AGP Executive Report

I-24 Choice Lanes: Federal officials cleared Tennessee’s $5B I-24 toll-lane plan, setting up express lanes between Nashville and Murfreesboro—while some South Nashville homeowners say they’ve already received letters warning their properties could be affected. Broadway safety: An off-duty Florida officer on vacation in Nashville jumped in with CPR after a car hit pedestrians on Broadway, helping a woman who later showed signs of recovery. Dollywood update: Dolly Parton says she’s improving but doctors told her not to travel, so she missed the NightFlight Expedition opening in Pigeon Forge and shared a health note with fans. Gas watch: Tennessee fuel prices dipped in the week ending Aug. 8, with regular gas averaging $3.59 statewide, and several counties reporting standout low prices. Family travel culture: A new piece highlights how Utah State’s outdoor recreation archive is drawing major brands—another reminder that Tennessee travelers love hands-on history, not just attractions. Local events: The 15th Annual British Car Show returns to Historic Rugby on Aug. 22, bringing classic cars, motorcycles, music, food, and family fun.

New Routes for Spring Break: Allegiant is adding nine new nonstop flights to Florida starting next February, with fares from $49 one-way—seven “hyper-seasonal” links from New England cities to Florida airports and two year-round Orlando routes to Cincinnati and Grand Forks. Roadside Travel Buzz: Buc-ee’s opened its first Arkansas location in Benton (74,000 sq. ft., 120 fueling positions), continuing its fast expansion beyond Texas. Local Outdoor Hunting: TWRA says leftover 2026 WMA big game permits and season-long waterfowl blind permits go on sale Aug. 19 (first-come) and via draw Nov. 9. Memphis Sports Calendar: The Grizzlies released their 2026-27 schedule, including early home reunions at FedExForum after offseason trades. Dollywood Health Update: Dolly Parton missed the NightFlight Expedition opening after her doctor advised against travel due to dizziness and dehydration. Travel Safety Push: Law enforcement across Georgia, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee will crack down on drunk and drugged driving starting Aug. 23.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: A one-day excursion is set for Sept. 26, running from Bryson City into Western North Carolina and the Nantahala Gorge, with scenic crossings and a route tied to historic rail lines and Hollywood filming. Local Travel & Safety: A golf cart crash near Gatlinburg left three injured, with charges pending, while Southwest Airlines faced tarmac delays at Houston Hobby after a bomb threat report. Family Fun in Tennessee: A Sumner County 6-year-old competed at the US Kids Golf World Championship in North Carolina, marking a big first trip for the young golfer and his family. Road-Trip Planning: Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3 posted traffic impacts for Aug. 16–21 across multiple counties, including work on I-165 and KY 90—useful for travelers heading through the region. Memphis Tourism & Sports Buzz: FedEx St. Jude Championship winner Scottie Scheffler reflected on his Memphis run, keeping attention on the city’s major golf draw. Community Spotlight: Clarksville Goodwill received a military-grade blasting cap donation that Fort Campbell EOD later disposed of safely.

Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports one Coffee County station had the cheapest diesel at $4.69/gal for the week ending Aug. 8, while Tennessee’s diesel average held at $5/gal. Road Trip Budgeting: Claiborne County’s lowest midgrade price hit $3.79/gal (week ending Aug. 8), and statewide midgrade averaged $4.06/gal. Family-Friendly Nature: UT Arboretum’s Butterfly Festival returns Aug. 29 in Oak Ridge with insect zoo stops, butterfly viewing tents, talks, kids’ crafts, and food trucks. Travel Planning: Southwest is adding Saturday-only nonstop service from Nashville to Aruba starting March 13, 2027—plus more Caribbean routes from Music City. Local Sports & Community: Macon County’s Tigers went 2-2 in a 7-on-7 at MTSU as they build chemistry for the 2026 season. Big Tennessee Spotlight: Nashville SC beat Messi’s Inter Miami 4-1, keeping the club atop the MLS standings. Pop Culture & Tourism: Dolly Parton canceled a Dollywood appearance after reporting dizziness and dehydration, saying her Nashville doctor told her, “You ain’t traveling this week.”

