AGP Executive Report

Local Weather Disruption: Flooding is impacting parts of Williamson County, with Peytonsville Road closed at John Fitzgerald Road and ponding reported on Gosey Hill Road and Columbia Avenue; officials also say the Williamson County Fair is sheltering in place and expected to resume after conditions improve. Community Spotlight: A “Sunday Conversation” roundup highlights East Tennessee’s hidden gems close to home, including Powell-area favorites like Angora Frog Farm, Collier Preserve, Sports Courts, and Powell Station Park. Agriculture & Land Use: UT Institute of Agriculture and Tennessee Farm Bureau are teaming up for the Southeast Farm and Forest Land Summit Oct. 12 in Columbia to tackle rapid farm and forest land loss and discuss solutions for young and beginning farmers. Travel & Driving Costs: AAA reports the national regular gas average dipped to $4.06, while Tennessee prices vary by county in GasBuddy updates. Big-Event Travel Buzz: Delta is adding daily nonstop Seattle–Tokyo Narita service starting March 28, 2027, expanding options for Japan-bound travelers.

Travel Deals & Planning: Avelo hit a 10 million customer milestone, a reminder that budget airlines are still expanding options for Tennessee travelers. Road Trips & Costs: GasBuddy price reports show diesel and premium fuel swings across Middle Tennessee counties, with Sevier County premium hitting $3.89 at one station (week ending Aug. 1) and Hickman County diesel as low as $4.79. Attractions & Events: Revival of Hope returns for its third year Sept. 18-19 near the historic N.C. Forest Service tower, with free family services, speakers, and worship led by Nashville’s Vernon Byrd. Family Travel & Savings: Several states are running back-to-school sales tax holidays on tech, including laptops and tablets—useful for planning August trips without blowing the budget. Local Travel Disruption: TDOT’s construction report flags road work across Montgomery County and nearby areas Aug. 9-15, with lane restrictions and shoulder impacts. Outdoor Travel Inspiration: A new roundup spotlights top summer vacation destinations nationwide, including Yellowstone and Maui.

World’s Longest Yard Sale: The 690-mile 127 Yard Sale kicks off across six states, with Tennessee stops including the Chattanooga area and Signal Mountain vendors—an easy road-trip draw for bargain hunters. Local Travel & Community: East Tennessee readers are invited to share their favorite scenic drives for next week’s Community Snapshot, spotlighting the “journey” routes that make the region feel like home. Memphis Film Buzz: Casting listings show multiple projects filming in Memphis, including a feature film (“The Christmas Mouse”) and HBO’s “Bluebird” twins casting, adding fresh reasons to visit and watch for production activity. Family Travel Safety: A Tennessee child reported in an Amber Alert was found safe in Georgia after license-plate reader tracking helped locate the vehicle. Tourism & Food: A Nashville-area goat-milk soap business (Jeneric Soap Company) is expanding its downtown presence, blending farm life with a stop-worthy retail experience. Health Watch: New U.S. foodborne illness alerts include salmonella linked to jalapeños and cyclosporiasis linked to lettuce—worth noting for travelers eating out.

Tennessee Tourism: Tennessee hit a record $32.5 billion in visitor spending, underscoring how strongly travel is driving the state’s economy. Nashville Parks & Outdoor Access: A dispute is heating up around Cheekwood and Warner Parks, with residents pushing back on a proposed road plan that they say would cut into trees and trails. Memphis Golf: The FedEx St. Jude Championship in Memphis is losing its top-tier spot in the PGA Tour’s 2028 Championship Series, a potential hit to the event’s draw for fans and sponsors. Sports Travel Preview: Tennessee men’s basketball added a preseason exhibition vs. Xavier on Oct. 15 at Food City Center, with another exhibition at Duke five days later—good news for out-of-town hoops travelers. Road & Travel Alerts: Expect I-65 delays in Warren County this weekend as TVA runs rolling roadblocks for utility work, and plan around ongoing construction impacts in the region. Gas Watch: AAA reports the national regular gas average slipped to about $4.06, with Tennessee prices easing in some areas.

