AGP Executive Report

Workforce & Training: A Bentonville summit highlighted a “career awareness” gap, arguing skilled trades can’t be filled if kids never see those jobs early enough. Skilled Trades Pipeline: A new Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades push says the U.S. needs about 1.7 million skilled trades workers annually through 2035, while training programs fall short and completion rates lag. Manufacturing/Innovation in Florida: Gov. DeSantis and billionaire Ken Griffin unveiled plans for a $2 billion Carnegie Mellon Miami campus aimed at boosting advanced manufacturing, robotics, and defense tech. Marine Manufacturing: Honda opened an Oct. 1 Florida Marine Office at its Grant-Valkaria R&D test facility to speed rigging development, procurement, and field support for boat builders. PFAS Accountability: Florida AG Nick Brown joined a bipartisan suit seeking to stop DuPont/Corteva liability-avoidance tied to PFAS contamination. Policy Impact on Industry: Florida’s Meg’s Law takes effect Oct. 1, banning nitrous oxide sales by smoke shops and vape stores. Transportation Tech: Robotaxis are moving from testing to daily service, with Waymo leading and Tesla expanding more cautiously.

Workforce & Skills Pipeline: A Bentonville summit highlighted how skilled-trades shortages start long before college, with WSU Tech leaders pushing early career awareness and hands-on technical pathways for kids and teens. Manufacturing & Defense Tech: Florida-based Powerus is partnering with Ukrainian defense firms to adapt battlefield drone tech for U.S. production as the Pentagon builds an Autonomous Warfare Command. Maritime Autonomy: Red Cat’s Blue Ops is expanding maritime defense operations to Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch in Fort Pierce, adding a deep-water testing and integration site. Space Coast Industry: NASA and SpaceX launched Crew-13 from Cape Canaveral to the ISS after weather uncertainty, keeping Florida’s aerospace momentum moving. Policy Impact on Daily Life: New Florida laws taking effect Oct. 1 include changes tied to crash reporting and nitrous oxide rules, with mechanics warning repair costs can jump fast. Higher Ed for Advanced Manufacturing: Ken Griffin’s $3B gift to Carnegie Mellon includes a Miami campus focused on areas like advanced manufacturing, with construction expected to start in 2027.

Higher Ed & Talent Pipeline: Ken Griffin’s record $3B gift to Carnegie Mellon will fund a new CMU Miami campus in Wynwood (about $2B) with first students targeted for 2028, while $1B supports Pittsburgh and CMU’s computer science expansion—positioning Florida as a hub for advanced manufacturing and AI-era research. Defense Tech & Drones: Florida-based Powerus is set to merge and go public, aiming to bring Ukrainian and other foreign drone tech to meet Pentagon demand, with Trump-linked investors in the background. Manufacturing & Logistics: The AAPA convention highlighted pressure to speed up port infrastructure work, including interest in nuclear power and faster dredging—relevant to Florida’s supply chains. Construction Tech: A drone-as-a-service push is gaining traction for capturing jobsite data and reducing surprises on complex projects. Florida Policy Watch: New Oct. 1 laws include a $15 minimum wage, expanded specialty license plates, and tougher rules around nitrous oxide and xylazine sales. Public Safety Tech: Florida agencies face deadlines to remove Flock cameras and license plate readers from state roads, with local approaches varying.

Big Philanthropy Meets Florida Industry: Citadel CEO Ken Griffin pledged a record $3B to Carnegie Mellon—$2B for a new 35-acre Miami campus in Wynwood focused on health, national security, energy and advanced manufacturing, plus $1B to Pittsburgh. Defense Tech & Drones: Florida-based Powerus says it will import Ukrainian and other foreign drone tech to meet Pentagon demand as it merges early October to become Nasdaq-listed. Manufacturing Supply Chain: ADDMAN (Florida) signed a 30-month Nickel 718 powder supply deal with 6K Additive (Pennsylvania), supporting aerospace, defense and energy production. Space Hardware Progress: NASA hit a key Artemis III milestone at Kennedy Space Center by integrating final forward booster segments onto the SLS mobile launcher. Workforce & Hiring: ADP reported private employers added 90,000 jobs in September; manufacturing added 17,000. Policy Watch: Florida’s minimum wage reaches $15 on Sept. 30, with additional Oct. 1 law changes.

