AGP Executive Report

Multi-State Speed Crackdown: “Operation Southern Slow Down” returns Monday through July 19, with Tennessee joining Alabama, Florida, Georgia and South Carolina to target speeding, reckless driving, impaired driving, distracted driving and seat belt violations—aimed at cutting summer crash risk during peak travel. Severe Weather Help for Visitors: In Nashville, volunteer-run “Nashville Severe Weather” provides real-time storm guidance and “all clear” updates that draw tens of thousands online, reflecting how travelers and locals increasingly rely on phone-based alerts. Health Alert for Outdoor Plans: The CDC says West Nile virus is starting earlier than usual, with cases already far above the typical pace—reminding travelers to protect against mosquito bites. Travel Safety Watch: Orkin flagged bed-bug hotspots in popular vacation areas, underscoring the need for quick hotel and rental inspections during peak season. Local Community & Tourism: A Freedom Ruck in Franklin marked America’s 250th by honoring Tennessee veterans lost to suicide, combining a scenic walk with whole-person support for post-9/11 veterans.

Outdoor & Adventure: Major League Fishing is bringing the Bass Pro Tour to Norris Lake—Campbell County will host Stage 3 in March 2027, a big boost for anglers and Tennessee tourism. Local Travel & Hospitality: Nashville’s The Gallatin Hotel says every stay helps fund meals and shelter beds for unhoused neighbors, turning a boutique trip into community support. Road Safety for Travelers: “Operation Southern Slow Down” returns July 13–19 across Tennessee and the Southeast, with extra enforcement aimed at speeding, reckless driving, and distracted driving. Community & Culture: A new Madison County Arts Council exhibit spotlights Black Appalachian life through Aluka Berry’s “Affrilachia: Testimonies.” Sports & Travel Buzz: Former Battle High pitcher Tyler Putnam was drafted by the Colorado Rockies, and the MLB draft wrapped up with 613 picks total. Memphis News: Police report a fatal head-on crash in South Memphis that killed two people.

Tennessee Tourism & Family Fun: Grundy County opened Tennessee’s largest inclusive playground, Miracle on the Mountain Play Outside Park, a 26,000-square-foot spot built for kids of all abilities with ADA-friendly access and a splash pad. Local Hospitality: Visit Clarksville named Patricia Allende (Holiday Inn Clarksville Northeast) as chair for its 2026-27 board, highlighting continued momentum for hotels and tourism in the region. Road & Safety Watch: The Tennessee Highway Patrol reported an I-40 crash near the 283 mile marker that shut down the interstate for hours and sent multiple people to the hospital, including juvenile passengers. Travel Disruption & Weather: Storms knocked out power and downed trees across Maury County, blocking some roadways and prompting cleanup crews. Summer Travel Reality Check: Orkin’s 2026 bed bug “hot spots” list again put Chicago at No. 1, while Nashville climbed 10 spots—an extra reminder for travelers to check lodging before settling in. Southeast Driving Crackdown: “Operation Southern Slow Down” runs July 13-18 with added enforcement across Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee to curb speed-related crashes.

Tennessee Tourism: The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development just launched its “It’s Real” anti-AI campaign on TNVacation.com, aiming to help travelers spot real photos with secure credentials and metadata instead of AI-made images. Family Fun in the Mountains: Grundy County opened Tennessee’s largest inclusive playground, Miracle on the Mountain Play Outside Park, with ADA-friendly access and a splash-pad-style setup for kids of all abilities. Chattanooga Attractions: The Tennessee Aquarium IMAX theater in Chattanooga is reinstating film projector screenings, bringing “The Odyssey” to the big screen in the premium format after a decade gap. Road Trip Planning: TDOT is warning drivers about lane closures and construction impacts across Montgomery County and nearby areas, with daily work zones and shifting traffic patterns. Outdoor Travel Safety: Severe flooding in southeastern Missouri led to hundreds of rescues, including campers trapped near Camp Taum Sauk—another reminder to check weather and road conditions before heading out. Local Community & Travel: Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp says he’s focused on wrapping major school projects in a second term, a sign of continued local investment that can shape visitor experiences.

