AGP Executive Report

Local Budget Fight: Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan is blasting a November ballot referendum that would raise Florida’s homestead exemption, warning it could cut city services after auditors project more than $300 million in lost property tax revenue by fiscal year 2029. Publishing & Literacy in Action: The “1 Million Book Challenge” spotlights “Read to Succeed,” a Fort Pierce/Port St. Lucie school partnership that’s driving major sales for a local pizzeria by turning slow nights into packed, kid-centered reading events. Book Industry Deals: Independent publisher SLKY World acquired Saudi author F.J. Fatani’s debut sci-fi trilogy, “Something About Mars,” for a three-book run releasing in 2027. Local Culture & Pride: Key West Pride kicks off with “more passion” as the city navigates the fallout from Florida’s DEI funding ban, including the loss of rainbow crosswalk funding. Vatican Communications: EWTN News president Montse Alvarado, a Miami-grown Catholic, was appointed prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication—an international media leadership move with Florida ties. Tech & Public Opinion: A poll finds Americans are least supportive of new AI data centers among major countries, adding pressure to the AI infrastructure push. Policy Watch: Florida TaxWatch is set to release its “Budget Turkey Watch” report, flagging late or bypassed appropriations ahead of potential governor line-item vetoes. Indie Publishing Tools: BookAuth launched an all-in-one platform aimed at reducing indie publishing “chaos.” Legal/Everyday Life: Florida officials say license plate frames are likely still legal under the new plate-obstruction law, after confusion sparked across the state.

Publishing Deal: SLKY World bought Saudi author F.J. Fatani’s debut sci-fi trilogy Something About Mars in a landmark three-book deal, with the series set for release in 2027. Indie Tech for Authors: BookAuth launched in Wellington, aiming to simplify indie publishing by replacing scattered tools for author websites, direct sales, and ARC/review management. Local Publishing & Community: Key West Weekly opened nominations for its “Bubbas” People’s Choice Awards, a long-running community contest that raises money for local nonprofits like Keys AHEC. Library Reading Culture: A new roundup spotlights summer reading picks across fiction, nonfiction, mystery/thriller, and romance—framed as a “road map” for adults and a lighter lift for kids. Hurricane Prep (Media): WESH 2’s “Surviving the Season 2026” continues with guidance on hurricane misconceptions and what homeowners often miss in insurance coverage. Press Freedom & Identity: OSV reports Pope Leo XIV appointed Miami-raised EWTN News president Montse Alvarado as prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, underscoring Florida’s media ties to global publishing. Publisher Ecosystem: 247newspaper.com launched as a pro-publisher news aggregator designed to drive readers back to original publisher sites.

Indie Publishing Tech: BookAuth launched in Wellington to help independent authors replace a messy stack of tools with one dashboard for author websites, direct sales, and ARC/review management. Local Journalism & Public Notices: A national debate is heating up over ending the requirement that legal ads run in news outlets, with critics warning it would cut press revenue and weaken democracy. Library Value: A new roundup highlights how public libraries can save money beyond books—borrowing items, free classes, and perks that vary by community. Hurricane Readiness: WESH 2’s “Surviving the Season 2026” special spotlights what Central Florida residents should do before storms, plus insurance and local preparedness resources. Publishing Heritage: Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site marks the 150th anniversary of “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” with the original handwritten manuscript on limited display in Florida. Student Media: Pensacola State College students behind “Just-Opposed” are using GoFundMe to print more copies after controversy over LGBTQ content.

Vatican Media Leadership: Pope Leo XIV has named Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado, president and COO of EWTN News (and a Miami-grown Florida alum), as prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication, taking office Nov. 1—an unusually young, lay, and media-first appointment. Florida Publishing & Faith Media: The move spotlights Florida’s role in global Catholic communications, with EWTN’s expansion and streamlined news operations tied to Alvarado’s leadership. Industry Events for Print & Graphics: The Wide-Format Summit returns July 27–29 at Hyatt Regency Coconut Point in Bonita Springs, billed as an “MBA in wide-format” for printers, vendors, and wide-format graphics pros. Local Culture & Archives: FAMU’s Foster Tanner Fine Arts Gallery opens June 6 with a major exhibit celebrating 40 years of “Black Masks” magazine, running through Aug. 29. Business/Markets: A federal jury convicted activist short-seller Andrew Left in a $21M securities fraud case, a potential shake-up for activist short-selling tactics.