Memphis Tourism & Sports: The PGA Tour’s Championship Series is ending its Memphis stop at TPC Southwind in 2028, leaving local leaders scrambling for a replacement event path. Transit & Getting Around: MATA says ridership is up 30% with free fares, plus 21 new buses arriving soon and more fleet upgrades planned. Local Food & Culture: Interstate Bar-B-Q founder Jim Neely has retired and sold the longtime Memphis spot, with new owners keeping the name and the menu. Family-Friendly Americana: The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile rolls into Powell (Aug. 14) and Oak Ridge (Aug. 16) for free meet-and-greets. Outdoor & Community Impact: Tennessee River Jam in Henry County drew 17,000+ visitors from 15 states and generated millions in local economic impact. Road Trip Costs: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Unicoi County at $3.53 (week ending Aug. 1). Events Calendar: Dirt fans get a new East Tennessee stop as the Hunt the Front Super Dirt Series visits Tazewell Speedway for the Jeff Wolfenbarger Memorial on Aug. 21.

Backyard Beach in Middle Tennessee: Anderson Beach at Percy Priest Lake in Antioch is being pitched as a quick, sandy escape—about 30 minutes from Murfreesboro—with a roped swimming area, big shade trees, and an easy “beach day” vibe without the long drive. Local Travel & Tourism Growth: The Tennessee Aquarium has named Meredith Roberts to lead a new business development unit, aiming to expand revenue for freshwater conservation, guest experience, and education across its downtown campus and region. Nashville Visitor Impact: Metro Council approved a plan using eminent domain to block a massive data center campus next to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, a move that could shape future development near one of the state’s top attractions. Family Fun on the Road: Dude Perfect wrapped its 2026 Squad Games Tour, setting a record with its largest live show at the Food City Center in Knoxville. Community Travel Moments: Red Bank High’s Blue Lion Marching Band was selected for the 2027 Fiesta Bowl Parade in Phoenix, and they’re asking for donations to cover travel costs. Air Travel Milestone: Avelo Airlines hit 10 million customers, underscoring continued demand for affordable nonstop flights.

Tourism Numbers: Tennessee hit a record in 2025, welcoming about 150 million visitors and generating $32.5 billion in direct spending, plus more than $3 billion in state and local tax revenue. Road Safety Debate: A deadly Lower Broadway crash in Nashville—where an 87-year-old driver ran a red light and killed an Australian tourist—has reignited calls to permanently restrict vehicle traffic on the pedestrian-heavy strip. Air Quality Alert: Memphis issued a Code Orange air quality warning as wildfire smoke mixed with ozone, with officials urging sensitive groups to limit outdoor exertion. Family Travel & Deals: JetBlue launched a 48-hour fall flash sale with one-way domestic fares from $54 and transatlantic trips from $299 (travel dates Sept. 9–Nov. 18). Local Events & Community: Memphis students returned to school with backpacks and bus tours, while East Tennessee’s Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley is nearing sellout for its Mask-Fur-Ade Gala fundraiser. Outdoor Plans: The second annual Outdoor Enthusiast Expo is set for Aug. 28–29 at Maryville College, with activities and conservation-focused partners.

Air Travel Disruptions: Extreme heat is forcing airlines to delay flights and sometimes lighten planes by leaving behind bags or passengers to keep takeoffs safe. Local Tourism & Growth: Sevier County voters head to the polls Thursday to choose a new county mayor, with tourism and infrastructure pressures front and center in one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing areas. Smoky Mountains Visitor Boost: State officials say keeping Great Smoky Mountains National Park open during the 2025 shutdown helped drive $32.5B in 2025 visitor spending, supporting local tax revenue. Knoxville/Chattanooga Family Fun: A traveling storytelling museum, People of Hope, brings an immersive, faith-based neighbor-helping experience to Knoxville (Aug. 7-8) and Chattanooga (Aug. 11-12). Health Watch for Travelers: The CDC is preparing to expand a cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to contaminated lettuce, with more states expected to be added. Memphis Sports Tourism: The PGA Tour says the FedEx St. Jude Championship won’t be in the new top-tier “Championship Series” after 2027, though talks continue about keeping Memphis on the schedule.