New Direct Flight to the Caribbean: Southwest Airlines is launching Saturday-only nonstop service from Nashville to Aruba starting March 13, 2027—an easy spring-break boost for Middle Tennessee travelers. Theme Park Update: Dolly Parton missed Dollywood’s NightFlight Expedition opening after doctors advised her not to travel, citing dizziness and dehydration; she appeared by video instead. Local Nature Event: The UT Arboretum’s 11th Butterfly Festival returns Aug. 29 with insect zoo exhibits, butterfly viewing tents, kids’ crafts, speakers, and food trucks in Oak Ridge. MLS Spotlight in Nashville: Hany Mukhtar scored twice as Nashville SC beat Lionel Messi and Inter Miami 4-1, keeping the club atop the Eastern Conference. Tennessee Whiskey Tourism: The Tennessee Whiskey Trail’s “Tennessee Collective” is back for a one-time-only collab bottle on Sept. 1, pulling barrels from 11 distilleries statewide. Family-Friendly Sports Travel: The Flagg Brothers Basketball ProCamp runs this weekend in Orono, Maine, with proceeds benefiting a cancer foundation—another reminder of how sports camps can turn into meaningful trips. Safety Reminder for Visitors: Tennessee officials warn residents not to touch hammerhead worms with bare hands, as the invasive species can irritate skin and multiply when cut. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports Davidson County’s lowest midgrade price at $3.61/gallon for the week ending Aug. 8.

Dolly Parton & Dollywood: The singer, 80, canceled her in-person Dollywood appearance for the NightFlight Expedition roller coaster after doctors told her not to travel, citing dizziness and dehydration; she delivered a virtual message from Nashville with her “wings clipped” by her doctor. Nashville Sports Tourism: Inter Miami visits Nashville SC at GEODIS Park with Lionel Messi’s MLS return under a cloud after his father’s death; coach Guillermo Hoyos said Messi’s situation needs “silence, calm and peace,” leaving his status uncertain. Knoxville Fall Fun: Zoo Knoxville opened auditions for paid “BOO! at the Zoo” atmosphere characters, with in-person tryouts Aug. 16-17 at the zoo. Marina & River Access: Colliers sold Rock Harbor Marina (150 slips) in Nashville to Blue Cove Capital, positioning it as a key Cumberland River boating gateway. Gas Watch: Coffee County hit a week-ending Aug. 8 low of $3.29 regular, while Tennessee’s average dipped to $3.59. Road Notes: TDOT outlined a busy Aug. 16-22 construction/maintenance stretch across Montgomery County and nearby routes, including I-24/I-40/I-65 impacts.

Made-in-Tennessee Spotlight: Meco’s Americana Fire Pit has advanced to the Elite 8 in the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee contest. Travel & Tourism Buzz: Dolly Parton canceled her in-person Dollywood appearance in Pigeon Forge after a doctor advised her not to travel; she joined the NightFlight Expedition opening virtually from Nashville, citing dehydration and dizziness. Outdoor Plans: Tennessee’s Free Hunting Day is set for Aug. 22, with squirrel season starting the same day (no standard license/WMA permit for residents; hunter education still required). Local Road Trip Idea: Shiloh National Military Park is getting attention as a “hidden” stop between Memphis and Nashville, with a 12-mile auto tour and a 14-mile hiking trail. Family Travel Cost Watch: The average cost of a packed school lunch has topped $6, adding pressure to summer-to-school travel budgets. Memphis Weekend: The FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind is underway, with Scottie Scheffler firing a 61 to surge early in the playoffs.

TSA ID Troubles for Tennesseans: Tennessee officials say a small number of state driver’s licenses aren’t being read by TSA scanners, which could mean delays at airport security. Affected travelers can get free replacements at Driver Services Centers or use other accepted federal IDs like a passport. REAL ID Fixes: Separate reporting notes some Tennessee REAL IDs are failing to scan at TSA checkpoints, with free replacements available. Nashville Music at Sea: Margaritaville at Sea unveiled the first artists for Zac Brown’s “Same Boat” live music venue aboard the Beachcomber, with performers selected through auditions in Nashville. Hiwassee River Access Wins Recognition: Calhoun commissioners honored work tied to expanded Hiwassee Blueway access and river improvements, highlighting grants and local coordination. Road-Trip Planning for Drivers: TDOT construction is shifting traffic and lanes in Roane County, including I-40 East restrictions and work near US 27/State Route 61. Transportation Spending Boost (Nashville): Choose How You Move announced a $100 million capital investment package to improve safety, sidewalks, transit, and corridor upgrades across Nashville. Fuel Watch: Gas prices are mixed statewide, with Tennessee’s diesel average holding around $5 and local lows reported in multiple counties.