Pharma Enforcement: Starting Oct. 22, U.S. Customs and FDA rules will clamp down on ordering many medications from foreign pharmacies, a move that could sharply raise costs for patients who’ve relied on cheaper Canadian supply. Drug Fraud Case: A federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida indicted two Indian nationals over an alleged transnational counterfeit Ozempic scheme, accusing them of smuggling thousands of fake doses from China into U.S. distribution channels. Space Manufacturing: NASA is funding a major Boeing Starliner redesign after the 2024 valve failure, with a $359M package tied to a mid-2028 crewed return plan from Kennedy Space Center. Aerospace R&D Funding: Space Florida and the UK Space Agency launched a joint call for proposals offering up to $200,000 plus £150,000 for collaborative space manufacturing and in-orbit projects. Industrial Materials: MCPU Polymer Engineering will unveil “biocongruent chemistry” at a polyurethanes conference in Orlando, aiming to replace halogenated flame retardants in insulation foams with soy/lignin-based additives. Local Manufacturing Spotlight: Island Shutter Company in DeLand highlighted its 30+ years of in-house shutter manufacturing and steady job growth.

Florida Policy & Courts: Florida AG James Uthmeier asked a court for a temporary injunction to block OpenAI from advancing new AI models without third-party safety guardrails, arguing ChatGPT is unsafe and deceptive—especially for children. Manufacturing & Jobs: A new E2 analysis says the U.S. lost 36,949 clean energy jobs in 2025, with 142 clean energy projects canceled or downsized; Florida gained about 3,800 clean energy jobs even as the broader sector shrank. Trade & Supply Chains: After Trump-Xi talks, the U.S. and China released reciprocal tariff-cut product lists covering about $30B each, with most items moving to most-favored-nation rates. Environment & Risk: A new analysis estimates atrazine at harmful levels may span nearly 860,000 miles of U.S. rivers and streams, reigniting pressure on regulators over the herbicide’s wildlife impacts. Florida Housing/Construction: A statewide survey finds Florida homeowners still see no real relief from property insurance reforms, citing premium spikes and insurer nonrenewals. Florida Business/Industry: Trulieve announced an exclusive master licensing deal with Connected for Alien Labs and Connected branded cannabis products in Florida and Texas.

Manufacturing Tech & Verification: Oasis Engineering says its engineerletters.co manufactured-home foundation certification letters now include a digital seal with public verification, letting lenders confirm authenticity fast in-browser. Healthcare Compliance & 340B: Ravin Consultants was named a 2026 Industry Icon for its 340B program expertise, focused on compliance, audit readiness, and long-term program growth. Florida Cannabis Licensing: Trulieve secured exclusive master licensing rights for Alien Labs and Connected branded products in Florida and Texas, aiming to expand premium categories and formats. Aerospace Aftermarket: Chromalloy won a fifth FAA PMA approval for a Lufthansa Technik-developed V2500 high-pressure turbine blade stage, with production ramping through 2026-27 at Chromalloy’s Florida sites. Space Coast Launch Update: Sidus Space moved LizzieSat-5 to SpaceX’s Bandwagon-6, targeting no earlier than April 2027, after completing environmental testing and integration work. Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. and China released reciprocal nonsensitive product lists for about $30B each side, with tariff cuts expected for most items—potentially affecting Florida manufacturers tied to global supply chains. Workforce & Visas: Florida employers filed 75 H-1B petitions in 2025 in Accommodation & Food Services, with a 94.7% approval rate. Policy & Legal: Florida AG James Uthmeier filed a lawsuit alleging insulin makers and PBMs inflated prices through collusion-style rebate and formulary deals.

Florida AG Action on Insulin Pricing: Attorney General James Uthmeier sued nine companies, alleging insulin manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers inflated list prices and profited through rebate deals—aimed at lowering costs for Florida patients. New Florida Rules for Oct. 1: A dozen laws kick in Oct. 1, including “Meg’s Law,” which bans nitrous oxide sales at smoke shops and gas stations, plus new requirements for specialty license plate sponsors. US–China Tariff Truce Update: After the Trump–Xi summit, the U.S. and China released reciprocal product lists totaling about $30 billion each side for potential tariff cuts, covering thousands of items and focusing on non-sensitive goods. Manufacturing & Infrastructure in Florida: Construction Partners (ROAD) completed an acquisition of an asphalt business in the Panhandle, adding a plant, crews, and 150+ employees—raising the question of whether tighter local coordination can lift margins. Industrial Safety Through “Athletes” Thinking: A new look at “industrial athletes” highlights how ergonomics and rehab-style training can reduce injuries, citing a Florida Mitsubishi Power site. Trade-Policy Pressure on Agriculture: U.S. soybean and pork producers are left waiting as the U.S.–China talks extend a fragile trade truce to Jan. 10 without firm agricultural purchase commitments. Local Industry Spotlight: Pursuit Boats in Fort Pierce marks its 50th anniversary with a public 300-drone light show Oct. 2.