Smokies Car-Free Fun: Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is vehicle-free for cyclists and pedestrians all day Wednesdays (May–September), a slower way to experience the 11-mile loop. Nashville Safety Push: Metro Council is weighing a ban on most right turns on red in the Urban Services District after a spike in pedestrian deaths; signs and traffic-light changes would follow if approved. Road-Trip Disruptions: East Nashville’s Tomato Art Fest brings added barriers and more road closures this weekend, with shutdowns starting Friday morning and expanding Saturday. Lower Broadway Visitor Alert: TDOT is considering retractable bollards after an Australian tourist was killed and three others injured in a crash on Lower Broadway; officials say no permanent closure is planned. Travel Planning Tip: AAA urges Tennesseans to buy travel insurance sooner rather than waiting for storms and wildfire threats to disrupt trips. Transit Update (West TN): West Memphis unveiled “West Memphis Connect,” launching in October with the first public transportation service, with initial rides funded by Southland Casino Hotel.

Tennessee Travel Tech & Research: IonQ and EPB are launching the $15M, five-year Tennessee Quantum Communications Research Center, embedding the world’s first commercial quantum memory unit directly into EPB’s live fiber network—an eye-opening step toward a real “quantum internet.” Road-Trip Classic: The World’s Longest Yard Sale is underway along 700 miles of US-127, with heavy traffic expected around Dunlap and other busy stretches; Sequatchie County schools close Aug. 6-7 to help ease the crush. Health Watch for Travelers: Knox County Health Department reports additional cyclosporiasis cases, but says there’s no local outbreak; officials note most cases are tied to international travel. Knoxville Commuter Alert: TDOT begins weekend bridge repairs on James White Parkway Aug. 7-10, with multiple ramp closures—drivers are urged to use Alcoa Highway or Hall of Fame Drive. Local Transit: West Memphis launches “Transit Connect,” an on-demand community bus service with $2 rides for trips to jobs, healthcare, and school. Music & Culture: The Museum of Christian & Gospel Music in Nashville debuts a redesigned interactive website with easier trip planning and new live-event features.

Pedestrian Safety in Nashville: An 87-year-old driver ran a red light on Lower Broadway, hitting four pedestrians; a Knoxville woman was among the injured and later released, while police continue reviewing footage to determine charges. East Tennessee Outdoors & Learning: Tennessee 4-H competed in the National 4-H Forestry Invitational, with Tennessee’s Aiden McKenzie taking the top individual score. Local Events for Travelers: Athens’ Sounds of Summer series adds Chattanooga’s Scenic City Sound on Aug. 8 at the Market Pavilion Stage, with food trucks and lawn-chair vibes. Memphis Food Stop: Dyer’s, a Collierville burger institution tied to a century-old cooking grease legend, remains a must for road-trippers chasing classic Tennessee flavor. Nashville Music Culture: A Dolly Parton mural outside The 5 Spot in East Nashville was vandalized, prompting the venue to share surveillance footage publicly. Wildlife & Conservation: Tennessee NWTF committed $250,000 to help establish nearly 7,500 acres of public land for hunting and habitat.

Nashville Fare-Free Transit: WeGo and Choose How You Move are expanding Journey Pass, adding more eligible Davidson County residents and opening free rides through programs like Housing Choice Voucher, LIHEAP, TANF, TennCare, and WIC—already topping 2 million rides. East Tennessee History & Nature: Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park released its August lineup, including guided tours at the Carter Mansion and Sabine Hill plus programs on Appalachian plants, historic dancing, traditional music, and frontier history. Golf in Tennessee: Memphis amateur Rachel Heck is set for the U.S. Women’s Amateur at The Honors Course, bringing a home-state spotlight to a major USGA event running through Sunday. Travel Weather Watch: Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to disrupt travel across the Tennessee Valley and southern Appalachians, with flash-flood risk stretching into midweek. Local Tourism/Community: A new Neighborhood Barre 901 fitness studio is planned for a Germantown retail center, expected to open in fall 2026.