Vatican Communications: Pope Leo XIV named Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado, COO of EWTN News and a Miami-raised Catholic, as prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, starting Nov. 1—an unusually young laywoman appointment that keeps EWTN’s media leadership tied to Vatican messaging. Black Publishing Spotlight: Florida A&M’s Foster Tanner Fine Arts Gallery opens a two-floor exhibit June 6 celebrating 40 years of “Black Masks” magazine, founded by Dr. Beth Turner, running through Aug. 29. Local Learning & Making: Lakeside Education Maker and Invention (LEMI Labs) opened in Lakeside, Florida, aiming to give students and families hands-on high-tech learning. Florida Arts Leadership: The Frye Art Museum in Seattle announced a new museum director and curatorial leadership changes, with Florida connections in the staff background. Indie Music Finance: LabelWorx launched Elevate, advancing $10M to indie electronic labels against future royalties. Florida Business/Policy: A Miami-Dade push for KPI-style performance tracking argues taxpayers deserve results, not just spending.

AI & Consumer Safety: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging ChatGPT is an unsafe product that can drive self-harm, harm minors, and worsen critical thinking. Local Government Performance: Miami-Dade is being urged to adopt a KPI dashboard so residents can see whether big spending is actually delivering results. Publishing/Culture Wars: A new book review revisits the Mapplethorpe/NEA controversy and how federal arts funding became a flashpoint in America’s culture wars. Church Media Leadership: Pope Leo XIV appointed EWTN News president Maria Montserrat “Montse” Alvarado as prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, effective Nov. 1. First Amendment Fallout: Free-speech settlements tied to Charlie Kirk-related social media firings topped $1.5M, underscoring how costly speech disputes can get. Florida Weather & Health: Reporting highlights how extreme heat can destabilize diabetes care, especially when people can’t afford air conditioning. Books & History: A review of “Charlottesville: An American Story” ties the 2017 rally to today’s political climate.

Florida Tech & Safety Lawsuit: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging ChatGPT is an unsafe product that can enable harm including self-harm and mass-violence planning, with claims of negligence and product liability. AI Policy & Publishing Angle: The case adds to a fast-growing wave of state actions targeting big tech, with Florida positioning itself as a first-mover. Hurricane Prep for Readers: WINK’s “WINK Listens” hurricane guide answers Southwest Florida questions on forecasts, evacuations, shelters, and home protection, citing a slightly below-average Atlantic outlook. Local Journalism & Community News: KWGS bids farewell to news director Elizabeth Caldwell as she heads to Jacksonville Today at WJCT, underscoring Florida’s ongoing newsroom talent shuffle. World Cup 2026 Impact: FIU research frames the tournament’s effects in Miami as more than hotel bookings—boosting neighborhood culture and community identity. Books & Community Events: Inkwood Books’ Pride Book Club in South Jersey highlights how local bookstores are becoming gathering spots for queer literature and connection. Digital Preparedness: Florida nonprofit FLTDSO opens a waitlist for its “Digital Backpack,” aiming to help families organize documents and reduce fraud risk during disasters.

Local Publishing & Community Pride: Inkwood Books in Haddonfield, N.J., is spotlighting LGBTQ+ titles through a Pride Book Club that’s drawing readers from across the region, fueled by growing interest in queer-themed books. Faith-Based Books: Xulon Press announced a new faith-based children’s picture book, Queen Bee’s Garden of Virtues, by Kristin Dean, with paperback, hardcover, and eBook editions. Author-Owned Book Retail (Florida tie-in): A national roundup of author-owned bookstores highlights Judy Blume’s Books & Books in Key West, where the author is still a hands-on presence at the register. Hurricane Prep Tech (Florida nonprofit): FLTDSO is opening a waitlist for its Digital Backpack, aiming to help families protect identity and emergency documents ahead of hurricane season. Arts & Philanthropy: Actors’ Playhouse’s 35th annual “Reach for the Stars” Gala Auction raised $150K+ for theater programming in Miami-Dade. Books & Publishing Industry Pulse: The American Booksellers Association reports independent bookstores are expanding again, with membership at its highest level since the late 1990s.