Immigration Enforcement Clash: In tight midterm races, GOP lawmakers are pushing for ICE to coordinate with local police, saying agents have shown up without notice—Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar called the approach “gone too far.” Wearables Fraud: Boca Raton CEO Michelle Bisnoff was convicted in federal court of running a near-$2M Ponzi scheme tied to “smart ring” payment patents she allegedly didn’t own, plus misuse of $150K in COVID relief loans. Space Coast Traffic: Port Canaveral is urging action on SR 528 congestion, arguing backups persist even when no cruise ships are in port and pointing to manufacturing and space growth. Defense & Manufacturing Tech: Jacksonville-based Derya Arms says its Derya MAX shotgun is used in a Turkey-made counter-drone system, highlighting Florida’s role in defense-adjacent manufacturing. Local Development: Sebring Mayor John Shoop outlined expansion plans including a growing Waterside RV/manufactured home park and new townhome development near Ben Eastman Road and Sebring Parkway. Space Hardware Update: Planet’s Pelican-12 satellite arrived at Cape Canaveral ahead of a SpaceX rideshare launch.

Port Canaveral Congestion: Port officials say SR 528 gridlock is hurting a fast-growing Central Florida corridor tied to cruise traffic, manufacturing, and space, and they’re pushing a stakeholder roundtable with FDOT, Space Coast planners, and federal partners. Local Development Update (Sebring): Sebring Mayor John Shoop shared progress on mall ownership changes, expansion at Waterside RV/manufactured home parks, new townhome plans, and downtown projects aimed at boosting activity into 2027. Space & Defense (Kennedy): Crew-13 arrived at Kennedy ahead of the Oct. 1 launch countdown for a six-month ISS mission, with Volusia County native Luke Delaney as pilot. Manufacturing/Tech Watch (Tesla Optimus): Reporting says Tesla is ramping Optimus production goals but is still constrained by hardware assembly challenges—especially the hands—slowing factory throughput. Policy/Business (Florida Laws): A roundup highlights remaining Florida laws set to start Oct. 1, including new specialty license plates and changes to pretrial release and gang-member definitions. Workforce/Immigration Data: New USCIS data shows Florida employers in the “Other Services” sector filed 60 H-1B petitions in 2025, with a 95% approval rate.

Space & Defense: Planet’s Pelican-12 satellite arrived at Cape Canaveral ahead of a SpaceX Bandwagon-5 rideshare launch, underscoring Florida’s growing role in fast-moving Earth-imaging tech. Aerospace Workforce: NASA’s Crew-13 team reached Kennedy as the Oct. 1 countdown begins, with Volusia County native Luke Delaney set to fly on Crew Dragon. Manufacturing & Security Tech: Derya Arms USA says its Derya MAX shotgun is being used in a Turkey-developed counter-drone system, with the firearm manufactured in Jacksonville. Health Policy & Costs: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued insulin makers and PBMs, alleging inflated pricing for patients; the case targets Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, and CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, OptumRx. Local Business & Compliance: Florida will require specialty license-plate groups to submit five-year financial projections starting Oct. 1, as new plates like UFC and St. Petersburg College move forward. Immigration & Labor Demand: Florida employers in the “Other Services (except Public Administration)” category filed 60 H-1B petitions in 2025, with 57 approved.

Space & Defense: Planet’s Pelican-12 satellite has arrived at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for a SpaceX Bandwagon-5 rideshare launch, underscoring Florida’s growing role in commercial space data and faster tech iteration. Energy & Infrastructure: NASA named Crew-14 astronauts for a spring 2027 ISS launch from Florida, alongside a $946M SpaceX contract extension that keeps SpaceX as the practical path for U.S. crewed flights. State Policy & Manufacturing Climate: Florida’s Oct. 1 law changes include new specialty license plates plus tighter reporting rules for organizations that receive plate money—aimed at tracking how funds are used. Healthcare Cost Pressure: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued insulin makers and pharmacy benefit managers, alleging inflated insulin “sticker” prices and rebate deals that raise costs for patients. Trade & Supply Chains: A Canadian helical-screw-pile maker says U.S. tariffs forced it to scramble for survival and consider a U.S. factory—another reminder how cross-border manufacturing risk is rising. Tech & Smart Home: The Z-Wave Fall Summit runs Sept. 29–Oct. 1 in Boca Raton, bringing IoT manufacturers and developers together around interoperability and connected-home standards.

