culture in Florida: Miami marked National Book Lovers Day with a guide to beloved independent bookstores, spotlighting local literary stops and author events. Publishing industry PR: Clearwater’s The PR Group hit 100,000 earned media placements since 1993, underscoring Florida’s role in national book and author publicity. Community media & mental health: Tampa’s Ink & Lace returned to The Big Gay Radio Show, tying fashion and self-expression to mental health partnerships. Books & reading trends: A review of a Florida-set thriller (“Don’t Look Away”) and a new grief-focused release (“Miss You Already”) add to the week’s mix of page-turners and emotional nonfiction.

Courtroom Update (Florida): A federal judge in Florida let President Trump amend his $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, giving his team until Aug. 27 to file an updated complaint after declining to dismiss the case. Publishing & Media: The dispute keeps spotlighting how major outlets and publishers face legal pressure over coverage, with Trump calling the Times biased and alleging “actual malice.” Local Publishing Culture (Florida): Panama City’s Publishing Company Museum hosted the 2026 Letterpress Awards, celebrating print craft and community history. Book Business (Florida): Palmetto Publishing released Pivoting From Blue: One Year of Death, Divorce and Discovery, Skip Van Gardner’s debut memoir. Community Reading (Florida): A.N.A.’s Friends CEO Jessica Kaestner published children’s book Ana’s Friends, with proceeds supporting Southwest Florida foster-care programs.

Letterpress & Local Publishing: The Panama City Publishing Company Museum hosted the 2026 Letterpress Awards, spotlighting Florida’s hands-on print culture and the people keeping it alive. FFA & Leadership in Education: Florida FFA members gathered in Orlando for the state convention, with standout student wins underscoring how agriculture education builds public speaking and leadership skills. New Florida Book Release: Palmetto Publishing launched Skip Van Gardner’s debut memoir, Pivoting From Blue, a raw one-year account of death, divorce, and rebuilding through creative expression. AI Law & Child Safety: Florida’s new law upgraded penalties for creating or transmitting AI-generated child sexual abuse material to a second-degree felony, with law enforcement task forces adapting to the change. Books & Community Reading: A Florida boy, Nehemiah Turner, became the first child to log 100+ volunteer hours reading to shelter animals through Jacksonville Humane Society’s Pawsitive Reading program. South Florida Publishing/Media: Pinecrest author John David discussed his thriller The Bystander on the Miami Book Hub podcast, tying journalism, misinformation, and media pressure into a fast mystery. Book Retail & Culture: A Fort Myers bookstore-and-cafe, The Book Café, opened in June and is already drawing readers with new and used book deals plus in-house roasted coffee. Tech & Collectibles: The Pokémon Company announced mandatory facial recognition at some Japanese card stores to curb scalping, including rules for adult and elementary-age shoppers.

Book & Community Spotlight: A new Fort Myers “bookstore and cafe” called The Book Café is drawing crowds with used books priced at $6/$8, new titles discounted 25%, and a cozy third-space vibe. Local Publishing & Faith Reads: Kharis Publishing released Hannah’s Heart Awakens, a faith-based picture book from Daytona Beach aimed at helping families start conversations about Jesus. Library Life: The Friends of the Englewood Charlotte Library are running a fill-a-bag book sale through Saturday, with proceeds supporting children’s and adult programs. School Board & Book Bans: Orange County’s Alicia Farrant—known for book-banning activism—has launched a bid for school board chair. Tech & Healthcare (Florida): Natoe AI says its AI-native teleradiology service is now available for hospitals and imaging centers in Clearwater. Sports Culture: LeBron James’ move to the 76ers has fans lining up for new merch at Mitchell & Ness, including travelers from Florida.