Independent bookstores boom: The American Booksellers Association says independent stores are expanding again, with ABA membership up more than 500 in a year to 3,417 members—nearly triple a decade ago—highlighting new and growing shops including pop-ups in St. Petersburg, Florida. Local publishing & culture: A Florida connection pops up in a new look at “Brenda Starr Girl Reporter,” tracing how creator Dalia “Dale” Messick worked on the comic from her Marco Island home. Author spotlight: David Archuleta’s memoir “Devout” revisits his Florida roots and the fallout of family rupture, faith, and identity. Florida business & building: Castillo Remodelzone spotlights Space Coast remodeling with an emphasis on communication and accountability, including ADUs. Health & childbirth rights: A report examines mental health fallout when courts override laboring mothers’ wishes, focusing on two Florida VBAC cases. Media law: A Supreme Court petition seeks to revisit the “actual malice” standard that protects press coverage in defamation suits.

World Cup Logistics: FIFA says parking at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens must be bought through its official platform, with passes available only up to 24 hours before kickoff and no day-of sales—plus fans must print the pass and display it for entry. Media & Publishing Policy: Journalism educator Jeff Jarvis warns that expecting tax support for journalism can threaten independence, arguing government can both fund and take away. Florida Politics & Housing: Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing a constitutional amendment to raise Florida’s homestead exemption sharply, aiming to shift property-tax burdens toward the wealthiest homeowners. Free Press Legal Fight: The Supreme Court is weighing whether to revisit New York Times v. Sullivan, a major defamation standard that protects media unless “actual malice” is shown. Local Community Spotlight: CNewsTV.com’s Fara Sax is profiled for highlighting Miami-Dade community leaders and behind-the-scenes changemakers. Arts & Exhibitions: Armory Art Center in Florida announces summer shows, including “Print & Shoot” and “Ephemeral Landscapes,” featuring minimalism, photography, and nature themes.

Florida Tax Fight: Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing a constitutional amendment to raise Florida’s homestead exemption from $50,000 to $250,000 (and potentially $500,000), aiming to shift more property-tax burden onto ultrawealthy homeowners. First Amendment in Court: The U.S. Supreme Court is weighing a challenge to the New York Times v. Sullivan defamation standard, with a Florida lawsuit involving CNN and Harvard’s Alan Dershowitz. State Budget Watch: Florida lawmakers wrapped another special session by passing a $114.5 billion budget, touting reserves and restraint while still funding public safety, education, environment, healthcare, and infrastructure. Publishing & Books: Independent bookstores are still multiplying, with American Booksellers Association membership hitting its highest level since the late 1990s. Local Arts: Armory Art Center in Florida is set to open two summer exhibitions, including a minimalism-and-photography show and a nature-focused series. Weather: South Florida faces widespread downpours as tropical moisture builds this weekend.

Publishing & Books in Florida: Orange County Library System is kicking off summer reading with a free book for kids in June. Local Book Culture: A new cat café and bookstore is set to open in Ocala, adding another indie-friendly stop for readers. Everglades Water Quality: Florida’s stormwater treatment areas still aren’t on track to meet phosphorus rules, raising the odds of delays in Everglades restoration plans. Space & Tech: Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket explosion during a Florida hotfire test rattled space stocks and renewed questions about commercial launch risk. Weather & Planning: South Florida faces widespread downpours as tropical moisture builds, with impacts lingering into next week—good timing for library and bookstore indoor plans. Media & Law: A federal judge reinstated Megan Thee Stallion’s defamation win against blogger Milagro Gramz, a reminder that publishing and platform claims can carry real legal consequences.

