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National Hurricane Center updates cone of uncertainty

Climate

The 2026 hurricane cone of uncertainty will feature a handful of new graphical elements, the National Hurricane Center recently revealed. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cone" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/02/national-hurricane-center-new-forecast-map-inland-risk" data-vars-content-id="b84c535b-226c-45c3-9012-a371a7faaf8e" data-vars-headline="National Hurricane Center updates cone of uncertainty" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/02/02/national-hurricane-center-new-forecast-map-inland-risk" target="_self">cone</a> projects the storm&#x27;s path and intensity, helps determine evacuation zones and guides residents on how to best prepare for what&#x27;s to come.

How Florida cities are using AI to streamline building permits

Cities from Miami to Jacksonville are using AI to speed up the building permit process.

Development

As Florida keeps growing, companies like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Swiftbuild.ai" data-vars-click-url="http://swiftbuild.ai/" data-vars-content-id="0d8d51b1-4470-45af-9eab-90fad494aa56" data-vars-headline="How Florida cities are using AI to streamline building permits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://swiftbuild.ai/" target="_blank">Swiftbuild.ai</a> say their AI software can help local governments handle the influx of construction permits.

Scoop: FIU students face conduct charges for anti-ICE demonstration

The university says students violated conduct policies during the peaceful demonstration.

Education

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Florida International University" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/05/republicans-condemn-racist-group-chat-miami" data-vars-content-id="c8b66dac-8f90-4529-853a-6b4a6e0d10f8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: FIU students face conduct charges for anti-ICE demonstration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/05/republicans-condemn-racist-group-chat-miami" target="_self">Florida International University</a> is alleging seven students violated conduct policies for participating in a peaceful demonstration — a move the students and their advisor argue is unfounded and creates a chilling effect.Why it matters: The charges highlight potential conflict between FIU&#x27;s policies and First Amendment protections for students <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="established decades ago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/educational-activities/first-amendment-activities/tinker-v-des-moines/facts-and-case-summary-tinker-v-des-moines" data-vars-content-id="c8b66dac-8f90-4529-853a-6b4a6e0d10f8" data-vars-headline="Scoop: FIU students face conduct charges for anti-ICE demonstration" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/educational-activities/first-amendment-activities/tinker-v-des-moines/facts-and-case-summary-tinker-v-des-moines" target="_blank">established decades ago</a> by the Supreme Court.

Biscayne Bay's health shows little improvement, report says

The bay's health is vital for Miami-Dade County, both economically and environmentally.

News

The health of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Biscayne Bay" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/31/north-miami-condo-aquatic-playground-biscayne-bay" data-vars-content-id="d9cdb1ba-1220-4c13-90dc-5342a2581e81" data-vars-headline="Biscayne Bay&#x27;s health shows little improvement, report says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/31/north-miami-condo-aquatic-playground-biscayne-bay" target="_self">Biscayne Bay</a>, the shallow estuary that runs along South Florida&#x27;s east coast, remains grim, according to the 2026 Biscayne Bay Report Card, released Tuesday.Why it matters: The bay&#x27;s health is vital for Miami-Dade County, both economically and environmentally, as it&#x27;s home to a host of species and contributes about $64 billion to the county&#x27;s economy.

Miami World Cup matches fuel surge in short-term rental demand

Miami World Cup rental demand is spiking ahead of kickoff

Sports

Short-term rental demand in Miami for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" data-vars-content-id="b7715e29-c34a-45fe-a0ee-f983c99a7602" data-vars-headline="Miami World Cup matches fuel surge in short-term rental demand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/04/13/what-to-know-about-world-cup-watch-parties-miami" target="_self">World Cup</a> is booming.Why it matters: Miami is about a month away from the start of the tournament and the potential <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="economic impact" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/08/15/miami-world-cup-taxpayer-costs-public-funding" data-vars-content-id="b7715e29-c34a-45fe-a0ee-f983c99a7602" data-vars-headline="Miami World Cup matches fuel surge in short-term rental demand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/08/15/miami-world-cup-taxpayer-costs-public-funding" target="_self">economic impact</a> is slowly coming into view.