TSA REAL ID headaches: Tennessee travelers say some federally compliant REAL IDs are failing to scan at airport security, causing repeated delays and missed flights; the state says it’s a small production defect and is offering free replacements, with passports working as a backup. Flood recovery & growth concerns: “Cobra Kai” actor Martin Kove was rescued by boat after Franklin floodwaters surrounded his home, and he’s now questioning how rapid development is changing where water can go. Tourism watch: Rock City’s proposed gondola at Lookout Mountain is moving forward with an environmental assessment, and the company says there will be no “clear cutting,” with only trees around support poles affected. Public health: Shelby County reports three West Nile cases so far and started mosquito spraying earlier than usual after positive mosquito detections. Local travel logistics: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular price in Claiborne County at $3.49/gal (week ending Aug. 8), with other county diesel and midgrade price drops also noted. Community giving: Toyota Tennessee workers assembled comfort cases for children entering foster care, partnering with Comfort Cases and the Carl Perkins Center. Sports for visitors: The Titans host preseason action tonight at Levi’s Stadium vs. the 49ers, a quick trip idea for football fans.

TSA & REAL ID: Tennessee travelers are reporting REAL ID scanning problems at TSA checkpoints, with the state urging affected drivers to get a free replacement at a Driver Services Center and some passengers being told to bring passports to avoid missed flights. Memphis Aviation & FedEx: The Memphis airport has been renamed Frederick W. Smith International Airport, with FedEx unveiling a retro 777 livery and a mural honoring the founder. Wilson County Fair Countdown: Final preparations are underway for the 2026 Wilson County–Tennessee State Fair in Lebanon, featuring new forestry-themed activities, patriotic America 250 displays, and “Mega Tickets” for rides and gate access. Outdoor Accessibility: A TVA grant is helping expand accessible outdoor recreation at Lake Guntersville State Park, including an adaptive mobility vehicle for visitors with mobility challenges. Community Trees Grant: Tennessee’s Community Tree Planting Program is now accepting applications for projects that boost tree canopy around schools and parks, with grants from $500 to $20,000. Travel & Tourism Spotlight: Knoxville and Gatlinburg are nominated for USA Today’s Best Fall Destination Award, adding fuel to fall travel plans across East Tennessee. Sports Travel Note: The Titans’ preseason and local NFL viewing chatter continues, including where to stream games without cable.

Airport & Branding: Memphis International Airport has officially been renamed Frederick W. Smith International Airport, honoring FedEx founder Frederick W. Smith—while keeping the same MEM airport code. New Visitor Pull: FedEx also unveiled a massive mural near the renamed airport, celebrating the company’s Memphis roots and global reach. Fall Travel Buzz: Knoxville and Gatlinburg are both nominated for USA Today’s 10Best “Best Place to Visit in the Fall” awards, spotlighting seasonal events, outdoor recreation, and Great Smoky Mountains access. Local Tourism Watch: Rock City is responding to opposition over a proposed gondola project on Lookout Mountain, with listening sessions set to begin Aug. 17. Sports Tourism: The PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup playoffs are set to begin in Memphis this week, with Wyndham Championship viewership up sharply—good news for golf fans planning a trip. Family-Friendly Community: St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway tickets go on sale Aug. 19, with the Memphis-based hospital covering travel and treatment costs for families. Safety & Travel Disruption: Some Tennessee REAL IDs aren’t scanning properly at airport security, and travelers may want to double-check documents before flying.

Memphis PGA Spotlight: The FedEx St. Jude Championship kicks off Thursday at TPC Southwind, with Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy leading the FedExCup field and the winner taking home $3.6M—great timing for golf travelers eyeing a Memphis weekend. Airport & City Branding: Memphis International Airport was renamed Frederick W. Smith International Airport, highlighted by a retro FedEx 777 landing ceremony—another reason to build a trip around the city’s logistics-and-legacy story. Road-Trip Upgrade (East TN): TDOT is widening Maynardville Highway (SR 33) in Union County to four continuous lanes, aiming to reduce the Knox/Union bottleneck, with major work pushing toward a Winter 2027 finish. Accessible Outdoor Fun: Lake Guntersville State Park adds an all-terrain mobility vehicle for visitors with mobility challenges, and TVA funding supports more accessible outdoor recreation. Travel Planning Alert: TSA isn’t reading some Tennessee driver licenses; the state says affected travelers can get a free replacement at Driver Services Centers or use a federal ID like a passport. Family-Friendly Weekend: The West Tennessee State Fair returns Oct. 15–24 in Henderson, with most days $5 admission and free parking, plus special-event pricing for rodeo days. Music & Nightlife: Dave Matthews Band announces a fall stop in Nashville (Nov. 6 at Bridgestone Arena), adding another big draw for Music City visitors.