Everglades Water Watch: Florida is “on track to flunk” phosphorus pollution rules, with stormwater treatment areas not meeting required clean-water standards, raising the odds of delays in Everglades restoration. Publishing & Libraries: Orange County Library System kicks off its summer reading challenge with a free book for kids up to 18 starting June 1. Indie Booksellers: A new wave of independent bookstores is multiplying nationwide, including Florida, as readers keep choosing local shelves over big platforms. Space Coast Culture: Space Coast Symphony Orchestra announces its 18th season (June 2026–May 2027) with new concert series and multiple premieres. Local Community Media: Hotspots Magazine names a new executive director and publisher, aiming to expand print, digital, and live LGBTQ programming. Legal/Press: Trump refiles a $10B defamation suit against the Wall Street Journal over its Epstein reporting, after a judge dismissed the earlier version.

Defamation in the Sunshine State: President Donald Trump has refiled a $10 billion libel suit against The Wall Street Journal and News Corp in federal court in Florida, after a judge dismissed the earlier complaint for not meeting the “actual malice” standard. The case centers on a July 2025 WSJ report alleging Trump sent Jeffrey Epstein a lewd birthday note in 2003; Trump’s team argues the paper recklessly disregarded whether the claims were true. Local publishing & reading: Orange County Library System is kicking off its 2026 summer reading challenge with a free book giveaway for kids up to 18 starting June 1, funded by the Friends of OCLS. Independent booksellers: A new American Booksellers Association report says independent bookstores are expanding again, with membership up more than 500 over the past year—highlighting pop-ups like Banyan Books in St. Petersburg. Florida media leadership: Hotspots Magazine names Bobby Blair its new executive director and publisher, aiming to expand the LGBTQ publication across print, digital, social, video, and live events. Community book culture: A Thomasville author is building a psychological thriller series through independent publishing, with the second installment slated for November 2026. Press freedom focus: A separate report revisits how U.S. courts handled a high-profile federal judge scandal, underscoring ongoing tensions around transparency and the press.

Local Book Culture: The American Booksellers Association says independent bookstores are not disappearing—they’re expanding fast, with ABA membership up more than 500 in a year to 3,417 members (3,783 locations), including new models like mobile and pop-up shops such as Banyan Books in St. Petersburg. Community & Publishing Events: The Miami Book Hub spotlights South Florida author C.V. Shaw and her fantasy novel “The Spell,” rooted in curses, belief systems, healing, and the power of storytelling. Florida Book/Author Support: Palmetto Publishing announced C. C. Steele’s new memoir about dating after divorce. Media Training for Health Reporting: Poynter Institute launched a fully funded Poynter Brain Health Reporting Fellowship starting in December 2026, with a three-day convening in St. Petersburg and monthly workshops for 30 journalists. Nature Calendar (SWFL Publishing): The 39th edition of The Sanibel-Captiva Nature Calendar for 2027 is now available, including a spiral-bound Blind Pass Tide edition with tide predictions and astronomy details.

Independent Book Boom: The American Booksellers Association says independent bookstores are expanding again, with membership up more than 500 to 3,417—nearly triple a decade ago—highlighting new models like pop-ups and mobile shops, including Florida’s Banyan Books in St. Petersburg. Local Publishing & Community: Florida’s book scene also shows up in smaller, neighborhood moments, from new store openings to community events that keep readers connected. Tech & Consumer Safety: A potential security flaw at Trump Mobile may have exposed customer names, emails, and addresses, raising fresh questions about how companies protect user data. Real Estate & Miami Growth: A Miami Beach “Sunset Islands” megacompound reflects how ultra-wealthy buyers are shifting toward private, resort-like estates—more lifestyle than just property. Games & IP: Unlogic Games launched in Miami with a lean studio plan focused on premium single-player RPG and strategy experiences built on original IP. Weather Readiness: WPBF 25’s 2026 hurricane guide pushes Florida residents to review evacuation and flooding risks ahead of the season.