Florida Publishing & Books: A new faith-based picture book, Hannah’s Heart Awakens, from Daytona Beach author Shaunta Scott, is designed to help families start real conversations about Jesus without pressure, with an ebook deal running through July 31. Local Libraries & Community Reading: The Englewood Charlotte Library’s Friends group is running a fill-a-bag book sale through Saturday to fund children’s and adult programs, scholarships, and group activities. Back-to-School Literacy Push: West Palm Beach’s “The Backpack Session” on Aug. 2 blends music and community with a school-supplies drive aimed at supporting Rohi’s Liberation Station and improving literacy access for kids and families. Cultural Spotlight (Florida Film/IMAX): Fort Lauderdale’s AutoNation IMAX at the Museum of Discovery and Science is drawing major crowds for The Odyssey in 70mm IMAX, with the theater’s format described as the only Florida option for Nolan’s intended presentation. Book Industry Watch: Orange County school board chair race news keeps attention on book-banning politics, with Moms for Liberty ally Alicia Farrant seeking the top board role.

Florida Publishing & Books: A faith-based picture book hits shelves with Hannah’s Heart Awakens, released by Kharis Publishing and aimed at helping families start real conversations about Jesus without pressure—written by Daytona Beach storyteller Shaunta Scott. Local Libraries & Community Reading: The Friends of the Englewood Charlotte Library are running a fill-a-bag book sale through Saturday, with proceeds supporting children and adult programs, scholarships, and group activities. Film & Reading Culture in Florida: Fort Lauderdale’s AutoNation IMAX at the Museum of Discovery and Science is drawing major crowds for The Odyssey in 70mm IMAX, with the theater positioned as a rare “director’s intended” destination. Tech/Media Business: Tesla expands its robotaxi service to Orlando and Tampa, adding to its Florida footprint after Miami—another reminder of how quickly new services are reshaping local consumer habits. Education & School Politics: Orange County school board member Alicia Farrant, tied to book-banning activism, is running for chair—an agenda-setting role in a district still at the center of Florida’s culture-war fights.

Back-to-School & Community Publishing: West Palm Beach’s “The Backpack Session” (Aug. 2) pairs a soulful dance party with a school-supplies drive, aiming to boost literacy access for kids via Rohi’s Liberation Station. Book Bans & School Libraries: Clay County leaders discussed “nuclear options” for handling Florida book challenges, including closing libraries or stripping them to nonfiction, as HB 1069 fuels mass removals. Legal Fight Over Book Restrictions: Escambia County School Board members deposed students in a book-banning lawsuit, while appealing to avoid being deposed themselves under “legislative privilege.” Local Author Spotlight: Kharis Publishing released Shaunta Scott’s faith-based picture book “Hannah’s Heart Awakens,” built to help families start conversations about Jesus. Key West Mystery Series: Roberta Isleib’s Key West Food Critic novels keep drawing readers with an insider feel for the island’s food and eccentric community. Film-Format Culture in Florida: Fort Lauderdale’s AutoNation IMAX at the Museum of Discovery and Science is a top destination for “The Odyssey,” with 70mm IMAX demand driving sold-out runs. Environment & Stewardship: Miami-Dade’s EEL Program received $925,000 to protect imperiled pine rocklands, supporting restoration and prescribed fire cycles.

Book-to-cinema buzz: Fort Lauderdale’s AutoNation IMAX at the Museum of Discovery and Science is the only Florida venue with a 70mm IMAX setup, and “The Odyssey” is selling out for weeks—35,822 tickets already sold. School library fight: A Florida school board sued over book bans has deposed students, while board members argue in federal appeals court that their decisions should be protected by “legislative privilege.” Publishing & authorship: Matthew Reilly’s new thriller “The Detective” spotlights a gentler, detail-obsessed private investigator in a crime story set in the American South. Local literacy push: West Palm Beach’s “The Backpack Session” on Aug. 2 will pair a soulful dance party with free supplies for students and support for a local literacy nonprofit. Natural lands funding: Miami-Dade’s Environmentally Endangered Lands program received $925,000 to protect imperiled pine rocklands. Legal/publishing-adjacent: A copyright suit targets a Baltimore restaurant over alleged use of the “Space Jam” theme in a 2024 Instagram post.