Insulin Antitrust: Florida AG James Uthmeier sued insulin makers Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk and Sanofi plus PBMs CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and OptumRx (and rebate firms Zinc, Ascent and Emisar), alleging they inflated insulin list prices and used rebates for preferred coverage—driving up costs for patients. EV Safety & Litigation: A federal lawsuit says a Tesla Model S exploded in a Florida garage after hurricane saltwater exposed the battery system, destroying a multimillion-dollar home and killing a family dog. State Policy Watch: Florida’s Oct. 1 law changes include new specialty license plate rules (SB 246) requiring 5-year revenue and spending projections, plus other criminal justice updates. Connected Home Industry: Z-Wave Alliance set its Fall Summit for Sept. 29–Oct. 1 in Boca Raton, with interoperability testing and demos for smart-home standards. Space & Defense Manufacturing: Planet Labs’ Pelican-12 satellite arrived at Cape Canaveral ahead of a SpaceX rideshare launch, while NASA named Crew-14 astronauts targeting a spring 2027 Florida launch. Food Supply Risk: Galil Importing recalled Lior Cinnamon Ground Seasoning sold in multiple states including Florida due to elevated lead concerns.

Defense & Manufacturing Contracts: Northrop Grumman won an $87.4M Air Force add-on for the F-16 AN/ALQ-257 electronic warfare suite, lifting the deal to $1.92B and supporting low-rate initial production through 2029. Uncrewed Maritime Buildout: Birdon has started building Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels for the U.S. Navy, partnering with Florida’s Mythos AI and New Orleans-area C&C Marine to speed prototyping and delivery. Florida Policy Impact: New Florida laws take effect Oct. 1, including the final minimum wage jump to $15/hour and new specialty license plates (including UFC). Energy Costs & Grid Stakes: Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi’s “Energy Costs Listening Tour” in Virginia targets the proposed Dominion–NextEra merger and what it could mean for bills and reliability. Healthcare Supply Chain Pressure: Florida AG James Uthmeier filed suit against insulin makers and pharmacy benefit managers over alleged price inflation, aiming at both manufacturers and middlemen. Local Infrastructure: Port Canaveral leaders urged traffic fixes on State Roads 528 and 401 as congestion worsens with cruise, tourism, aerospace, and military growth.

Insulin Lawsuit: Florida AG James Uthmeier filed a major case targeting insulin makers Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi plus major PBMs (CVS Caremark, Express Scripts, OptumRx), alleging they inflated list prices and used rebate deals to leave patients paying more. Healthcare Policy: The suit argues the pricing and rebate structure violates Florida consumer protection and antitrust laws, putting more pressure on the state’s drug-cost fight. Manufacturing & Growth: Toll Brothers opened the Wellen Park amenity center in Venice, highlighting ongoing luxury homebuilding and local construction demand. Smart Home Tech: The Z-Wave Alliance will hold its Fall Summit Sept. 29–Oct. 1 in Boca Raton, focusing on smart home and commercial IoT opportunities. Defense & Drones: KOIL Energy will present at investor conferences in Fort Lauderdale in October, while Red Cat’s Blue Ops marked “Blue Ops Day” at its Valdosta manufacturing site, touting expanded USV production. Space Food: NASA named winners for its Mars to Table deep space food challenge, awarding a top $300,000 prize for a complete space food system concept.

Manufactured Housing Legal Fight: The Florida Manufactured Housing Association is pressing its lawsuit against Sebring over the city’s Mobile Home Replacement Ordinance, arguing the rule banning replacement of mobile homes in nonconforming parks conflicts with Florida statutes and seeking an injunction plus attorney fees. Trade & Policy Signals: Trump welcomed Xi Jinping to Washington with a rare ceremony as the U.S.-China trade truce was extended to January, while markets watched for next steps on tariffs and broader trade issues. Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity: IIT Gandhinagar students unveiled “TrustGate,” an AI system that blends network traffic with physical sensor data to detect cyber attacks on facilities like water plants, power grids, and manufacturing sites. Defense Shipbuilding: Birdon began construction of the first tranche of a Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel at C&C Marine and Repair, pairing shipbuilding with autonomy software for U.S. and allied customers. Florida Workforce & Training: FSCJ opened an advanced semiconductor training lab with Festo Didactic to build a local pipeline for fab and STEM skills. Local Business/Operations: Southwest Florida homeowners may see early insurance relief as regulators approved rate decreases for tens of thousands of policies, though costs remain high.