Local Travel & Tourism: Tennessee’s tourism team is pushing back on AI imagery, saying its “It’s Real” site uses real photography—aimed at keeping trip planning trustworthy for visitors. Family Travel Trends: A new report finds more Americans are choosing closer-to-home getaways, with families leaning into road trips and shorter stays as travel costs rise. Outdoor & History: The Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association hosts archaeologist Brett H. Riggs on July 16 in Etowah, exploring how the American Revolution reshaped Cherokee life at Hiwassee Old Town. Road Trips & Safety: “Operation Southern Slow Down” returns July 13–19 across Tennessee and neighboring states, with extra speed enforcement and awareness efforts. Community Events: TDOT begins preliminary work on SR 109 in Wilson County starting July 13, with intermittent southbound lane/shoulder closures for a spot safety project. Sports Tourism: Bryan College names Antoni Lauzon-Iglewski interim volleyball coach for the 2026 season, with the Lady Lions opening Aug. 21–22 in Kingsport.

Airport Update (Nashville): Nashville International Airport says travelers should expect louder noise in the Central Core starting July 13, tied to structural demolition for its Central Core Enhancement; the loudest work runs 8 p.m.-4 a.m. Sunday nights through Friday mornings, with demolition continuing through December 2026. Road Safety (Wilson County): TDOT begins the final phase of a SR 109 spot safety project in Wilson County Monday, July 13, with intermittent southbound lane/shoulder closures (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) through July 17 and additional median work near the I-40 interchange. Family Fun (East Tennessee): Warriors’ Path State Park in Kingsport rolls out “Summer in the Park” with free, family-friendly nature programs and hikes during the week of July 13. Tourism Spotlight (Southwest Tennessee): The Southwest Tennessee Tourism Association named Billy Tripp (The MindField) its Impact Leader of the Year at Pickwick Landing State Park. Local Travel Disruption (Clarksville): Clarksville Gas and Water schedules a Hawkins Road water outage July 14 (8 a.m.-about 5 p.m.) for a valve replacement, affecting Hawkins Road from Southern Parkway to Morgan Road and nearby Oak Hill Drive. Outdoor Adventure (Tennessee Hiking): Devil’s Backbone Trail at the new Devil’s Backbone State Park in Lewis County is highlighted as an easy-to-moderate 3.5-mile loop through mature hardwood forest.

Air Travel & Tourism: JetBlue is expanding Fort Lauderdale with nonstop daily service to eight new destinations, including Nashville (BNA), plus Mint growth plans out of South Florida. Local Travel Watch: A new national analysis says Gatlinburg’s summer visitor surge could outnumber residents 1,510-to-1, with short-term rentals exceeding the town’s housing supply—good news for tourism, but expect crowds. Outdoor & Family Fun: Tucker Wetmore added more tour dates, including a stop at the Tennessee Valley Fair in Knoxville (Sept. 15), a solid bet for summer-to-fall plans. Road Trip Costs: AAA-style gas reporting shows prices rising again nationally, with California back above $5.40—watch your budget on Tennessee drives. Safety & Comfort: Orkin’s bed-bug hotspot list puts Chicago at #1 and flags major travel hubs nationwide, a reminder to check lodging before you unpack. Tennessee Spotlight: A bipartisan fight over a proposed data center next to the Nashville Zoo is drawing major attention online, with concerns for endangered clouded leopards.

AI & Travel Privacy: A Memphis report warns that AI can pinpoint where vacation photos were taken—McAfee found it correctly identified 9 in 10 photos—making travelers vulnerable to highly personalized phishing scams. Real vs. AI Photos: Tennessee tourism is pushing back with its “Real Seal,” a certification promising no generative AI destination images and adding secure photo credentials. Outdoor Safety: Ascension Saint Thomas says tick encounters are up, urging Tennesseans to check after wooded or tall-grass outings and know when to seek care. Air Travel Reliability: Nashville’s air traffic control tower remains understaffed, with FAA staffing shortfalls tied to ground stops and delays; relocation incentives are being discussed. Fishing Tourism: Major League Fishing will return to Chickamauga Lake in 2027 as Stop 2 of the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, spotlighting the region’s outdoor draw. Family Fun & Local Culture: The Tennessee Aquarium named its new baby red-collared brown lemur “Soleil,” and the Heritage Ball returns to Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin on Sept. 12. Road Trip Planning: Tick-tock for travelers—Tennessee’s tourism push meets real-world travel friction as highway work and safety campaigns ramp up across the region.