Downtown Safety: Nashville police are still investigating a deadly Broadway crash that killed Australian insurance broker Timothy Wedlock after an 87-year-old driver allegedly ran a red light at Broadway and 4th Avenue, striking four pedestrians. Street Racing Crackdown: MNPD’s Street Racer Initiative resulted in four arrests after a Tesla was clocked at speeds over 120 mph and later incidents led to charges including reckless endangerment and evading arrest. Wildlife & Nature Tourism: Appalachian Bear Rescue in Townsend has been cleared to resume taking in orphaned black bear cubs after state-required upgrades, a big win for Great Smoky Mountains-area wildlife rehab. Family Fun Outdoors: Grandfather Mountain’s Junior Naturalist Day returns Aug. 8 with kid-focused activities (ages 5–12) plus career-themed “passport” stations. Local Community Back-to-School: A Northern League rec sports giveaway handed out about 350 backpacks and supplies to families as students head back to class.

Middle East Travel Warning: The U.S. State Department issued a new advisory urging Americans in the Middle East to be ready to leave, citing possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. Downtown Nashville Crash: Metro Nashville Police say an 87-year-old driver ran a red light at 4th Avenue and Broadway, striking four pedestrians and killing one; the investigation is ongoing. Memphis Tennis Returns: A rain-delayed Memphis Classic kicked off with a pro tennis exhibition at Leftwich Tennis Center, with Memphis Tourism CEO Kevin Kane calling it a big win for the city’s tennis scene. Golf Spotlight in Tennessee: Memphis native Rachel Heck is set to compete in the U.S. Women’s Amateur at Ooltewah’s Honors Course, bringing local pride to a major national event. Music & Tourism: Jimmy Buffett fans kept the party going at Pine Knob Music Theatre with Coral Reefer Band, a reminder of how live shows keep travel and weekend plans rolling. Back-to-School Giving: The RipTide Car Wash is offering free washes for teachers and school staff in August across Tennessee and collecting school supplies.

Pedestrian Safety in Nashville: An 87-year-old Kentucky driver ran a red light on Lower Broadway at Broadway & 4th Ave, striking four pedestrians and killing one; three others were hospitalized, and police say they’re reviewing footage and may increase patrols in the tourist corridor. Back-to-School Traffic Tips (Clarksville): Clarksville police are urging drivers to slow down and watch for students and school buses as classes resume Wednesday, Aug. 5. Smoky Mountains Citizenship Ceremony (Elkmont): Elkmont Campground hosted a naturalization oath ceremony for 29 new U.S. citizens from 17 countries. Music & Tourism Calendar (Franklin): Sarah McLachlan’s “Better Broken Tour” adds a Franklin, TN stop at FirstBank Amphitheater, with Nashville-based Allison Russell as a special guest. Outdoor & Community Events (West TN): Gibson County 4-H held its first-ever Clover Classic Car and Tractor Show in Trenton, drawing regional participants. Travel Disruption Watch (Air): Delta reported more than 1,000 delays and cancellations over two days as thunderstorms hit major hubs, including Atlanta.

Music & Nightlife: Lilly Moss brings her high-energy country set to Musikfest in Bethlehem, with Nashville ties and a new single drop timed to the show. Golf Tourism: Clarksville’s Hanley Long heads to the U.S. Women’s Amateur at The Honors Course in Ooltewah, spotlighting one of Tennessee’s most talked-about golf destinations. Road & Travel Disruptions: A single-vehicle crash shut northbound I-75 lanes on the Tennessee River Bridge in Loudon County; officials say no injuries were reported and the closure should be brief. Local Events for Visitors: Reese Wynans & Friends returns to Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley for a special night celebrating decades of music. Outdoor & Wildlife: A Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency bear-safety reminder follows reports of bears getting too close to humans, with Appalachian Bear Rescue highlighting the risks for both people and animals. Regional Planning: TVA donated $50,000 to help restore tree canopy at Ole Miss after winter storm Fern—good news for travelers who care about greener campuses and recovery efforts. Construction Watch: TDOT’s weekly report flags lane closures and overnight work across Middle Tennessee starting Aug. 2.