FedEx St. Jude Championship (Memphis): The PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup playoffs kick off this week at TPC Southwind, with Rory McIlroy in the field after a “come and go” approach to the season—while the rest of the tour keeps rolling toward the BMW Championship. Appalachian Trail Recovery (TN/NC border): A 5.5-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail reopened at Iron Mountain Gap after Helene damage, restoring a key hiking corridor that supports local lodging and outfitters. Outdoor Accessibility (Lake Guntersville): TVA funding helped unveil a new mobile terrain vehicle at Lake Guntersville State Park, expanding access for visitors with mobility challenges. Local Tourism & Culture (Memphis): A guide highlights “Beyond Graceland” Elvis stops across Memphis, including Sun Studio and other major milestone sites. Community & Travel Support (Jackson): Toyota Tennessee awarded the Dream Center of Jackson a $10,000 tech grant for laptops and job-readiness tools, plus backpacks for school-aged kids. Winter Planning: The Farmer’s Almanac predicts a wet winter for Tennessee, with El Niño expected to shift storm tracks. Sports Calendar (Chattanooga): The SoCon released the 2026-27 women’s basketball schedule, setting Chattanooga’s 16 league games and key early matchups.

Sports Tourism Spotlight: The FedExCup Playoffs kick off in Memphis with the FedEx St. Jude Championship at TPC Southwind (Aug. 13-16), no cuts and a top-70 field—perfect timing for golf fans planning a Tennessee weekend. Community & Cause: St. Jude patient art returns to the tournament, showing up on caddie bibs, headcovers and bags as the event continues its fundraising push. Smoky Mountains Visitor Boost: Tennessee officials link a tourism spending jump in 2025 to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park staying open during the shutdown, with local partners helping keep the park running for visitors. Nashville Group Stays: A new guide rounds up over-the-top Airbnbs in Nashville built for big groups—rooftop lounges, hot tubs and walkable downtown options included. Music Calendar: Music in the Park closes its 30th season Aug. 12 at City Park Bandshell with Greg Hager, plus free popcorn and water. Travel Retail Buzz: Buc-ee’s and Hey Dude’s limited-edition collab shoes are nearly sold out fast, with the Sevierville Buc-ee’s previously noted as the chain’s largest. Local Events & Planning: Tennessee’s Urban and Community Forestry grant applications are open for tree canopy projects statewide, with eligible costs including trees, planting and irrigation.

IMAX 70mm Movie Night in Knoxville: Regal’s push for premium, big-screen experiences is putting Knoxville in the spotlight as “The Odyssey” rolls out in the rare IMAX 70mm format. Airport Growth in West Tennessee: Jackson Regional Airport hit a record month with 1,227 passengers and approved new leases, including a flight school and aviation services. Smokies Partner Power: Great Smoky Mountains National Park highlights how four official nonprofit partners help fill funding gaps through education, research, fundraising and retail. Local Food + Careers: Plates for a Purpose is back in East Tennessee, pairing a special dining event with scholarships and hands-on hospitality training at Pellissippi State. Memphis Golf Tourism Boost: The FedEx St. Jude Championship playoffs begin with top PGA Tour players in town, including three Canadians advancing to the postseason. Road & Travel Disruptions: Hamilton County closed a section of Hickory Ridge Drive after heavy rain, and TDOT continues work on the SR 111 J-Turn safety project in Putnam County. Community Calendar: Monday, Aug. 10 listings include family-friendly events and local happenings across the region.

Wilson County – Tennessee State Fair: The “BEST 10 Days of the Year” returns Aug. 13–22 in Lebanon with a red-white-blue America 250 theme, new “Freedom Way” attractions, and big-name concerts including Linda Davis (Aug. 16) and RaeLynn (Aug. 17), plus 150+ livestock shows and motorsports arena events. Historic Granville Connectivity Boost: A $65,000 state broadband grant helped complete a community wireless network in Historic Granville and Twin Lakes, improving visitor access and emergency communications. Nashville Airport Safety Tech Debate: A Nashville airport board chair weighs in on automated license plate readers at BNA, arguing the tools support safety and security while lawmakers push for tighter oversight. Travel Planning Tip: Consumer Reports breaks down what travel insurance covers (and what it doesn’t), urging travelers to read policies closely for trip disruptions and extra costs. Wildfire Smoke Watch: Middle Tennessee may see hazy skies from Canadian wildfire smoke, but officials say it won’t meaningfully impact local air quality. Local Culture Spotlight: Musician Tim Lewis highlights Johnson County jam sessions and youth programs that keep traditional mountain music alive.