School Book-Ban Fight: The Escambia County School Board, already sued over book removals, has deposed some student plaintiffs—including a 7-year-old seeking a picture book—while arguing in federal appeals court that board members should be protected by “legislative privilege.” Publishing & Libraries: FIU’s new libraries dean, Benjamin Walker, says his first semester is about listening to students and staff before expanding research support, collaborative spaces, and outreach. AI Transparency for Publishers: Rep. Laurel Lee (with Rep. Gus Bilirakis) introduced the Stealth Bot Prohibition Act to require AI web crawlers to identify themselves and crack down on “stealth bots,” a move aimed at protecting publishers and other site operators. Local Publishing/Community Events: Sebring author Mark Barie returns for a Revolutionary War-themed presentation and book giveaway at the Sebring Historical Society. Printing & Direct Mail Tech: Florida’s Direct One says it’s the first in the Southeast to install a Ricoh Pro VC80000 continuous-feed inkjet, boosting speed and personalization for large direct-mail campaigns. Environment & Stewardship: Miami-Dade’s Environmentally Endangered Lands program received $925,000 to protect imperiled pine rocklands, funding restoration and prescribed fire cycles.

Legal Crossroads for Kids’ Gender Care: The American Association of Pediatrics has moved to voluntarily dismiss its federal bid to block Florida AG James Uthmeier’s lawsuit over alleged misleading claims about child transgender medicine, while also asking the 7th Circuit to pause related proceedings. AI Transparency Push (Florida ties): Rep. Laurel Lee (R-Fla.) introduced the Stealth Bot Prohibition Act to require AI web crawlers to identify themselves and crack down on “stealth bots” that disguise access—an issue publishers and online businesses have been raising. Libraries & Publishing Infrastructure: FIU’s new libraries dean, Benjamin Walker, says his first semester will focus on listening to students and staff before expanding research support and digital literacy. Print/Direct Mail Tech Upgrade: Direct One installed a Ricoh Pro VC80000 continuous-feed inkjet press, aiming for faster, highly personalized direct mail at scale. Local Book/Community Notes: Heritage Village in Pinellas is marking 50 years of preserving county history, with fall programs including talks on Florida literature and William Bartram. Book Industry Buzz: IDW’s October 2026 full solicits spotlight Sonic, TMNT, Star Trek, Godzilla, The Twilight Zone, and new horror launches.

Local Publishing & Libraries: Ruby Sisson Library in Florida is dropping CloudLibrary and adding Hoopla (along with Libby) starting Aug. 18, aiming for more titles and shorter waits; holds won’t auto-transfer, and patrons keep the same Hoopla limits. Book World & Community: Tallahassee author Rhett DeVane’s Dragon Rules (Dragon Guardians #2) leans into “dragon guardian” rules and a first real cosantóir crisis—Zach vanishes, and the quest forces a dangerous choice. Printing & Production: Canon’s new varioPRESS iV7 inkjet press debuts in Boca Raton, with a focus on high-speed B2+ sheetfed output. Publishing Industry Losses: “From The Publisher: A Week of Profound Loss” marks the community’s mourning and remembrance. Arts & Culture (Florida): Intuitive says it will outline an AI vision for robotic surgery at a conference in Hollywood, Florida, tying tech progress to real-world surgical data. Film in Florida (books-adjacent): Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is playing in 70mm IMAX at AutoNation IMAX 3D Theater in Fort Lauderdale.

Local Journalism Honors: WUSF reporters and host Cathy Carter brought home four Green Eyeshade Awards, including first place for general news reporting and recognition for digital audience engagement. Community Safety & Print/Publishing Tie-In: Tallahassee Police launched a Care Autism Awareness Initiative, including free decals to help officers interact safely with people with autism—partnering with local organizations including Midtown Print. Books & Publishing Spotlight: Vatican Publishing House released the first Italian edition of “Félix Varela: A Biography,” highlighting the Cuban priest’s role in national culture and independence. Reading Culture: A Florida-linked report points to falling pleasure reading and offers ways to fight the “end of reading,” from book-to-screen readathons to cooking from novels. Local Author News: Baker County educator Dr. Nancy Nicole Rodgers-Mason debuted her children’s book, “The Posh Pup & the Country Canine,” at Emily Taber Library. Media/Tech Legal Watch: A legal alert examines whether generative AI prompts and outputs are discoverable in litigation and how to preserve them.