Zumba started in Miami 25 years ago. How it became a global dance workout movement

Before Zumba became a global dance fitness sensation, it was gaining steam in 2001 as a &quot;rhumba-cise&quot; class in Aventura that the women in Alberto Perlman&#x27;s family could not stop talking about.<ul><li>Perlman — who eventually became Zumba&#x27;s CEO — knew that instructor Alberto &quot;Beto&quot; Perez&#x27;s Latin-inspired aerobics class could go global.</li><li>&quot;When I met him, there were lines out the door, it was almost like he was giving away iPhones or something. It was insanity,&quot; Perlman tells Axios.</li></ul>

City, business leaders agree: Spring break went smoothly on South Beach

This was the third straight spring break without a major incident.

Politics

This spring break, Miami Beach saw fewer arrests, emergency medical calls and noise complaints than in 2025, according to city officials.Why it matters: Apart from being welcome news to city leaders and residents, business owners who in the past criticized the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spring break tactics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/04/miami-beach-spring-break-restrictions-2026" data-vars-content-id="4521d9eb-328a-4f29-a6a4-620ec0609b7f" data-vars-headline="City, business leaders agree: Spring break went smoothly on South Beach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/04/miami-beach-spring-break-restrictions-2026" target="_self">spring break tactics</a> are celebrating, too.<ul><li>This was the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="third year in a row" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/03/27/spring-break-crowds-south-beach" data-vars-content-id="4521d9eb-328a-4f29-a6a4-620ec0609b7f" data-vars-headline="City, business leaders agree: Spring break went smoothly on South Beach" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/03/27/spring-break-crowds-south-beach" target="_self">third year in a row</a> that Miami Beach officials said they contained spring break mayhem, after prior party periods were marred by gun violence, stampedes and curfews.</li></ul>

How Pitbull's former manager became Miami's mac and cheese king

Derrick Turton turned studio cooking into a Miami staple now served at loanDepot park.

Business

Derrick Turton, owner of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Famous House of Mac" data-vars-click-url="https://houseofmac.com/" data-vars-content-id="cf653cbb-5225-4431-9c03-53c99f96d9e5" data-vars-headline="How Pitbull&#x27;s former manager became Miami&#x27;s mac and cheese king" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://houseofmac.com/" target="_blank">World Famous House of Mac</a>, pulled off a major career flip in 2014. <ul><li>He went from working in the music industry, where he managed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pitbull" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/06/11/pitbull-concert-fans-bald-caps-trend" data-vars-content-id="cf653cbb-5225-4431-9c03-53c99f96d9e5" data-vars-headline="How Pitbull&#x27;s former manager became Miami&#x27;s mac and cheese king" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/06/11/pitbull-concert-fans-bald-caps-trend" target="_self">Pitbull</a>, to opening a mac and cheese food truck, which eventually spawned five locations.</li></ul>

South Florida "flying car" manufacturer debuts latest concept

A South Florida EVTOL manufacturer debuted its latest concept last week.

Aerospace

Doroni Aerospace, the Dania Beach company developing a line of luxury personal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="EVTOL" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/19/air-taxi-florida-evtol-miami" data-vars-content-id="2eba763b-bfc7-4531-9b88-7cfb097a2338" data-vars-headline="South Florida &quot;flying car&quot; manufacturer debuts latest concept" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/03/19/air-taxi-florida-evtol-miami" target="_self">EVTOL</a> aircrafts, debuted its newest concept last week at an event attended by local elected officials and an advisor to Gov. DeSantis.

How film productions are boosting Broward's economy

The county has been busy with TV and movie shoots.