Tennessee Tourism & Economy: National Park Service data shows Tennessee’s national parks drew 10.5 million visitors in 2023, generating $1.4 billion in visitor spending and supporting 20,021 local jobs, with a $2.2 billion cumulative benefit statewide. Local Events: Calhoun’s River Town Festival (July 18-19) is set to debut at a newly renovated Hiwassee River Blueway access point, with a Duck Race, Cardboard Boat Regatta, and a 5.25-mile Downstream Rush kayak race. Family History & Heritage: The Upper Cumberland Family History and Genealogy Festival in Historic Granville expands to four venues, adding more speakers and research tables, including a keynote on tracing ancestors when birth records are missing. Outdoors & Wildlife: Tennessee hikers are being asked to track invasive Joro spiders as eye-level webs spread in the Smokies. Travel Planning: Tennessee’s Tax-Free Weekend runs July 31–Aug. 2, covering qualifying clothing, school supplies, and computers. Heads-Up for Visitors: A viral July 4 incident at Chattanooga’s Incline Railway led to a conductor’s firing after xenophobic remarks to passengers.

Tourism & Transit: Chattanooga’s Incline Railway fired a part-time conductor after a viral July 4 video where he told non-Americans to “leave,” reigniting debate over guest conduct on Tennessee attractions. Public Safety: A Spring Hill, Tenn. woman, Amber Graham, was found dead in Cleveland, Ohio, after traveling to meet an online contact; her 8-year-old daughter was found alone and placed with child services. Road Trip Watch: AAA says Tennessee gas prices are trending slightly cheaper ahead of Labor Day, with the state average at $3.40 and most stations below $3.50. Local Mobility Upgrade: Nashville broke ground on its first “Choose How You Move” Complete Street project on Chestnut Street, targeting safer crossings, sidewalks, bus stops, and protected bike lanes, with work expected to finish by end of 2026. Outdoors & Family Fun: River Games Chattanooga runs Aug. 13–16, and Tennessee Aquarium welcomed new baby turtles this week—both solid summer plans for visitors and locals.

Tennessee Tourism Authenticity Push: The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development rolled out its “It’s Real” campaign on TNVacation.com to help travelers spot AI photos, using content credentials and secure metadata so what you see is what you get. Murfreesboro History Spotlight: Rutherford County Chamber & Visitors Center is hosting “Hallowed Ground: Reflections of the Stones River National Battlefield” photo exhibit through Nov. 30, part of the USA 250 celebrations. Outdoor Travel Growth: The Tennessee RiverLine is expanding river recreation across the Tennessee Valley, linking Knoxville to Paducah and boosting tourism and conservation along the 652-mile corridor. Air Travel Update: Allegiant added nearly 30 seasonal Florida routes for late 2026, with some listings reflecting its May merger with Sun Country and efforts to fill gaps left by Spirit’s shutdown. Chattanooga Visitor Controversy: A fired Incline Railway conductor’s Independence Day message to tourists went viral, adding another twist to summer travel chatter. Local Film & TV Casting: Nashville and Memphis both have active casting calls for films and reality projects, signaling steady production interest in Tennessee cities.

Family Road-Trip Deals: A new Middle Tennessee guide highlights budget-friendly summer getaways within a few hours’ drive, spotlighting Gatlinburg/Great Smoky Mountains for free park access, trails, and Dollywood. Wish Granted (Camping Theme): Make-A-Wish East Tennessee surprised a Red Bank girl with a pop-up camper, expanding her family’s ability to camp and explore together. Rural Roadside Help: TDOT rolled out its Rural Service Patrol in Middle Tennessee’s Region 3, adding dedicated roadside assistance and quick clearance on rural interstate corridors. Theme Park Ticket Alert: Dollywood opened sales for “Harvey’s Boo Bash,” a limited-capacity, separately ticketed after-hours Halloween event in Pigeon Forge (Oct. 16, 23, 30). Travel Health Watch: Cyclosporiasis cases tied to explosive diarrhea continue to surge nationwide, with health officials still working to identify sources. Bed Bug Reminder: Orkin’s 2026 bed bug city list warns travelers that hotel and accommodation turnover can spread pests via luggage. Nashville Tourism (Photo Cred): Tennessee Tourism is celebrating real photographers by pushing back against AI images. America 250 Buzz: Coverage also points to big July 4 events and planning resources across the Tennessee Valley.