Shelter Reading Milestone: Jacksonville Humane Society’s Pawsitive Reading program says 11-year-old Nehemiah Turner hit 100 hours of reading to adoptable dogs, hoping the calm companionship helps pets settle and get forever homes. Local Publishing & Community Events: Baker County educator Dr. Nancy Nicole Rodgers-Mason launched her first children’s book at Emily Taber Library, while Ocala’s Central Florida Master Choir opened auditions for winter concerts and Marion County UF/IFAS Master Gardeners set August courses. Florida Ballot Fight: Leon County heard arguments in the bid to remove gubernatorial candidate James Fishback from the ballot, including his admission of voting and buying a home in Washington, D.C. Book-to-Billboard Push: Florida mystery author Sue Andrews’ “A Killing in the Keys” is set for a Manhattan billboard campaign during Thanksgiving through New Year’s. AI in the Workplace: A practical guide argues teams should build reliable AI routines around shared workflows and review steps, not just prompts. Mortgage Credit Scores: Whalen Global Advisors warns incomplete credit data can distort mortgage scores, potentially costing borrowers thousands. AM Radio Policy Fight: Lobbying disclosures show automakers and Big Tech pushing back on the “AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act,” aiming to block a House floor path. Adopt-a-Box Public Art: Warner Robins unveiled a new Adopt-a-Box vinyl-wrap featuring the Elberta Depot, blending local history with street-level art.

Ballot Fight in Tallahassee: GOP gubernatorial candidate James Fishback faced a long Leon County hearing over whether he met Florida’s seven-year residency rule, with testimony and heated exchanges that included admissions about voting and buying a home in Washington, D.C. Local Publishing & Community Media: Miami’s Community Newspapers promoted a new “Business Beyond the Beach” talk show episode featuring Freebee’s Claudia Miro, spotlighting South Florida’s local business ecosystem. Printing & Book Industry Tech: PRINTING United Expo coverage highlighted how in-plants evaluate color toner equipment ahead of the Sept. 23-25 Las Vegas show, with University of Florida and other print services managers sharing what to research before you go. Women in Printmaking: St. Petersburg Museum of History opened “Plate to Paper: Women Printmakers in Pinellas,” tracing how printmaking helped women gain visibility and professional reach. Health-Info Fact-Checking: PolitiFact and Poynter launched “Well Informed,” a new service for credible, practical health information that news orgs can publish. Florida Gambling Crackdown: The Florida Gaming Control Commission marked its fourth anniversary, citing nearly 11,000 illegal slot machines seized since 2022 and hundreds of arcade shutdowns and arrests.

Florida Publishing & Books: Santa Rosa County libraries just added 79 new titles (47 e-books, 32 e-audiobooks) via a Florida Humanities America250 Book Collection Grant, available free through the Libby app with any Santa Rosa library card. Local Arts & Print Culture: St. Petersburg Museum of History opened “Plate to Paper: Women Printmakers in Pinellas,” spotlighting how printmaking helped women break into professional art circles and build lasting reputations. Publishing Industry & Media: Poynter and PolitiFact launched “Well Informed,” a new service offering credible, science-backed health info for social media and partner newsrooms. Community Reading & Censorship: A Henrico bookstore fundraiser drew about 30 book lovers for a banned-books read-in, featuring authors Sara Raasch and Meg Medina and supporting Authors Against Book Bans. Florida Politics & LGBTQ+ Publishing Ties: Hillsborough County’s LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus and Equality Florida Action PAC endorsed Luis Salazar for Florida House 64; he previously worked with Watermark Out News. Business of Print: Palm Beach International Airport’s Trump rebrand is driving hundreds of new signage prints for a local in-plant shop.