Culture

Hollywood buzz around two set-in-South Florida TV series highlights how busy our area&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="film production industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/09/24/bad-monkey-florida-keys-vince-vaughn-apple-tv" data-vars-content-id="a8ba1c1c-f49d-4a57-b31b-658a942ed425" data-vars-headline="How film productions are boosting Broward&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/09/24/bad-monkey-florida-keys-vince-vaughn-apple-tv" target="_self">film production industry</a> has been lately.Why it matters: In Broward County alone, the production of shows, movies, commercials and more injected more than $200 million into the local economy in 2025, according to the county&#x27;s film commission, Film Lauderdale.<ul><li>That was up 15% from 2024.</li></ul>What we&#x27;re watching: New Peacock crime drama series &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="M.I.A." data-vars-click-url="https://www.peacocktv.com/blog/peacock-crime-show-mia-premiere-date-cast-plot-cary-elwes-shannon-gisela" data-vars-content-id="a8ba1c1c-f49d-4a57-b31b-658a942ed425" data-vars-headline="How film productions are boosting Broward&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.peacocktv.com/blog/peacock-crime-show-mia-premiere-date-cast-plot-cary-elwes-shannon-gisela" target="_blank">M.I.A.</a>,&quot; which drops May 7, filmed in both Broward and Miami-Dade counties, according to Film Lauderdale.<ul><li>ABC&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="R.J. Decker" data-vars-click-url="https://deadline.com/2026/03/rj-decker-scheduling-move-scott-speedman-season-2-chances-1236766138/" data-vars-content-id="a8ba1c1c-f49d-4a57-b31b-658a942ed425" data-vars-headline="How film productions are boosting Broward&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://deadline.com/2026/03/rj-decker-scheduling-move-scott-speedman-season-2-chances-1236766138/" target="_blank">R.J. Decker</a>,&quot; a crime drama based on a Carl Hiaasen novel, premiered this month and is set in Fort Lauderdale and filmed most of its Florida scenes in Broward, per the film office.</li><li>&quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="God of Tides" data-vars-click-url="https://deadline.com/2026/02/grant-gustin-campbell-scott-rainey-qualley-god-of-tides-1236730041/" data-vars-content-id="a8ba1c1c-f49d-4a57-b31b-658a942ed425" data-vars-headline="How film productions are boosting Broward&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://deadline.com/2026/02/grant-gustin-campbell-scott-rainey-qualley-god-of-tides-1236730041/" target="_blank">God of Tides</a>,&quot; an indie drama starring Grant Gustin about a competitive free diver, also did some filming in Broward. </li></ul><figure><img alt="M.I.A. -- Pictured: Cary Elwes as Kincaid -- (Photo by: Jeff Daly/PEACOCK via Getty Images)
" height="2000" id="809565d2-2567-4955-8661-e5d8017c6852" src="https://images.axios.com/NUEQHdfy6yi2366FDquG4G0K66U=/2026/03/26/1774552707733.jpeg" width="3000"/><figcaption>Cary Elwes stars in &quot;M.I.A.&quot; Photo: Jeff Daly/Peacock via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>Follow the money: Broward and Miami-Dade — two counties with a rich TV and film history — are investing government dollars to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bring back productions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/06/11/film-incentives-florida-bad-boys" data-vars-content-id="a8ba1c1c-f49d-4a57-b31b-658a942ed425" data-vars-headline="How film productions are boosting Broward&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2024/06/11/film-incentives-florida-bad-boys" target="_self">bring back productions</a> once drawn to Florida&#x27;s defunct incentive program.<ul><li>Since Film Lauderdale launched its incentives in 2022, it has paid out or committed more than $4 million in rebates, resulting in about $20 million in local production spending, the film office tells Axios.</li><li>In 2021, before the program launched, there were about 9,500 crew members hired in Broward for local productions. In 2025, that number grew to more than 16,000, per Film Lauderdale.</li></ul>Miami-Dade launched a $50 million <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="incentive program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.miamidade.gov/global/release.page?Mduid_release=rel1715029328254956" data-vars-content-id="a8ba1c1c-f49d-4a57-b31b-658a942ed425" data-vars-headline="How film productions are boosting Broward&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.miamidade.gov/global/release.page?Mduid_release=rel1715029328254956" target="_blank">incentive program</a> in 2024 but did not respond to questions about how it&#x27;s faring.What they&#x27;re saying: Sandy Lighterman, film commissioner for Film Lauderdale and president of Film Florida, tells Axios it&#x27;s difficult to attract a production without incentives.<ul><li>Film Lauderdale&#x27;s relatively small incentives make it difficult to land complete productions, but Lighterman says getting pieces of filming still benefits local businesses and residents.</li><li>Lighterman, who previously worked as Miami-Dade&#x27;s film and entertainment commissioner, says South Florida&#x27;s stories also attract crews to film here.</li><li>&quot;The more that those stories get out, people get more interested in it.&quot;</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Lighterman wants to connect industry professionals with local talent, so she&#x27;s helping host the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="South Florida Film Forum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.southfloridafilmforum.com/" data-vars-content-id="a8ba1c1c-f49d-4a57-b31b-658a942ed425" data-vars-headline="How film productions are boosting Broward&#x27;s economy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.southfloridafilmforum.com/" target="_blank">South Florida Film Forum</a> on Friday and Saturday at MAD Arts.<ul><li>Film Lauderdale is partnering with White Elephant Group, Broward County and MAD Arts to host the educational and networking event.</li><li>&quot;Events like this are critical because they put our crew base and our creatives in the same room as the people hiring for the next big project,&quot; Lighterman said in a press release.</li></ul>

Sanguich and H&H Bagels opening at Amazon-anchored Wynwood campus

The residential and office campus is getting some big-name retailers.