Memphis Summer Cooling Guide: With July highs near 91°F, Memphis visitors are being pointed to splash pads, free city pools, and a quieter swim option at Poplar Tree Lake in Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park—plus tips on using Memphis Parks’ free aquatics access. Nashville Venue Buzz: The Fontanel Estate and Mansion has reopened after restoration, positioning the 118-acre property north of Nashville as a top spot for luxury weddings and corporate retreats, with trails and a 15-foot waterfall. Broadway for Dolly Fans: Dolly Parton’s life-story musical, “Dolly: A True Original Musical,” lands on Broadway Jan. 19, 2027, with tickets on sale July 10—an easy draw for Tennessee travelers planning a winter trip. Heat Safety Reminder: Tennessee’s State Fire Marshal is urging families to plan home fire escapes and keep smoke/CO detectors working as summer travel and grilling ramp up. Local Mobility Perk: Nashville’s “Multimodal Mondays” returns in July in Riverside Village, offering discounts for walking, biking, transit, or rolling into town. Conservation Win: A Williamson County family’s 100-acre Basin Spring property is now permanently protected via a conservation easement, preserving forests, streams, and wildlife for future visitors. Big Picture Travel Context: A Reuters report flags rising factory power bills tied to AI data centers—another reminder that travel costs and local economies can be shaped by energy pressures.

Public Health Alert: Nashville confirmed its first West Nile virus detection of 2026 after a positive mosquito pool was found in North Nashville, a reminder to take mosquito precautions before human cases appear. Health Watch: Cyclospora has been reported in 17 states, with officials stressing there’s no single confirmed source yet—symptoms include explosive watery diarrhea and fatigue, so travelers should be extra careful with food and water. Local Giving: The Salvation Army in Chattanooga is gearing up for “Stuff the Bus” on July 15 at the Walmart Supercenter in Hixson, collecting school supplies from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tourism & Travel: Laurel’s summer tourism is climbing, with hotel/Airbnb tax receipts up year-over-year and more visitors expected for the Diamond Youth Baseball and Softball World Series. Road Trip Safety: Tennessee fire-safety officials are urging families to plan home escapes, check smoke alarms, and keep bedroom doors closed at night as summer travel ramps up. Travel Disruption/Access: Frontier is adding nonstop service from Memphis to Orlando, giving Tennesseans more easy options for warm-weather getaways. Family Fun: Tennessee Highway Patrol is asking for votes for its “Best Looking Cruiser” contest entry, featuring a Tahoe near Bald River Falls in the Cherokee National Forest.

Tennessee Tourism Authenticity Push: The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development rolled out its “It’s Real” campaign on TNVacation.com to help travelers spot AI-generated photos, using content credentials and secure metadata so visitors know what they’re seeing is actually in Tennessee. Summer Travel Weather Watch (Memphis): Dense fog is causing slow, low-visibility driving in the Memphis area early Monday, with conditions expected to improve by mid-morning before heat builds into the low 90s and pop-up storms later. Local Summer Getaways: WorldAtlas highlighted 10 “coolest” Tennessee towns for a summer vacation, pointing travelers toward smaller stops with outdoor fun and less congestion than the big-name cities. Nashville July 4 Crowd & Safety: Nashville’s Let Freedom Sing drew an estimated 400,000 for America’s 250th, but police also reported an 8-year-old shot by “falling celebratory gunfire” during the fireworks, with an investigation ongoing. Road Trip Planning Bonus: AAA says Tennessee gas prices fell slightly, and GasBuddy reports some counties seeing standout lower midgrade and regular rates heading into the holiday travel stretch.

Independence Day Safety: A downtown Nashville Fourth of July celebration turned tragic after an 8-year-old girl was shot by “falling celebratory gunfire,” taken to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and expected to recover; police are still investigating where the shot came from. Wildfire Travel Disruption: Wildland firefighters held memorials in Colorado for three who died on the Colorado-Utah border as evacuations and dozens of active fires continue across the West, a reminder to plan for smoke and closures. Tennessee Tourism Curiosity: A viral Tennessee “hidden tunnel” story is drawing visitors to the Sensabaugh Tunnel near Kingsport, adding fuel to the state’s folklore-driven travel buzz. Road Trip Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show Tennessee prices easing in spots ahead of holiday travel, including midgrade deals in Cumberland County and diesel pricing updates across multiple counties. Golf Getaway: The Tennessee Women’s Amateur returns to Brentwood Country Club and offers a local path to the U.S. Women’s Amateur in Ooltewah—good news for travelers who like sports weekends.