One of Miami&#x27;s most popular Cuban sandwich shops is opening a new location at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wynwood Plaza" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/29/luca-steak-amazon-wynwood-development" data-vars-content-id="823f153a-949d-4e40-a449-895804782624" data-vars-headline="Sanguich and H&amp;H Bagels opening at Amazon-anchored Wynwood campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/05/29/luca-steak-amazon-wynwood-development" target="_self">Wynwood Plaza</a> office and residential campus.Why it matters: Wynwood&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transformation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/26/wynwood-development-new-apartments-hotels" data-vars-content-id="823f153a-949d-4e40-a449-895804782624" data-vars-headline="Sanguich and H&amp;H Bagels opening at Amazon-anchored Wynwood campus" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/02/26/wynwood-development-new-apartments-hotels" target="_self">transformation</a> into a live-work-play neighborhood continues with the announced opening of new food, fitness and pet businesses.

Here's what World Cup fans may pay for an Airbnb in Miami

Airbnb hosts could be making bank this World Cup.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/08/15/miami-world-cup-taxpayer-costs-public-funding" data-vars-content-id="f650aa90-984a-4117-968b-bd9cf4fa0a00" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s what World Cup fans may pay for an Airbnb in Miami" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/08/15/miami-world-cup-taxpayer-costs-public-funding" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> is less than 100 days away, and it&#x27;s estimated that South Florida will receive tens of thousands of tourists this summer. Where will they stay?<ul><li>Airbnb — a sponsor of the soccer tournament — is hoping to capitalize on increased demand by recruiting new hosts to take in soccer fans.</li></ul>Why it matters: Businesses, tourism officials and local governments subsidizing the World Cup hope it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="boosts the economy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/10/31/world-cup-economic-impact-miami" data-vars-content-id="f650aa90-984a-4117-968b-bd9cf4fa0a00" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s what World Cup fans may pay for an Airbnb in Miami" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2025/10/31/world-cup-economic-impact-miami" target="_self">boosts the economy</a>, though some experts are skeptical about FIFA&#x27;s lofty projections.

Palantir moves its headquarters to Miami

The controversial tech giant was in Denver for six years.

Palantir, the controversial tech giant, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced Tuesday" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/PalantirTech/status/2023780511051809010?s=20" data-vars-content-id="1ef89b53-7149-475b-875c-fc6618eb1d6e" data-vars-headline="Palantir moves its headquarters to Miami" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/PalantirTech/status/2023780511051809010?s=20" target="_blank">announced Tuesday</a> that it has moved its headquarters to Miami <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="after six years in Denver" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/17/palantir-moves-headquarters-denver-miami" data-vars-content-id="1ef89b53-7149-475b-875c-fc6618eb1d6e" data-vars-headline="Palantir moves its headquarters to Miami" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2026/02/17/palantir-moves-headquarters-denver-miami" target="_self">after six years in Denver</a>.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest major company to relocate to the 305 — including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ken Griffin&#x27;s Citadel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/06/28/corporate-headquarters-leaving-chicago" data-vars-content-id="1ef89b53-7149-475b-875c-fc6618eb1d6e" data-vars-headline="Palantir moves its headquarters to Miami" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2022/06/28/corporate-headquarters-leaving-chicago" target="_self">Ken Griffin&#x27;s Citadel</a> hedge fund — underscoring the city&#x27;s growing status as a global tech and finance hub.

Business 🏦

How Florida cities are using AI to streamline building permits

Miami World Cup matches fuel surge in short-term rental demand

Zumba started in Miami 25 years ago. How it became a global dance workout movement

City, business leaders agree: Spring break went smoothly on South Beach

How Pitbull's former manager became Miami's mac and cheese king